Cross Country preview – EAA – Cross in Roeselare, and the „Cross de l´Acier“ near Dunkerque, France.

The European Athletic Cross Country Permit series 2007/08 continues this weekend with the third leg of Belgium’s Lotto Cross Cup series being held in Roeselare, and the „Cross de l´Acier“ near Dunkerque, France.

The „Cross de l´Acier“ is one of the most important qualifying races for top French runners looking to compete at the European Championships in Toro. However with reigning European 1500m Champion, Mehdi Baala, as it’s patron, this event attracts a particularly strong field of challengers for the home runners. Ethiopian, Imana Jida, who won last weekend in Oeiras, Portugal looks to be the strongest competitor in the men’s 9.85km event, as last years winner Mo Farah (GBR) will not compete due to a groin strain.

Last year’s female champion, Uganda’s Docus Inzikuru, is also unable to defend her title in the 5.75km women’s run, leaving World Youth Championships bronze medallist, Sule Utura of Ethiopia with a good chance at the title, however she will face competition from current World Junior Cross Country Champion, Linet Masai (KEN) who confirmed her good shape with a win last weekend win in Llodio, Spain.

In total runners from 22 countries will compete in the „Cross de l´Acier“.

The Lotto Cross Cup in Roeselare is also an important selection race for Toro. With four Belgian places available for the top performing home athletes. Pieter Desmet and Veerle Dejaghere are both expected to be among the strongest Belgian runners.

All the results from these European Athletic permitted Cross Country events will be available on the European Athletics website on Monday.

Source/Courtesy
European Athletics (EAA)
https://www.european-athletics.org/
EAA