Underage teams lead Irish medal hopes at Euro Cross Country Championships

The course in Antalya is flat, dry and fast, with a few gimmicks like small hurdles and patches of mud and sand to break up athletes’ rhythm.

Nick Griggs of Ireland on his way to finishing third in the U20 men's 5000m at the European Cross Country Championships. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Having led the Irish U-20 team to gold last year, while also winning individual bronze, Nick Griggs will be hoping for more of the same when he steps up to the U-23 category at Sunday's European Cross Country Championships in Antalya, Turkey.

Ten days out from his 20th birthday, the Tyrone native will form part of a formidable U-23 team that looks to have one of the best Irish medal chances. Griggs went for gold in the senior race at nationals last month but ended up breaking himself in the process, having to stop for a period before resuming the race and finishing seventh.