This post is for those who argue that
A) Ritz' slower PR automatically puts him out of the running for a medal or top 10 finish
B) WXC is filled with XC specialists
Here's a list of the top 10 from the 2009 race and their track PRs. Bekele is obviously missing, but I don't think that changes my point much.
1. Gebremariam 5000 Metres 12:52.80 Roma 08/07/2005
10,000 Metres 26:52.33 Hengelo 26/05/2007
2. Moses Ndiema Kipsiro 5000 Metres 12:50.72 Bruxelles 14/09/2007 10,000 Metres 28:03.46 Bambous 13/08/2006
3. Zersenay Tadese 5000 Metres 12:59.27 Roma 14/07/2006 10,000 Metres 26:37.25 Bruxelles 25/08/2006
4. Leonard Komon 5000 Metres 12:58.24 Roma 10/07/2009 10,000 Metres 26:57.08 Hengelo 24/05/2008
5. Fikadu 5000 Metres 13:30.29 New York City, NY 30/05/2009 10,000 Metres 27:06.47 Hengelo 26/05/2007
6. Mathew Kisorio 5000 Metres 13:02.40 Roma 10/07/2009 10,000 Metres 27:15.44 Utrecht 14/06/2009
7. Mark Kiptoo 5000 Metres 12:57.62 Roma 10/07/2009
10,000 Metres 27:14.67 Eugene, OR 08/06/2008
8. Chakir Boujattaoui 5000 Metres 13:09.62 Roma 10/07/2009
9. Teklemariam Medhin5000 Metres 13:11.01 Huelva 10/06/2009 10,000 Metres 27:46.50 Saint-Maur-des-Fossés 06/06/2008
10. Hunegnaw Mesfin
10,000 Metres 27:27.57 Neerpelt 31/05/2008
Ritz' isn't that far off, as his 5000m PR is faster than all but two of the runners. Second, at least half of these guys are recognizable names on the outdoor track circuit.
The one disadvantage Ritz has is that he doesn't seem to run well when the pace isn't even. I'm not sure how he would respond if stuck with the lead pack at XC through all the surges. Also, I'm wondering how his even pace, catch-up from behind strategy would fare at XC.