Nadia Battocletti is gearing up for the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting at Cinque Mulini in San Vittore Olona this weekend, hoping to break the 34-year drought since an Italian athlete won on home turf. Battocletti, 24, has had an outstanding season, clinching gold in 5000m and 10,000m at the European Championships in Rome, setting Italian records. She further improved her records at the Olympic Games in Paris, finishing fourth and third in the same disciplines.
Her exceptional performances led to her being recognized as the Sportswoman of the Year at the prestigious Gazzette Sports Awards. Battocletti’s competitors this weekend include Ludovica Cavalli and Federica del Buono from Italy, as well as Elena Burkhard from Germany.
On the men’s side, the competition is fierce with talented runners like Andrew Kiptoo, Mathew Kipruto, Mezgebu Sime, Emilie Hafashimana, and Egide Ntakarutimana vying for victory. Kiptoo, the World U20 5000m champion, has shown promise with his impressive track record. The Italian contingent is led by marathoners Nekagenet Crippa and Daniele Meucci, 1500m specialist Pietro Arese, and steeplechase experts Osama Zoghlami and Yassin Bouih.
Crippa, who finished fifth at Cinque Mulini last year, boasts a marathon PB of 2:07:35, while Meucci, the European marathon titleholder, continues to excel with a PB of 2:07:49 this year. Arese, the European 1500m bronze medallist, has been setting Italian records in various events this year. Zoghlami and Bouih bring their steeplechase expertise to the mix, adding depth to the Italian squad.
The Cinque Mulini promises to be an exciting event with top athletes from around the world showcasing their skills in cross-country racing. With Battocletti leading the charge for Italy and a strong field of competitors in both the men’s and women’s races, fans can expect thrilling performances and fierce battles for victory on Sunday.