Nadia Battocletti (ITA) and Innes FitzGerald (GBR) retained their titles as Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) pipped world 10,000m champion Jimmy Gressier (FRA) in a thrilling day at the Lagoa 2025 SPAR European Cross Country Championships on Sunday (14).
Battocletti is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s finest ever distance runners, and she took her second successive title, as Belgium’s growing running reputation was also enhanced as they took the team title in the senior women’s race.
The senior men’s race came down to a thrilling sprint finish between Ndikumwenayo and Gressier, won by the lesser-fancied Spaniard as the French athlete stumbled. Spain also took the team title.
Italy retained their title in the mixed relay, as world 1500m champion Isaac Nader ran a superb final leg to lift Portugal to silver, with Great Britain winning bronze.
Innes FitzGerald confirmed her reputation as one of Europe’s finest prospects, winning her third successive title, spearheading Great Britain to a record-breaking 19th team title in the women’s U20 race.
There was more Belgian success in the men’s U20 race won by Willem Renders, who added cross-country gold to the European U20 5000m title he took in Tampere this summer, adding team gold in another brilliant result for Belgium.
Ireland’s Nick Griggs ran away from a stacked field to win the men’s U23 race; his Irish colleagues backed him brilliantly to add team gold.
The women’s U23 race was won by European U23 5000m champion Maria Forero, with team gold going to France.
Spain topped the medal table with eight medals, comprising three gold, two silver and three bronze.
Highlights from Lagoa 2025 can be viewed above and on the European Athletics YouTube channel, with full race replays available on Monday (15).
