The athletics world is reeling from the news that Paula Radcliffe will not now make her competitive comeback this month. The female world record holder - who is usually very keen on racing - was set to take part in the Manchester 10k next weekend. However, the lufbra echo understands that a 'poor haircut' has put paid to that plan.
The Radcliffe camp have described the hair cut as "a major blow" to the former World Champion's chances of being fit in time for the Autumn Marathon season. A senior aide to Radcliffe said: "I'm not going to lie, it is really quite frightening to look at. Paula has had to cut right back on her training and will run just 120 miles this week. Obviously racing is out of the question until she has recovered from the dreadful shock of looking in the mirror".
It is understood that Radcliffe will fly to Germany in the morning to have the hair assessed by a world renowned specialist. Only then will a clear picture of what damage has been done be ascertained. Insiders have warned it "could be months" before the Nike star is able to race again. "It's just set back after set back" harrumphed our source "after Paula recovered from the dodgy manicure last year we thought it would be plain sailing".