EURO VISION
BRITAIN’S TEAMS HAVE A HABIT OF RISING TO THE CONTINENTAL CROSS COUNTRY CHALLENGE, BUT WILL THERE BE INDIVIDUAL REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL?
SPAR EUROPEAN CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS, CHIA, ITALY, DECEMBER 11
WORDS: EUAN CRUMLEY PICTURES: MARK SHEARMAN
On form: Andy Butchart
GREAT BRITAIN has a very healthy relationship with the Spar European Cross Country Championships. For 13 years in a row, the nation has finished top of the medal table, with the senior women striking team gold on the last three occasions.
In fact, at last year’s event in Hyeres, France – thanks to every team finishing on the podium – there was not a single British athlete who flew home without a medal. And that’s before you consider the individual success stories.
This year, the 36-strong British squad have high ambitions and more gold medals on their minds as they set off to see what lies in store in Chia, Italy.
EURO CROSS TIMETABLE (UK times)
9.15am 4.15km Under-20 women
Start (90m) + 2 short laps + 2 long laps + Finish (60m)
9.40am 6.15km Under-20 men
Start (90m) + 4 long laps + Finish (60m)
10.10am 6.15km Under-23 women
Start (90m) + 4 long laps + Finish (60m)
10.50am 8.15km Under-23 men
Start (90m) + 1 short lap + 5 long laps + Finish (60m)
11.30am 8.15km Senior women
Start (90m) + 1 short lap + 5 long laps + Finish (60m)
12.10pm 10.15km Senior men
Start (90m) + 2 short laps + 6 long laps + Finish (60m)
SENIOR MEN
CALL it a good omen or perhaps even fate. If Andy Butchart were to place any store in such things, then there is an important fact for him to consider as he boards the plane for Sardinia.