Challenge begins at Euro Trials
The British Athletics Cross Challenge begins on Saturday, with the Liverpool event also incorporating the trials for the European Cross Country Championships.
Britain will hope to once again dominate the Euro Cross when the event is held in Samokov, Bulgaria, on December 14. For more on Euro selection, see the more in-depth Liverpool Cross Challenge preview in the November 27 edition of AW, which is available in stores now or digitally here.
Gemma Steel is favourite as she begins her campaign for what looks like a good chance of European gold. Having won silver last year, the Charnwood AC athlete is in even better shape, shown by her 68:13 at the Bupa Great North Run in September.
Also in good form is former European junior cross-country champion Steph Twell, who ran 32:30 at the Leeds Abbey Dash 10km this month. Twell is part of a strong Aldershot, Farnham & District challenge, which also includes Charlotte Purdue, Lily Partridge and Emelia Gorecka, who leads the under-23 entries.
Commonwealth and European 1500m medallist Laura Weightman, who was eighth under-23 at last year’s Euro Cross, is looking for some over-distance work in this race, while Katie Brough will also be in contention to make the team.
Bobby Clay is missing the event with a leg problem, but there remains a strong line-up of under-20 and under-17 women. Amy Griffiths is in action, while the older Clay sister, Alex, along with Commonwealth 800m finalist Jessica Judd and Lydia Turner should also be in contention.
Last winter’s Inter-Counties winner, Richard Goodman, is down to compete, although he was well behind other Brits on his season debut in Burgos earlier this month. Jonathan Taylor was first Brit there and the former European trials winner lines up again here.
Adam Hickey, who competed in last year’s Euro Cross, was just five seconds behind Taylor in Burgos so will also be hoping to challenge here. Also in action are Andrew Heyes, Luke Caldwell and steeplechaser Luke Gunn.
Jonny Hay, who was second here overall last year, leads the under-23 entries. In the under-20 men’s race, Elliott Bowker, James McMurray and Charlie Joslin-Allen are among the athletes to watch out for.
» For a more in-depth preview along with timetable and course map see the November 27 edition of AW, which is available in stores now or digitally here
