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Lewis-Francis to tackle the big guns

Mark Lewis-Francis won silver in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games © Getty Images

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Mark Lewis-Francis will race sprint stars Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell twice on home soil this summer as he prepares for the World Championships in Korea.

The European and Commonwealth silver medallist has confirmed his attendance at the Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix in July and the London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace the following month, where he will face the American Gay and Jamaica's Powell in the blue riband event - the men's 100m.

Gay has run the 100m in 9.69s, while former world record holder Powell has broken the ten-second barrier more times on record than any other athlete.

Lewis-Francis missed the European Indoor Championships earlier this year with a groin injury, but has been training in the USA and is determined to build on last year's success. And although both races will be run in the absence of world record holder Usain Bolt, Lewis-Francis believes Powell and Gay will present an opportunity to assess his progress.

"I'm now fit and back from injury and looking forward to the outdoor season," Lewis-Francis said. "'Everyone knows that Tyson and Asafa are top sprinters, which makes both the Birmingham and London meets good opportunities to test yourself against the best and see where you are.

"It's exciting for the fans that the 100m at London this year is going to be exactly 12 months out from the men's final at the Olympics, which is something everyone who lines up at Crystal Palace I'm sure will have on their mind.

"Training has been hard but good in the States and I feel like I'm in great shape and ready to get some races under my belt.

"Last year was unbelievable for me and knowing what I've achieved over the last 12 months gives me the confidence ahead of this summer. It's a big year with the World Championships and I definitely want to build on the two individual medals I won last summer."

The Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix takes place at the Alexander Stadium on July 10 and the Aviva London Grand Prix will be held over two days at Crystal Palace on August 5 and 6.

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