MICHAEL Vennard, of Vale Royal Athletics Club, led Great Britain’s contingent in the junior men’s race on his debut at the European Cross Country Championships.

The 19-year-old adapted best to the frosty conditions in Bulgaria on Sunday morning, pressing throughout to finish in 17th place.

“I’m happy with the performance I put in,” he said afterwards.

“I found it quite tough out there, but I just kept working hard and moving up through the field.

“It was a great performance by the whole team; we are all new to this situation and I think we did a good job.”

Jac Hopkins, Kieran Wood and Peter Chambers were the other counters for a British line-up in Samokov that finished fifth in the team standings.

Vale Royal’s Elliot Bowker, who like Vennard was making his international debut, was forced to withdraw with a shin injury.

He said: “I went over on my ankle which aggravated a previous niggle in my lower leg.

“I was gutted not to reach the finish, but injuries happen to all athletes and you have to deal with them as best as you can.

“I’ll come back stronger next year, even more determined and ready to run well.”

At the front, Italian Yemaneberhan Crippa triumphed over the 6km course in 20:07, followed by Carlos Mayo from Spain.

Said Ettaqy, also of Italy, was third in 20:28.

Crippa and Ettaqy led the way for Italy to take team gold ahead of Spain, with Turkey in third.

Great Britain & Northern Ireland topped the overall medal table, equalling last year’s haul of nine across six categories.

They included individual wins for Gemma Steel and Rhona Auckland in the senior and under 23s women’s races respectively.

Results

European Cross Country Championships

Samokov, Bulgaria

Junior men: (selected runners only): 1. Yemaneberhan Crippa ITA 20:07; 2. Carlos Mayo ESP 20:22; 3. Said Ettaqy ITA 20:28; 17. Michael Vennard GBR 20:48; 19. Jac Hopkins GBR 20:53; 23. Kieran Wood GBR 21:04; 26. Peter Chambers GBR 21:07; 46. Jonathan Glen GBR 21:25; DNF Elliot Bowker GBR. Teams: 1. Italy 18pts; 2. Spain 41; 3. Turkey 70; 4. France 74; 5. Great Britain & Northern Ireland 85.