Lalli Prevails In European XC Champs

The Italian said he knew it was going to be his day.

Running in sub-zero temperatures, Italy’s Andrea Lalli won the men’s race at the European Cross Country Championships in Hungary last weekend.

For Lalli, the win was especially sweet given the fact that he has also won the junior and under-23 titles during his career.

Lalli had to fight for his win as France’s Hassan Chahdi seized an early race in the 9.88K event. However, at the halfway point, Chahdi couldn’t maintain pace and the rest of the pack, led by Lalli, overcame him.

“I was sure that today is gonna be my day. I felt being very strong. It’s strange but I’m not tired,” Lalli said afterwards.

Former multiple European champion Sergey Lebid of Ukraine came in 15th. The 37-year-old has competed in every edition of the championships.

Spain ended up taking the men’s team title with Britain and Italy coming in second and third respectively.

In the women’s race, Fionnuala Britton of Ireland was the first runner to cross the finish line.

For More: IAAF