El Himer takes
the lead from Mourhit in Tourcoing
AFP
28 January 2001 Tourcoing, France Frenchman Driss El Himer was the winner of the Tourcoing Cross Country on Sunday, ahead of Belgiums Mohammed Mourhit, the reigning World Cross Country Champion, and Kenyan Julius Kiptoo.
El Himer, recently returned from a training session in Albuquerque (USA), confirmed the excellent winter form that allowed him to capture a bronze medal at the European Cross Country Championships in Malmo, Sweden, last December.
In the womens race, the World Half Marathon Champion Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain, won easily ahead of Kenyas Leah Malot, winner of the two previous editions of the Tourcoing race, and Anja Smolders (BEL).
Results
Men (9,700 km):
1. Driss El Himer (FRA) 26:52
2. Mohammed Mourhit (BEL) 26:55
3. Julius Kiptoo (KEN) 27:02
4. Mustapha El Ahmadi (FRA) 27:15
5. Luka Keitany (KEN) 27:25
6. Jean N'Dayisenga (BUR) 27:28
7. Rudy Wallem (BEL) 27:29
8. Salaho Ngadi (TAN) 27:30
9. Tom Van Hooste (BEL) 27:32
10. Gabriel Muchiri (KEN) 27:37
Women (5,500 km):
1. Paula Radcliffe (GBR) 17:54
2. Leah Malot (KEN) 18:09
3. Anja Smolders (BEL) 18:14
4. Lornah Kiplagat (KEN) 18:17
5. Elena Fidatof (ROM) 18:18