The two races reserved to U20
10km men
They are in 37 at the start, representing 17 nations.
As usual in the junior, it's always difficult to make a prediction, but this year's success should not escape to Leo Kopp (GER) who has the best accreditation time (41:19 obtained right here in Podebrady last April 8, 2017). Among other things in 2017 at U20 level he suffered only one defeat in Lugano by Zhang Yao (CHN).
His most important opponent is David Kuster (FRA) with a personal best of 41:31 also this obtained here in Podebrady last April 8, 2017.
For bronze, they should fight Giacomo Brandi (ITA) who has a personal best of 41:44 obtiained in 2016, and Lukasz Niedzialek (POL) who has a personal best of 41:53 also got in Podebrady last April 8, 2017.
Beware of the technical situation: in the recent Podebrady race, three of these four athletes had to deal with the jury's red cards. If this is still the case today, the race could take on a different look.
The race
Quick start soon.
The move to 5km is headed by Viktor Shumik (UKR) in 20:43 followed by Leo Kopp (GER) (20:44 - +1"), Mikta Kaliada (BLR), Lukasz Niedzialek (POL), and 7" followed by David Kuster (FRA).
Force the pace Mikta Kaliada (BLR) and leads in front Leo Kopp (GER) and Lukasz Niedzialek (POL)
To the 8km they go in the order:
Mikta Kaliada (BLR), Leo Kopp (GER) and Lukasz Niedzialek (POL) at 33:13 and Viktor Shumik (UKR) at 33:16.
Immediately after Leo Kopp goes to lead and force the pace, dictating his law.
With a last km fast he wins at 41:08 (new personal best).
Second place for Mikta Kaliada (BLR) in 41:19
Third place for Lukasz Niedzialek (POL) at 41:28.
Team Standings
1.- Belarus: points 9
2.- France: pointsi 11
3.- Ukraine: points 14
4.- Germany: points 17
5.- Turkey: points 21
6.- Italy: points 21
7.- Poland: points 26
8.- Spain: points 28
The podium of 10km U20 men (photo by Giancarlo Colombo for Fidal)
10km women
They are in 37 at the start representyin 17 nations and one "authorized neutral athlete".
The fight for victory seems to be restricted to three athletes:
- Meryem Berkez (TUR) entered with a time of 44:58 but recently disqualified in Podebrady last April 8,2017.
- Teresa Zurek (GER) with a personal best of 45:09 obtained right here in Podebrady last April 8, 2017 and our favored by the fact that in 2017 U20 suffered only one defeat in Lugano by Ma Zhenxia (CHN)
- Yana Smerdova (RUS) who was allowed to compete by the IAAF decision as an authorized neutral athlete; her personal best is 45:05 obtained in Sochi, RUS on February 28, 2016, while she was entered with the time of 45:48, obtained in Podolsk, RUS on May 9, 2015.
The race
Immediately go to lead Enni Nurmi (FIN), Meryem Berkez (TUR), Teresa Zurek (GER) eand Yana Smerdova (ANA). Their split time at 1km is 4:41
Soon they stay in three and they are the favorites.
At 4km: Meryem Berkez (TUR), Teresa Zurek (GER) and Yana Smerdova (ANA) in 18:53 while Enni Nurmi (FIN) follows in 19:03 (+11").
At half race they do not change positions: lead Meryem Berkez (TUR), Teresa Zurek (GER) and Yana Smerdova (ANA) in 23:38. Fourth place to Enni Nurmi (FIN) following in 19:54 (+26").
At 7km the three athletes pass together in 33:02 and at 8km in 37:44. Medals are awarded; the color is not yet.
At 8km they pass ain 37:44 and at 9km in 42:23. Immediately after force the pace Yana Smerdova (ANA) and earning about 30m. It seems to see a young Olga Kaniskina: same long step, same movement of the arms, same high frequency.
Victory to Yana Smerdova (ANA) in 46:38
Second place to Meryem Berkez (TUR) in 46:48
Third place to Teresa Zurek (GER) in 46:51
Team standings
1.- Spain: points 10
2.- Greece: points 12
3.- Germany: points 14
4.- Portugal: points18
5.- Turkey: points 21
6.- Ukraine: points 36
7.- Italy: points 38
8.- Poland: points 41