News
Strong Dutch Trio Confirmed for Cardiff Cross Challenge
28/10/2024 00:00, In Blog /
Olympic finalist Niels Laros is amongst a trio of talented young Dutchmen who have added their names to the Cardiff Cross Challenge entries for 9 November.
Laros heads the contingent as the European U20 1500m record holder (3:29:54), erasing the previous mark held by Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the final of the 1500m at this summer's Olympic Games, finishing sixth. Laros who has been dubbed ‘Europe’s Fastest Teenager’ is also a twice European U20 Champion and was second at the SPAR European U20 Cross Country Championships in Brussels last December.
He is joined by Stefan Nillessen who is the 2023 European U23 Champion and current Dutch Champion over 1500m, finishing ninth at the Paris Olympics. Robin Van Riel will also be racing and was the Dutch Champion over 1500m in 2023.
Their inclusion means they will join fellow Dutchmen Juan Zijderlaan and Tim Verbaandert on the start line.
They will be joined by the Burundian pairing, Celstin Ndikumana who was the winner of the Cross Internacional Zornotza last year and Emile Hafashimana. Uganda’s Dan Kibet, 2023 winner Keneth Kiprop and Vincent Mutai of Kenya will also be battling for a podium position.
Zak Mahamed and Osian Perrin currently head the domestic challenge.
Timetable and entry details are available here.