Hosts Belgium have announced their team for the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Brussels on 10 December.
The star name on their team is Isaac Kimeli, the silver medallist behind Filip Ingebrigtsen in 2018 and the bronze medallist behind Jakob Ingebrigtsen last year in La Mandria Park.
Kimeli won gold in the U23 race in 2016 and with reigning two-time champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen choosing not to defend his title after a recent injury, could Kimeli finally add the senior crown to his list of accolades at home in Laeken Park.
Kimeli also helms a Belgian team with legitimate prospects of featuring among the team medals. Their squad also includes John Heymans, Robin Hendrix as well as former European U23 cross country champion Pieter-Jan Hannes who will retire from international competition next month.
The senior women’s team is led by recently crowned Belgian cross country champion Chloe Herbiet while their mixed relay team features 2021 European indoor 1500m champion Elise Vanderelst and 2021 European U23 1500m champion Ruben Verheyden.
Speaking about the Belgian team selection, co-chairman of the Local Organising Committee Gery Follens said: “You really do feel that there is a lot of excitement building for the European Cross Country 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 team event. And why not even aim for the top level? It’s possible with the support from the crowd. Anything can happen.”
In the history of the SPAR European Cross Country Championships which dates back to 1994, Belgium have won 23 medals in total, including six gold medals.
The full Belgian team can be found here.