On the eve of her bid for a third successive U20 women’s title at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa, pre-race favourite Innes FitzGerald showed no signs of complacency at the official press conference on Saturday (13).
The SPAR European Cross Country Championships will be streamed live on the European Athletics website from 8:55am local time (9:55am CET).
“I think there are always nerves and anxiety for any kind of race, but it’s just about going out there and having fun,” said the 19-year-old British athlete. “And it’s so nice to be back at another European cross country championships.
“I think it’s a breath of fresh air being on a different course every time. It’s nice to have that break during the winter — something slightly different from track and slightly less stressful, I guess.”
Nervous but excited
Confronted with a twisting course, she welcomed the unique challenge ahead.
“I think that’s the nature of cross country — it’s always a bit different,” she said. “You turn up and just see what’s there. It’s definitely a technical course, and those twists and turns are going to make things more interesting.
“But I think that’s nice, and it means every athlete has different strengths and weaknesses, and that will show on the day.
“I’m always nervous, and I’ll still be nervous tomorrow. I know I’ve got a job to do and there’s a lot of expectation, but I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited.”
Lillesø relishing course challenge
The men’s U23 race promises to be one of the most hotly contested events on Sunday’s programme.
Denmark’s Joel Ibler Lillesø, who won the 10,000m at the Bergen 2025 European Athletics U23 Championships, is one of several medal contenders and also welcomed the course set-up.
“It’s very draining, and with a draining course you need great endurance — and that’s what I believe I have, so I think it suits me quite well,” said the Dane, who trains in the same group as last year’s U20 winner Niels Laros and his Dutch teammate, European U23 1500m champion Stefan Nillessen.
The latter will be among his rivals on Sunday (14).
