Adams leads medal haul at World University Cross Country

Victorian Liam Adams won a silver medal in the individual race and the Australian men and women both won team medals at the 16^th edition of the World University Cross championships in Mauquenchy, France on the weekend.

In wet, cold and muddy conditions with snow showers and  -2 °C temperature testing the resolve of all competitors the Australian women’s team won the silver medal and the Australian men the bronze.

The men's 11km race was decided in a sprint which was won by Moroccan Najim Elqady (36:14) who bettered his 4th place in 2006. Elgady just edged Liam Adams by four seconds (36:19) with the bronze medal going to German Denis Hohl (36:24).

The men’s team event was won by France ahead of Germany with the Australian team of Adams, Chris Hamer (13^th – 37:17), Sam Crowther (22^nd – 37:42) scoring the points to secure the bronze medal.  Toby Rayner (39^th – 37:56), Jay Twist (58^th – 39:25) and Ben Toomey (70^th – 40.26) completed the Australian men’s team.

In the 6280m women's race Irishwomen Fionnuala Britton (22:39) was leading the whole race up to the last stretch when Fay Fullerton (GBR) passed her in a sprint and beat her by three seconds. Ikram Zougliali (MAR) came in third clocking a 22:41. Macquarie University student Eliza Stewart was the best places Australian finishing just six seconds behind the Moroccan in fourth place

Great Britain won the women’s team gold, with Australia second and Ireland third. Stewart was followed by Melinda Vernon (6^th – 23:18) and Lucy Starrat (20^th – 23:55) in the points scoring places, with Bridey Delaney (36^th – 24.39) and Libby Clarke (47^th – 25:07) also in action.