Rick van Riel Aims to Uphold Family Legacy at European Road Mile in Brasov
Rick van Riel aims to continue his family's winning legacy at this year’s European Road Mile on Saturday, September 21, following in the successful footsteps of his older brother Robin, who clinched the inaugural title at last year’s Brasov Running Festival.
Robin secured a sprint finish victory in 2023, outpacing several more renowned competitors. A swift turn of speed is evidently a family trait, as Rick enters Brasov in excellent form, having recently lowered his personal bests in the 800m to 1:45.77 and the mile to 3:56.28 at the track meets in late August.
Nevertheless, van Riel will encounter formidable competitors, including three runners who have posted faster times over the metric mile, the 1500m.
Leading the European Road Mile men's field based on 1500m times is Spain’s Ignacio Fontes, a finalist in the 2020 Olympic Games and the 2022 World Athletics Championships, and the 2019 European U23 champion, boasting a personal best of 3:33.27.
Romain Mornet of France, who reached the finals at the 2024 European Athletics Championships and recorded a personal best of 3:33.98 earlier this summer, is also a strong contender. He recently competed in New York’s renowned downhill Fifth Avenue Mile, clocking 3:52. Great Britain’s James Gormley, with a 1500m best of 3:36.25 and the fastest mile in the field at 3:53.69 last month, could also challenge for top honors.
In the women’s race, Romania’s Cristina Balan, last year’s runner-up, aims to claim the top spot this Saturday.
However, Gabija Galvydyte leads the women’s field and is the favorite on paper, with an 800m personal best of 1:59.18 set at the Paris Olympic Games last month. The Lithuanian’s 1500m best of 4:08.60 ranks her as the fastest woman in the competition.
Additionally, two talented Hungarian runners, Lili Anna Vindics-Toth and Lilla Böhm, have crossed the border to compete, adding depth to the field.
MEN ELITE MILE
Ignacio Fontes (ESP) 3:33.27 / 3:54.38 mile
Romain Mornet (FRA) 3:33.98
James Gormley (GBR) 3:36.25 / 3:53.69 mile
Rick van Riel (NED) 3:39.08 / 3:56.28 mile
Nicolae Marian Coman (ROU) 3:39:97
Balazs Vindics (HUN) 3:41.37
Dorin Andrei Rusu (ROU) 3:42.67
WOMEN ELITE MILE
Gabija Galvydyte (LTU) 4:08.60 / 1:59.18 800m
Lili Anna Vindics-Toth (HUN) 4:11.08
Lilla Böhm (HUN) 4:14.98
Ayca Fidanoglu (TUR) 4:17.15
Cristina Balan (ROU) 4:17:79
Alexandra Hudea (ROU) 4:18:35
