Rotich Challenges Field at Key Cross Country Meet

The Cross Internacional das Amendoeiras em Flor, a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting, will take place in Albufeira, Portugal, on Sunday, February 8. The event serves as the European Champion Clubs Cup Cross Country.

Men’s Race Preview

Rodrigue Kwizera is scheduled to defend his title against Thierry Ndikumwenayo, Charles Rotich, and Oscar Chelimo. Kwizera secured victory in Albufeira last year representing Playas de Castellon. This year marks his season debut.

Ndikumwenayo, the European cross-country champion and a two-time winner in Albufeira, finished as runner-up to Kwizera in the previous year’s race. He placed eighth at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee and fourth at a Cross Country Tour Gold meeting in Elgoibar following his European title win in Lagoa.

Kwizera currently holds second place in the World Cross Country Tour standings. He achieved first or second place finishes in four Cross Country Tour Gold races in Seville, Soria, Atapuerca, and Alcobendas last November. Rotich and Chelimo, who finished third and fourth respectively in last year’s Albufeira race, will also compete.

Women’s Race Preview

Likina Amebaw, a three-time winner of the event, leads the entries for the women’s race. She is currently ranked second in the World Cross Country Tour standings.