Adachi 6th in Beppu-Oita After 'Too Much Pressure' for Repeat Win

http://mainichi.jp/photo/archive/news/2009/02/01/20090202k0000m050066000c.html

translated by Brett Larner

Looking for a defense of his title at the Feb. 1 Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon, local hero Tomoya Adachi (Team Asahi Kasei) was unable to respond when the pace accelerated in the second half and dropped behind the leaders. "It's really disappointing," Adachi said flatly after the race. "It wasn't as hard last year." In his marathon debut last year Adachi won by running his own pace and coming from behind in the later stages, but this time with the added stress of a World Championships berth at stake there was a great push for him to run faster. "Last year I didn't have to worry about anything, but there was a lot of pressure this time, and....." he trailed off.

The result was "terrible, but at least I could finish decently." Despite trying his hardest, Adachi finished 6th. Nevertheless, spurred on by the hometown cheers, he showed his persistence even in the face of disappointment.

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