Connor and Gorecka headline Euro squads following Cross Challenge dominance
Ben Connor and Emelia Gorecka are set to spearhead GB’s Euro campaign following impressive victories in the prestigious Liverpool Cross Challenge at Sefton Park.
Squally weather benefited seasoned mudders as a multitude of elite athletes vied for European Cross Country Championships selection.
National XC champion Ben Connor’s steadfast determination earned him a 30:18 victory in the 9.8-kilometre senior men’s race, with British Universities XC champion Alex Teuten taking close second.
“I’m just delighted, it’s a great one to win,” said Connor.
“It’s the most competitive cross country of the year, everyone turns up because everyone wants to do the Euro Cross.
“I never knew that I had it, I just wanted to keep grinding away but I kept hearing that I was getting a gap.”
2016 winner and Rio Olympian Andrew Butchart was relegated to fifth in an incredibly strong field, just ahead of Mahamed Mahamed who won the concurrent under-23 men’s race.
Emelia Gorecka clocked 27:59 to win the 8.1-kilometre senior women’s race after fighting off under-23 Jess Judd.
This meant that Gemma Steel, who hoped to claim her fifth consecutive victory in the event, had to settle for third.
Harriet Knowles-Jones recorded a convincing victory in the under-20 women’s race, with Ben Dijkstra winning the equivalent men’s race.
At least four athletes in each category have gained automatic selection for the European XC Championships in Samorin, Slovakia, on 10 December, with additional places awarded on a discretionary basis.
Results are available here.
