European 60m hurdles leader Laeticia Bapté has been named among the 43-strong France team for the Apeldoorn European Athletics Indoor Championships on 6-9 March.
Fifth two years ago in Istanbul 2023, the 26-year-old has been a prolific competitor this indoor season, the highlight being 7.78 she clocked in winning gold at the French Indoor Championships in Miramas on Saturday (22) after clocking 7.76 in her semfinal.
Four-time winner Lavillenie back in team
Joining her in the team is highly experienced 2012 Olympic pole vault champion Renaud Lavillenie. The 38-year-old has won this title on four previous occasions in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015.
In the women's pole vault, European U23 champion Marie-Julie Bonnin, who has improved her best to 4.71m this winter, is also selected.
Azeddine Habz, who won the 1500m bronze in Istanbul 2023, is selected for both the 1500m and 3000m, having set national records of 3:32.24 and 7:31.50 over the distances this year.
Wilhem Belocian, who won 60m hurdles gold at the Torun 2021 European Athletics Indoor Championships, returns for another medal bid.
The French women’s 4x400m medal bid will include Louise Maraval, 400m hurdles silver medallist at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships.
Luc Brewin, 22, has enjoyed a breakthrough indoor season in the heptathlon and has been rewarded with his first senior selection for a major championship.
Chris Broadbent for European Athletics