GB competes for World Cup glory in London

Great Britain will face off with their rivals for a share of £1.5 million at the new Athletics World Cup this weekend.

The United States, Poland, China, Germany, France, Jamaica and South Africa will also compete at the London Stadium today and tomorrow night.

They will fight for a prize pot over two evening sessions with 102 individual medals on offer.

Athletes score points in each event with eight points scored for a victory through to one for an eighth-place finish.

The nation who has the most points at the end of the two sessions will win the trophy and the biggest slice of the prize money – $450,000 (around £342,000).

The eighth-placed team will bank $100,000 (just over £76,000) with the winnings split evenly between the team.

The event has been criticised for a lack of big names with the best British talent – Laura Muir, Dina Asher-Smith andZharnel Hughes – not competing, while US sprint star Christian Coleman is also not attending. But sprinter Elliot Giles, who won European 800 metres bronze in 2016, defended those who are missing out.

He said: “When GB send a team they send a strong team and that’s something they’ll continue to do.

“I know my competition and who I’m racing against, I haven’ t looked across the board but GB will send a strong team. Athletes have priorities here there and everywhere.”

And Giles believes the World Cup can serve as ideal preparation for next month’s European Championships in Berlin.

He added: “This year the focus is the Europeans but with the Diamond Leagues and the World Cup it’s a chance to get your head in gear to prepare for that moment, going through the motions of a serious event.

“We’re putting on the GB vest, it’s more than just any race and you’re proud to represent your country.”