Portugal will host the SPAR European Cross Country Championships for the fourth time when Lagoa welcomes the event on Sunday (14).
The SPAR European Cross Country Championships will be streamed live on the European Athletics website from 8:55am local time (9:55am CET).
The nation has a rich history at the championships, with Paulo Guerra winning the senior men’s race on four occasions (Alnwick 1994, Alnwick 1995, Velenje 1999 and Malmö 2000) and Jessica Augusto claiming the senior women’s title at Albufeira 2010.
In Lagoa, Portugal’s hopes of individual glory rest largely on the shoulders of José Carlos Pinto and Mariana Machado, who both won national titles at the same venue three weeks earlier.
"Best shape" Machado feeling confident
With course knowledge, home support and strong competitive momentum, the duo expressed confidence at the official press conference on Saturday (13).
“Yes, I believe I’m in my best shape,” said Machado, who finished fifth at last year’s championships in Antalya, Türkiye. “We train here. We had a training camp to prepare for these championships, and it’s like a home championship, so we prepared really well.”
She also dismissed suggestions that expectations might weigh her down. “There’s no extra pressure,” she said.
“It’s always the same pressure that I put on my performances, but the support of the home crowd will be really important. Like in Lisbon 2019, the support was extra special.
“But I have to be rational, because sometimes emotions take over. We have a lot of family here and a lot of people supporting us. I know the support will be great for the Portuguese team, and I believe this will help us to achieve better performances.”
Ingebrigtsen link paying off for Pinto
In the senior men’s race, Pinto represents the hosts’ best chance of a medal. The 28-year-old is enjoying a late-career surge since linking up with Norwegian coach Gjert Ingebrigtsen, including setting a new national 10km record of 27:53 in October.
“I mean, he is the best coach in the world — at least for me, and I think for most people too,” said Pinto.
“Mentally, I’ve changed a lot. I’m much more confident in myself. Of course, having an excellent training group is very good, because when I see the other guys doing it, I think: ‘I can do it too.’”
On his chances in a highly competitive senior men’s race, which includes world 10,000m champion Jimmy Gressier, Pinto added: “I would say I’m in the best shape of my life, but tomorrow is another day, and I can only do my best.”