Reigning European Cross Country Champion, Sergey Lebid, has confirmed that he will defend his title at this year’s SPAR European Cross Country Championships, which will take place in Ireland for the first time in December.

The Ukrainian will be aiming to win his ninth European Cross Country title when the event takes place in Santry Demesne in Dublin on the 13th December. Lebid first won the event in 1998 but it was from 2001 when he confirmed his domination of Europe’s premier cross country race as he won five consecutive titles up until 2005. He then regained the title in 2007 before taking his eight gold medal last year in Brussels.

“I’m definitely aiming to defend my title in Dublin. Not only that, as many people know and it’s almost as important for me, I’m the only person to have run in all 15 of the previous SPAR European Cross Country Championships,” commented Lebid.

The Ukrainian was adamant that nothing would stop him appearing on the starting line in December. “I want to keep my streak in the Championships going. Last year, I remember I said that I would have to have a broken leg not to be at the start. This year it might take something even more serious,” he joked.

Again this year Lebid struggled with his track season. This was similar to last year when he was forced to miss the Olympics. However his form then came together at the right time to ensure he was in perfect shape to compete at the European Cross Country.

“I had some problems in June and July, nothing too serious but enough to mean that I wasn’t fit enough to seriously think about going to the World Championships. Yes, I did win my national championships in July over 5000m but it was outside 14 minutes.

“That just wasn’t good enough. It was a similar story in 2008 regarding the Olympics but things came together in the autumn and winter and I believe they will do so again,” he added.

Lebid is excited about his trip to Dublin and not only because of the possibility of added yet another cross country title to his collection. “I’ve been to Dublin twice in recent years, last year and also in 2006, to run a 10km road race there. It’s a great city and Ireland’s got a great running tradition so there are always appreciative crowds. I would also love to finally win a race in Dublin. I’ve finished third and fourth there, if I remember correctly, in those road races,” the reigning champion said.

Despite racing in Ireland before there is one outstanding memory that the champion wants to put to rest in December. “People might also remember that I also failed to finish at the World Cross Country Championships that were held there in 2002, and just 12 months after I’d won a silver medal, as I was feeling unwell. It’s not a good memory for me. To say that I’m going to Dublin with something to prove would be an exaggeration but I definitely would like to show Irish running fans that I can win on their soil,” Lebid went on to say.

Every year the challenge of a new course and new conditions is always something that the athletes must consider, however the expected heavy conditions of Santry hold no fears for Lebid and may even suit the Ukrainian. “In 2007, the Spanish circuit (in Toro) was fast and dry. Last year, in Brussels, it was a typical wet and muddy Belgian course. I haven’t looked at this year’s course yet but, from what I’ve heard, Dublin should be more like the latter, and that’s fine as traditional northern European conditions seem to suit me better,” added Lebid.

Lebid’s name is now added to that of world champion Marta Dominguez. The Spaniard, who has 13 major European and world medals, confirmed her intention to race at Santry in what is turning into a top class international field.

Liam Hennessy, Event Director and President of Athletics Ireland, is delighted that Lebid will be taking part again this year. “To have Sergey Lebid in Dublin is fantastic for the event, for athletics and for the Irish public. His history in cross country running is remarkable and what he has achieved is unrivalled in the sport. Going for his ninth title will ensure there is a huge buzz around his participation and to add this to Marta Dominguez’s appearance we know we will have a world class event in December,” Hennessy said today.

The SPAR European Cross Country Championships will take place in Ireland for the first time on the 13th of December in Santry Demesne, Dublin. For more information and regular updates on the event and to sign up to the mailing list for the SPAR European Cross Country Championships then log on to www.Dublin2009.ie.  Athletics Ireland is supported nationally in running this event by the Irish Sports Council, Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, RTÉ and Clonliffe Harriers.