by Alfonz Juck
Filip Ingebrigtsen wins European XC, photo by Getty Images/European Athletics
The largest global xc champs was held on 9 December 2018 in the Netherlands. Some fine racing and 14 countries took medals, with 554 athletes and 38 countries competing. EAA continues to shine, with innovations, and especially free streaming video and excellent content.
Norway best in medals
TILBURG (NED, Dec 9): Changing weather and changing fortunes at jubilee 25th SPAR European CC Championships. Jakob Ingebrigtsen won his third title in the U20, other succesful defender was Yasemin Can in women senior race for Turkey also third in a row and second gold for French Jimmy Gressier in men U23. Second gold ever in any category for Denmark as Ana Emilie Moller won the women U23. Spain won the mixed relay and in the 6 team competitions 6 different countries won. U20 for boys of Norway and girls from Britain, in the U23 men of France and women of Germany and in the senior races Turkey men and Netherlands women. 14 countries won medals, Norway for first time leading that ranking with 3-0-1. At the end 554 runners competed what was little bit less than in Samorin last year (561), but the number of 38 countries was a new record (Samorin had 37). Next championships will be held in Lisbon 2019 and Dublin 2020.
Short reviews
Senior (10.3km) – Norway’s Filip Ingebrigtsen was the surprise winner in his first appearance in the senior race, winning by three seconds from Belgium’s Isaac Kimeli, 28:49 to 28:52. Aras Kaya and reigning champion Kaan Kigen Ozbilen were third and fourth, leading Turkey to the clear team title. Britain was second just 3 points ahead of Italy, and only one more point behind the podium were Spain and Belgium as fourth and fifth. Italian Crippa was 6th and Spain´s Mechaal 8th from other pre-race favorites.
U23 (8.3km) – France’s Jimmy Gressier defended both his individual and team titles (with a jump into the mud at the finish line), winning in 23:37 from Germany’s Samuel Fitwi (23:45). Gressier’s teammate Hugo Hay was third in 23:48. Britain and Spain were getting the other team medals. French team here got the best score of the day: 11.
U20 (6.3km) – A third successive title for Jakob Ingebrigtsen, winning by nine seconds from Spain´s Ouassim Oumaiz, 18:00 to 18:09. Serbia’s Elzan Bibic was third in 18:11. Team gold for Norway as well but only 2 points ahead of Great Britain, third was Germany.
Senior (8.3km) – Turkey’s Yasemin Can made it three titles in a row but only just, winning in 26:05 from Switzerland’s Fabienne Schlumpf (26:06) and Norway’s Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal (26:07). Susan Krumins was fourth in 26:16 but led the Dutch to the team title just 4 points over Britain with Germany distant third.
U23 (6.3km) – Just a second gold medal in championship history for Denmark as Anna Emilie Moller won in 20:34 from Germany’s Anna Gehring (20:36). Distant third Weronika Pyzik of Poland (20:46). Team gold for Germany as well ahead of Spain and Great Britain.
U20 (4.3km) – Italy’s Nadia Battocletti won the first race of the day ahead of European U20 3000m champion Delia Sclabas, 13:46 to 13:47. Bronze surprise for Inci Kalkan of Turkey 13:48. Great Britain won the team title with three counters inside the top eleven. Silver for Netherlands (only 5 points behind) and bronze for Turkey.
Mixed relay – Solange Pereira anchored Spain to the title ahead of France, 16:10 to 16:12. Belarus came through for a bronze in 16:21 to Great Britain’s 16:24, just their second medal in championship history.
