European Running Championships: France’s Team Is Built to Shine

An ambition that is anything but hidden

Looking at the make-up of the team, it is hard not to feel optimistic. France’s athletes are in excellent form. Jimmy Gressier continues to shine on the international stage, Mekdes Woldu recently set a new national marathon record, and Etienne Daguinos keeps delivering big performances. Everything is in place for France to challenge for the top spots across all three distances.

This is a very strong and deep French team, led by several of its leaders, that will line up in Brussels. We have high hopes of winning medals, both individually and as a team

10K: Étienne Daguinos, Yann Schrub, Mekdes Woldu and Léonie Périault ready to challenge for the top spots

The 10K is a fast, demanding distance. That suits France perfectly, with standards on the distance improving year after year. For these championships, France has selected a squad that combines talent, experience and versatility.

Behind Étienne Daguinos, the French record-holder since last November with 27:04, the depth is impressive: Yann Schrub and Fabien Palcau both now have sub-28-minute personal bests for the road 10K. The battle in the pack will be fierce, and French medals are a realistic prospect.

In the women’s race, Mekdes Woldu will be looking to confirm her outstanding current form. The new French marathon record-holder, who also impressed at the military cross-country championships, will rely on her speed to make an impact on the streets of Brussels for Entente Franconville Césame Val d’Oise. Alongside her is Léonie Périault, French cross-country champion and a regular on the biggest stages. Emma Lombardi is also in the field. The triathlete, who finished fourth at the Paris Olympics, earned her place with a 32:30 in Lille despite taking a heavy fall at the start.

Half marathon: Jimmy Gressier has his eyes on the top step

If there is one name to watch this weekend, it is Jimmy Gressier. The explosive French athlete can excel across several road distances, and the northern France native is clearly in top form. This winter, he set new records over 3,000m indoors (7:30.18), 5,000m indoors (12:54) and 5K on the road (12:57, a European record). In Brussels, he has one clear goal: victory and the European gold medal missing from his collection.

With Valentin Gondouin and Bastien Augusto, both close to the mythical one-hour barrier, and Raphaël Montoya adding further strength, France will field a solid team capable of aiming high both individually and in the team standings. The women’s squad also includes Mélanie Allier of Entente Athlétique Rhône Vercors.

Marathon: Nicolas Navarro has his sights set on a medal

On the classic distance, France’s selection blends experience with fresh faces. Nicolas Navarro, one of the defining figures in French marathon running, will be one to watch on the start line. After a difficult race in Barcelona, where he was forced to drop out at 30K, he hopes to turn a successful winter build-up into a medal. He will be joined by Benjamin Choquert and Michael Gras, who were already announced in February. Emmanuel Roudolff-Lévisse completes this ambitious group.

In the women’s selection, Clémence Calvin is set to make her return and will team up with Mélody Julien.

There are still a few disappointments, with several big names missing out. Duncan Perrillat, who ran an excellent 2:09:05 in Seville, will not make the trip because his qualifying time was set outside the required window. Hassan Chahdi, another major figure in French marathon running, has chosen to race the Paris Marathon, which takes place on the same weekend. Sarah Madeleine, who suffered a hamstring injury just before the European Indoor Championships, will also be absent. After a busy winter racing schedule, Felix Bour is now focused on preparing for the summer season, with his sights set on the 10,000m.

Tactical racing on demanding courses

As is often the case at a championship, the races are likely to be tactical first and foremost, with athletes focused on position rather than the clock. That will be especially true with demanding courses in store, including several climbs.

With such depth across the team, France can head to Brussels with genuine ambitions. Whether it is the 10K, half marathon or marathon, the French athletes have a clear shot against Europe’s best nations.

| This first European Running Championship already looks like a key moment for the future of the sport. For France, it is a chance to make a statement. See you on April 12 and 13!