It was an all women athletes press conference ahead of the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Samokov.
Sophie Duarte (FRA), defending women’s senior champion
“I think this is a hard course and on a day like tomorrow, I don’t think you can have one plan. For one reason because of the conditions and also because there are many athletes who want to win.
“I am now preparing to run the marathon next year so, for me, cross country and these Championships are the best preparation. My main aim is just to show a good performance, of course when I am racing I want to win, a second title would be fantastic, but I just focus on one race at a time.
“As for last year’s win, I can tell you that my life has not changed (after winning in Belgrade). It is the same as it was before!”
Amela Terzic (SRB), 2012 junior women’s winner and second in the 2013 under 23 race
“I am happy to come to Bulgaria because I have a lot of friends here. The course is certainly not the same as Belgrade last year, when I looked at the course I saw all the snow. However, that is OK, I like to run in all conditions.
“Cross country for me is very important. If I have a good cross country season I can run well on the track. My main goals for next year remains the 1500m, and running cross country is still good for this event. I will go into the summer with more stamina, and this gives me more confidence.”
Silvia Danekova (BUL), senior women’s race
“I would personally like to thank the Bulgarian Athletics Federation for all their support and for bringing this championship here, and giving us the opportunity to be part of such a great European event. Most of the Bulgarian athletes this weekend would not have the chance to perform at this level if it was not held here in our own country. This is a unique opportunity to be part of European Athletics action.
“I have not been to the course yet because I don’t want to spoil the first impression. I want to keep my emotions and my euphoria for the race.”