Leonard Patrick Komon wins in Hannut (© Nadia Verhoft)
Hannut, BelgiumKenya’s Leonard Patrick Komon, 21, and Linet Masai, 18, reconfirmed the excellent shape that they have so far shown throughout the cross country season in winning the Lotto Cross Cup - EAA XC Permit race - in Hannut today.
After joining fellow Kenyan Bernard Kiplagat in the lead, Komon launched a solo effort to win the men’s race. Linet Masai imposed a devastating pace from the very early stages of the women’s competition and cruised to an apparently easy victory ahead of the Brussels Cross Cup winner Veerle Dejaeghere from Belgium.
WOMEN – Masai “was awesome”
Linet Masai immediately went into the lead and literally spread the field apart. The crowd was impressed to watch this young and rangy athlete flow over the difficult course as if it were a training session.
“There was nothing much to hesitate about following that pace”, said Veerle Dejaeghere, the winner of the Brussels Cross Cup last month, “Masai’s showing looked like a different category of running, it was awesome.”
Kenyan Viola Kibiwott took the initiative in the chasing group, but in the end Dejaeghere proved to be the better tactician and she ultimately managed to take second place over the 5.65km race.
Masai, the World Junior Cross Country champion, who turned 18 only in December was coming back after being beaten last week in Seville by former World XC champion Ethiopian Gelete Burka. Today, when asked about her ambitions, a huge smile appeared on her face. “I just try to do my best and to run well. I’d love to be in the Kenyan team for the World Championships but the trials will be very tough.”
She is young enough to defend her World Junior title in Edinburgh, but it is up to the Kenyan federation to decide if she will be entered in the Senior race. Linet Masai is the younger sister of Moses Masai (26:49.20 at 10,000m in 2007) and she has also performed well on the track in 2007, setting a 3000m PB of 8:38.97 in Rieti and a 5000m PB of 14:55.50 in Stockholm. “Indeed, I have an Olympic dream as well this year, it will be an important season”, said Masai.
MEN - Leonard Patrick Komon in great form
Komon was hiding way back in the field when Bernard Kiplagat took off furiously to build an early lead in the 11.65km race.
Komon gradually moved to the front and closed the gap on his compatriot, and both left the rest of the field behind. Then Komon put on the pressure and went alone in the lead. The 20-year-old Kenyan seemed to be well in control of the race and continued his solo effort to the finish line.
“No, it was not an easy win,” said Komon. “The strong and cold winds made life difficult on this course. But I was confident all the time that I could win the race. Indeed, I missed my start, but that didn’t really put me in trouble.”
“I’m feeling very strong throughout this cross country season. In three weeks time the Kenyan trials will be held and I feel confident to qualify for the team. Cross country running is truly my favourite event and one day I hope to become the champion of the world,” said Komon.
Bernard Kiplagat and Robert Sigei, who came back from behind, made it a clear Kenyan sweep in the men’s race.
Ivo Hendrix for the IAAF
Results
Men (11.65km)
1. Leonard Patrick Komon (KEN) 33:42
2. Bernard Kiplagat (KEN) 33:47
3. Robert Sigei (KEN) 34:13
4. Tom Van Hooste (BEL) 34:23
5. Pieter Desmet (BEL) 34:32
Women (5.65km)
1. Linet Masai (KEN) 18:03
2. Veerle Dejaeghere (BEL) 18:33
3. Viola Kibiwott (KEN) 18:38
4. Nathalie De Vos (BEL) 18:46
5. Xenia Luxem (BEL) 18:51
Click here for FULL RESULTS
