CHIPPENHAM international Dave Bishop is hoping to return to America to continue his preparations for the 2013 track season, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

Bishop, 25, is currently back at his Wiltshire home after finishing a career-best 13th in the trials for the European Cross Country Championships in Liverpool on Saturday.

He was only 17 seconds away from making the British team for the championships in Budapest next month but that was always a secondary target with the track the number one priority for the former Hardenhuish School student.

“Saturday’s run was very encouraging for me and I claimed a number of good scalps,” said Bishop.

“My training wasn’t as consistent as last year and this was also my first race so to improve upon my 17th (in 2011) is a good sign.

“It is certainly looking good for running 3000m indoors.”

That remains Bishops next goal although whether he enjoys an indoor season here in Britain or in America depends on the speed of the bureaucratic process.

The Wiltshire runner is waiting upon a decision as to when he can return to his base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he has established a new home since graduating from the state university.

“I am not sure when I am going back,” said Bishop.

“I have applied for a new elite athlete visa and I am waiting to hear back from the authorities.

“If I get it then I will be back in America before Christmas but if not I will have to stay at home and re-apply and that would take another six or eight weeks.

“So if I can’t go straight back then plan B is to stay in Chippenham, do a few cross country races and have a decent crack at making the Great Britain team for the European Indoor Championships.

“But for the moment I am just waiting to see what happens and in the meantime getting in the miles.

“I can’t complain with the way things are going for me.”

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