European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov paid tribute the hosts ahead the second European Athletics Off-Road Running Championships, which will take place in Annecy, France 31 May-2 June.
Speaking at the event’s Opening Ceremony on Thursday (30), he said: “We follow the reality and the circumstances, and they show us that off-road running is growing.
“So, our natural objective is to continue to promote and improve these championships. We are aware that this second edition is taking place in a very special year. These are the days of the off-road runners now. In a week's time, the European Athletics Championships will be held in Rome. And then we look ahead to the Olympic Games in Paris.
“Our thanks go to the French Athletics Federation, the local authorities and the Organising Committee of these European Championships.”
French stars raring to go
In the coming days, 20 titles, ten in the individual and ten in teams, are up for grabs in mountain and trail running, with 454 athletes from 29 nations taking part.
French superstar Blandine L'Hirondel is the defending champion in the trail race. “I'm in really good shape, but there are uncertainties in this sport and my rivals are strong, especially those from my own team,” she said.
“The race is relatively short at 62 kilometres, but very difficult - because you have to be fast all the time and, unlike an ultra-trail, you can't take a breather. And then, five or six hours can be very long.
“It was never a question for me whether I would compete in this home European Championships or not. My performances in the French team dress have brought me to the highest level and I am proud to represent my country.”
“Sport isn't a video game where you reach the highest level once and then there's nothing more. I'm a world champion, a European champion, but after every success I mentally go back to the lowest level and challenge myself once more to see if I can do it again and better.”
Meanwhile Annecy’s hometown hero Benjamin Roubiol will carry the most expectation in the men’s trail race. The 2023 world champion said: “The gold medal at the World Championships has made me famous and a professional athlete.
“I know the terrain here in my home area very well, which I think is also an advantage when it comes to planning the race. And it will be nice to be cheered on by the local community, friends and my family.
“I don't have a clear race strategy, more of a general one, which is to be consistently fast from start to finish, not to vary my rhythm and to run as smoothly as possible, especially on the downhills. It's about doing my best. If I don't win, I know that's part of the sport, but there's also the team event, I also want to give my contribution to it, a ‘did not finish’ is out of the question.”
Egon Thiener for European Athletics
Photos courtesy of Alanis Duc and Gwendal Hamon (FFA)