SENIOR WOMEN'S FINAL: Fabulous Fionnuala | 11.12.2011
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| Ireland's Fionnuala Britton hugs her coach after winning the senior women's title at the 18th SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Velenje on Sunday. |
Portugal’s Dulce Felix was second with Britain’s Gemma Steel securing bronze.
“It was so fabulous to cross the line first after the disappointment of last year,” said Britton who just missed out on a medal in Albufeira.
“This is ultimately what I wanted, it’s what everybody wants. I knew what my race plan was and it worked well for me.
“I was a bit anxious leading because you have no idea of what is happening behind you.
“I was running with the Italian girl for a while (Ejjafini) and knew she was capable of running well.”
The 27 year old was World steeplechase finalist in 2007 and this year finished third in the Birmingham Diamond League, but this is far and away Britton's most significant coup.
After 1km a group of nine had already formed including Britton, Felix and Italian hope Nadia Ejjafini who was to look like a possible medallist for over half of the race before she was to pay for her effort to finish just out of the medals.
At 2km in 6:35 it was Britton from Felix and Ejjafini with Turkey’s silver medallist from last year, Binnaz Uslu, in attendance.
After nine minutes of running a group of three containing Britton, Felix and Ejjafini had broken away with Uslu dropping back and destined to drop out.
With three laps to go, Steel had moved into fourth and set about reducing the gap to the leaders.
At this stage, it was Felix who appeared to be having difficulty as Britton and Ejjafini opened up a slight gap on the Portuguese.
After 15mins of running, Steel was now in third and going away from Felix and making clear inroads on the leading duo.
Up front Britton was making Ejjafini suffer while Steel was gaining in confidence.
Half way round the penultimate lap, Steel slipped into second with Ejjafini starting to struggle.
Coming up to the bell-lap, Britton was gamely holding off Steel and the gap of 30m did not appear to be closing.
There was another gap to Ejjafini as Felix was getting her second wind and moving into third six seconds down on the Irishwoman.
Any sign that the Irishwoman might falter was dispelled in the final lap as Britton summoned her forces for the final push while Steel was suffering for her effort to get on equal terms with the leader and finally had
to settle for bronze.
The team race was won by Great Britain with 42 points, nine ahead of Portugal with Germany third on the same number of points as France with 83.
