World cross country athletics: Steve Moneghetti’s two Aussie picks for an upset in Bathurst
Our relay team is among the prospects but an athletics great has identified two other locals who could also spring a surprise at the world cross country championships in Bathurst this weekend.
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Heat, home advantage and heart. Steve Moneghetti believes it could be the right combination for an Australian to spring a surprise at the world cross country athletics in Bathurst on Saturday in the 10km racing.
Australia’s mixed relay team in the 2km event have been slated as medal prospects but there are other athletes racing for the home nation who could cause a stir.
The event had traditionally been dominated by African nations and this is unlikely to change when 453 runners from 48 counties compete on Saturday in the NSW regional town of Bathurst.
Australia will be up against 14 other teams in the mixed 2km relay event with our women racing as part of a 102-strong field and our elite men a 134-strong field.
But it is in the women’s field Moneghetti believes our Aussies could surprise.
Olympian and trials winner Rose Davies from Newcastle heads the Australian women’s outfit which also boasts former cross country representatives Leanne Pompeani and Caitlin Adams.
The stars of the women’s field included Kenya’s Beatrice Cheney and Eritrea’s Rachel Daniel.
“Because it’s in Australia I wouldn’t be surprised if our women are highly placed,” Moneghetti said.
“There is potential for one of the women to cause an upset. We have potential to sneak in.
“Rose Davies won the trial and looked good doing it. She’s our best chance.
“Leanne Pompeani has improved. She and Rose are our two protagonists. They would cause a surprise.
“Leanne might be a person to look out for because others don’t know this course.’’
Moneghettis said the course at Mount Panorama could play to Australia’s favour.
“It’s pretty tough, quite hilly, that will throw a spanner into the works,” he said.
“Lots of people run on the track and road but not cross country.
“Bathurst is quite tricky. It’s uphill or downhill and that will be hard to maintain rhythm.
“If you just see this course they could be surprised. This course is quite particular.
“Home town knowledge will be genuine. It means a lot to us having it here and the course lends itself to having local knowledge.”
Defending champion Joshua Cheptegei, fellow Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo and two-time winner Geoffrey Kamworor headline the men’s 10lm field.
World 10,000m champion Letesenbet Gidey, a two-time winner of the U20 title, is one of the stars of the elite women’s race.
Australia’s mixed relay team comprises Stewart McSweyn, Abbey Caldwell, Oliver Hoare, Jessica Hull.
Prior to the main event on Saturday, unique Golden Ticket races give runners the chance to earn a place on the start line of the U20 or open world championship races by finishing top seven in a race on Friday.
Multiple Australian cross country champion Liam Adams headlines a list of athletes competing in the open men’s 6km Golden Ticket Race.
Also racing will be fellow Australian Ed Goddard, Thomas Do Canto and multiple world Mountain Running competitor Leo Peterson.
The open women’s races will include Sarah Klein, Paige Campbell and Lexy Gilmour.
The world championship racing kicks off on Saturday from 3:30pm.
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