The Belgian Athletics Federation (KBAB) has announced its selection for the European Cross Country Championships. 40 athletes will represent our country in Brussels on 10 December. In addition to a full Belgian selection, plenty of top international athletes have pledged to participate in the European Championships. Tickets for the European Championships are on sale now!
Sunday’s Belgian Championship in Hulshout counted as a selection race for next month’s European Championships in Brussels. Belgium will be represented by three teams (Seniors, U23 and U20) in both the Men’s and Women’s events on Sunday 10 December. The mixed relay team will also compete again.
Below are the selections for the different categories:
Men:
Seniors: Isaac Kimeli – John Heymans – Robin Hendrix – Guillaume Grimard – Marco Vanderpoorten – Pieter-Jan Hannes
U23: Yorick Van De Kerkhove – Robbe Theeuwes – Noah Konteh – Aaron Decloedt – Louis Vanroy – Antoine Reul
U20: Mathis Lievens – Simon Jeukenne – Daan Lievens – Casper Lievens – Regis Thibert – Tristan Gevaert
Women:
Seniors: Chloé Herbiet – Lisa Rooms – Juliette Thomas – Sofie Van Accom – Victoria Warpy – Imana Truyers
U23: Jana Van Lent – Julie Voet – Marie Bilo – Charlotte Van Laethem – Roxane Cleppe – Emma D’Haene
U20: Charlotte Penneman – Hannah Enkels – Rhune Vanroose – Astrid Van Breedam – Fien Paulussen – Femke Dhauwers
Mixed Relay:
Men: Ruben Verheyden – Ziad Audah – Maxime Delvoie (reserve)
Women: Elise Vanderelst – Charlotte Van Hese – Vanessa Scaunet (reserve)
“I thought it was a very nice and exciting Belgian Championship of a high calibre where we saw athletes who can definitely achieve results at the European Championships in Brussels,” said Gery Follens – Co-President LOC. “I heard a lot of positive reactions. You really do feel that there is a lot of excitement building for the European Championships. It was also clear to see that there was an instant team spirit among the selected athletes. I think the Men’s team will definitely perform at the European Championships. We can really allow ourselves to hope for a place on the podium in the national ranking. And why not even aim for the top level? It’s possible with the support from the crowd… Anything goes. We can also expect something from the Juniors. We are going to be able to put our country in the picture.”
Top International Athletes
Three weeks before the European Cross Country Championships in Brussels, plenty of top international athletes have confirmed their participation. In the Men, we are already sure of the participation of Italian Yeman Crippa (European 10,000m Champion) and Dutch top talent Niels Laros (European 1,500m and 5,000m U20 Champion). In the Women’s event, Norway’s Karoline Grovdal is aiming for a third European title in a row. The Norwegian will be challenged in Brussels by Italian Nadia Battocletti, who, after two U20 European titles and two U23 titles, now wants to prove herself among the Elite.
Season Highlight
The European Cross Country Championships in Brussels promise to be the highlight of the cross-country running season. On the eve of the European Championships, the Belgian Championship Masters will take place in Laeken Park. On Sunday 10 December, the youth races of the EnergyVision CrossCup will take place in the morning, in the afternoon the European titles will be distributed
