Frustration for Britton

Fionnuala Britton cut a frustrated figure when she finished fourth at the European Cross Country Championships in Belgrade yesterday, but vowed to bounce back from this disappointment.

Britton, who had won the last two titles, struggled from the outset and it was her nemesis, France’s Sophie Duarte, who claimed victory on the 8km course in 26:34.

“They went out hard,” commented Britton on the fast pace set by Norway’s Karoline Grovdal on a winding course which was firm and flat with one tight hairpin turn.