World and Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Nadia Battocletti capped another dream season by easing to her third successive victory over 5km at the BOClassic on home soil in Bolzano on 31 December.
In her first race since retaining her European cross country title in Lagoa, Battocletti broke away from the field on the penultimate lap of the traditional and prestigious New Year’s Eve road race held in the picturesque Old Town of Bolzano to secure a hat-trick of victories, a feat which has only been achieved by Tegla Loroupe (1994-96) and Berhane Adere (2002-04).
Battocletti broke the tape in 15:51, leading an Italian 1-2 on home soil. Federica Del Buono prevailed in a competitive race for the runner-up spot in 16:04 with Ethiopian youngster Ksanet Alem and Great Britain’s Cari Hughes third (16:05) and fourth respectively (16:06).
Looking ahead to the 2026 season which will be highlighted by the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham from 10-16 August, Battocletti is due to race at the Campaccio Cross Country on home soil in San Giorgio su Legnano on 25 January before she turns her focus to the indoor season.
"I couldn't be happier to finish the year like this. It was a fun race, progressing well. Now I'm focusing on my goals for 2026 and, for the first time, I'll be preparing for the indoor season. I'm aiming for the World Indoor Championships in March," said Battocletti, who also won the 10km title at the European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven in April.
In the men’s race, world 10,000m silver medallist Yomif Kejelcha took the victory over 10km in a course record of 27:42, leading an Ethiopian 1-2 ahead of last year’s winner Telahun Haile Bekele in 27:47.
Reigning European half marathon champion and home favourite Yemaneberhan Crippa completed the podium in third in 27:57.
Photos from Mosna / BOClassic
