France has been a long time organizer of the Major IAU events. The most recent one was the 24 Hour World and European Championships in Brive (2010). Belves is located about 200 kilometers from Bordeaux and is known for its beautiful castles which will be well represented on the race course.
2012 world bronze medalist Albericco Di Cecco (ITA) will be returning to the 100km European Championships. In the absence of multiple time world champion and his teammate Giorgio Calcaterra, Di Cecco with a personal best of 6:28:48, certainly leads the field and will be one of the frontrunners at the start. Olek Holovnytskyy (UKR) with a best of 6:37:00 and Asier Cuevas (ESP) having run
6:38:46 are also going to be in the mix. Not to forget, former top 5 finisher Pieter Vermeesch (BEL) and Regis Raymond (FRA), who will also compete for a podium finish.
In the women’s event, 2012 world silver medalist Kajsa Berg is going to vie for a gold medal spot. She has a personal best of 7:35:23 and is the defending European Champion from Seregno 2012. Irina Antropva (RUS) has run 7:33:05 and Marija Vrajic (CRO) with a best of 7:37:40 will be running up with the leaders. Also, Marina Zanardi (ITA) and former 24 Hour Champion Anne Cecile Fontaine (FRA) will be competing to get on the podium as well.
Race starts at 8am.
Race website: www.clubathletiquebelvesois.fr
From Multidays.com, post IAU European 100 km Championships 2013