Campaccio Cross Country Preview: Ebenyo, Battocletti Lead the Charge in a Showdown of Global Talents
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The 67th edition of the Campaccio-International Cross Country, a significant event in the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold series, is set to take place in San Giorgio su Legnano, Italy, on Saturday, January 6th. This year's event is particularly noteworthy due to the participation of several prominent athletes from around the globe.
Kenya's Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, with a string of impressive performances including a sixth place at the World Cross Country Championships and silver medals in both the 10,000m and half marathon at major championships, is a major contender in the men's race. His recent victory in Kolkata, where he set a world best in the 25km event, positions him as the pre-event favorite.
The women's race is equally exciting, with Italy's Nadia Battocletti looking to become the first Italian woman to win since Silvia Sommaggio's triumph in 1994. Battocletti, fresh from her victory at the BOclassic in Bolzano, is poised to start her 2024 season strongly in San Giorgio su Legnano.
Key challengers in the men's race include Uganda's Oscar Chelimo, who has shown consistency at the Campaccio with a third and fourth-place finish in previous years, and the Burundian duo of Celestin Ndikumana and Egide Ntakarutimana, both of whom have had notable successes in cross country events.
The Italian contingent, led by marathon runners Nekagenet Crippa, Iliass Aouani, and Yohanes Chiappinelli, is strong and will be looking to make a significant impact on their home turf.
In the women's race, the competition includes the talented Burundian Francine Niyomukunzi, who was in the top ten at the 5km road running world championships, and Micheline Niyomahoro, also from Burundi. The Italian team is well-represented with athletes like Rebecca Lonedo, Giovanna Selva, Sara Nestola, and Micol Majori, all set to compete in this prestigious event.
