Incredible victory to Selemon Barega at Elgoibar

Olympic 10,000m champion Ethiopia's Selemon Barega managed his second win at the 79th Cross Country Internacional Juan Mugerza Tour Gold meeting in Elgoibar.

The 10.8km contest's early leader was Spain’s European indoor 3000m bronze medalist Adel Mechaal.

Midway through the penultimate lap, Barega moved to the front for the first time and his change of rhythm could only be followed by Balew and Aferdi, with the Spanish trio of Mechaal, Mayo and the Us-based Las Heras losing ground. Confirming his label as pre-race favourite, Barega injected full gas some 2500m from home and by the bell – after a 6:20 penultimate loop – he had built a significant lead of seven seconds on the Ethiopia-based Balew, himself 16 seconds clear of Aferdi and Mechaal, who had managed to join the Moroccan. Over the closing circuit a determined Barega proved to be in fine form, extending his advantage over Balew, while Mechaal dropped Aferdi to secure the third spot on the podium.

At the finish line, 22-year-old Selomon won unopposed in 33:14 to Ethiopianbahrain Berhanu Belew's 33:27, while Spaniards Adel Mechaal completed a classy podium another 12 seconds adrift. Asked about his outdoor season plans, he added: "I'll try to make the Ethiopian team to compete in the 10,000m but I haven't ruled out trying a double, taking part in either the 5000m or even the 1500m."

In the Mamo Wolde trophy for the U20 races, the wins went to Great Britain's Zoe Gilbody, who was closely followed by her compatriot Libby Huxley, and France's Imad El Goumri, who beat the pre-race favourite Sam Mills of Great Britain.