Running News Daily

Thierry Ndikumwenayo delivered one of the standout performances of the cross-country season, outkicking France’s world 10,000 m champion Jimmy Gressier to win the senior men’s title at the 31st SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa, Portugal.

In a race defined by tactics and grit, the Spaniard stopped the clock at 22:05 over the demanding 7.47 km course, finishing just three seconds ahead of Gressier after a dramatic sprint to the line.

From the opening meters, the course—featuring rolling terrain, sandy stretches, and sharp turns—began to thin the field. By the midpoint, Ndikumwenayo and Gressier had broken clear, forming a two-man lead group that quickly established control. The pair matched each other stride for stride, trading subtle surges while keeping the chasers at bay.

Gressier, 28, arrived in Lagoa riding the momentum of a remarkable 2025 season that included a world title over 10,000 m in Tokyo, European half-marathon gold, and European indoor records at 5,000 m. A European cross-country crown would have capped a year that showcased his range across track, road, and grass.

Ndikumwenayo had other plans. Born in Burundi in 1997 and now racing for Spain, he has steadily evolved into one of Europe’s most complete distance runners. After taking bronze at last year’s championships in Antalya, he arrived in Portugal sharper, stronger, and ready to challenge for gold.

The decisive moment came on the final bend. Gressier, preparing to unleash his trademark finishing kick, briefly lost his footing—just enough hesitation for Ndikumwenayo to strike. The Spaniard surged decisively and held on through the line, sealing a memorable victory in one of the closest finishes of the championships.

Behind the front two, Switzerland’s Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu claimed bronze in 22:23 after a hard-fought battle, edging Great Britain’s Scott Beattie, who finished fourth in the same time. Ireland’s Jack O’Leary took fifth in 22:25, playing a key role in Ireland securing its first senior men’s team medal at these championships in 25 years.

Spain’s dominance was underlined by strong supporting runs from Abdessamad Oukhelfen (6th) and Aarón Las Heras (9th), giving the nation a comfortable team title and confirming its depth in European cross-country.

Top 10 – Senior Men’s Cross Country

1. Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) — 22:05

2. Jimmy Gressier (FRA) — 22:08

3. Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu (SUI) — 22:23

4. Scott Beattie (GBR) — 22:23

5. Jack O’Leary (IRL) — 22:25

6. Abdessamad Oukhelfen (ESP) — 22:27

7. Ruben Querinjean (LUX) — 22:28

8. Simon Sundström (SWE) — 22:29

9. Aarón Las Heras (ESP) — 22:30

10. Brian Fay (IRL) — 22:31

Ndikumwenayo’s victory in Lagoa was about more than a narrow margin. It marked the arrival of a runner fully in command of his craft—strong, patient, and fearless when it mattered most. On a course that rewarded toughness and timing, he delivered both, producing one of the defining moments of the 2025 European cross-country season.