Jamaican sprinters Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell will go head-to-head over 100m for the first time this year on Friday in the Diamond League meeting in Paris.
The pair share the fastest time in the world this year of 9.82 seconds with Bolt setting his time in Lausanne last week after an Achilles tendon injury.
But world record holder Bolt believes he can go faster in Paris.
“My goal will be not to lose this race. I plan to go 9.7secs. It should be a good race. Asafa is ready,” he said.
“Asafa has proven to be highly consistent this season, with a fair number of times close to the 9.8secs mark. He is waiting for me.
“With runners like Yohan Blake and Daniel Bailey also taking part, I know the 100m will be a great race.”
Powell, who was the last man to beat Bolt in the 100m two years ago in Stockholm was beaten by Tyson Gay in Gateshead last weekend after setting his mark on 10 June in Rome.
World and Olympic champion Bolt responded in superb fashion last week in his first appearance since the World Challenge meet in Ostrava on 27 May.
The Stade de France race will be the third 100m race of the season for Bolt, whose world record stands at 9.58secs and the Jamaican believes his injury problems are at an end.
“I no longer feel the slightest discomfort as far as my Achilles tendon goes,” he said.
“I am, however, remaining careful and being really attentive during training sessions. According to my doctor, I should be running at 100% again in two or three weeks.”
Home favourite Christophe Lemaitre, who set a French national record in the 100m last week when he clocked 9.98secs, will run for the first time at the Stade de France as he prepares for this month’s European Championships in Barcelona.
“I’m very eager to compete against Bolt and Powell,” he said. “I consider it as an opportunity to test myself prior to the European championships, and to gain experience.
“Over the past few years, I’ve often missed out on opportunities to come face-to-face with top-level rivals. I’m sure that this type of confrontation can help me to improve.”
