Alcobendas, Spain – Italy’s Nadia Battocletti and Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera delivered stunning performances at the Cross Internacional de la Constitución on Sunday, November 24. This premier race, part of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold series, saw Battocletti dominate the women’s 8.04km event, while Kwizera extended his winning streak with a historic third consecutive victory in the men’s race.
Battocletti Sets the Pace, Secures Victory
In the women’s contest, Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Battocletti faced stiff competition from Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen, the 2022 European 5000m champion. The pair broke away early, building a significant lead over the rest of the field. By the third kilometre, Battocletti’s relentless pace forced Klosterhalfen to fall behind, leaving the Italian to control the race.
As Battocletti continued to widen the gap, her victory became inevitable. She powered through the final laps unchallenged, crossing the finish line 1:13 ahead of Klosterhalfen. Spain’s Claudia Arce outpaced a competitive chasing pack in the final moments to secure third place.
After the race, Battocletti said, “I wasn’t certain I’d win today because Klosterhalfen is such a strong rival, but I felt confident in my form. This course is tough but ideal preparation for the European Cross Country Championships, where I hope to medal.”
The Italian’s season continues with a 5km race in Italy on December 31 and the Campaccio Cross Country on January 6.
Kwizera’s Tactical Brilliance Shines
Rodrigue Kwizera once again demonstrated his mastery of cross-country racing, claiming his third consecutive Alcobendas title with a time of 22:58. The men’s race began with a fast pace set by Uganda’s Samuel Cherop and Martin Kiprotich, but Kwizera stayed composed, conserving energy in the early stages.
Midway through the race, the Burundian surged to the front, his tactics dismantling the competition. A powerful attack in the final kilometre left Kiprotich 11 seconds adrift in second place, while Cherop rounded out the podium.
“This is my third win here – technically my fourth – and I’m thrilled,” said Kwizera. “My strategy is simple: observe, analyze, and execute at the right moment. This course is challenging, but I know it well, and that gives me an edge.”
Kwizera is set to compete next at the Aranda de Duero cross country event on December 1, seeking to extend his winning streak.
The Alcobendas meet reaffirmed its status as a vital event in the global cross-country calendar, offering a thrilling showcase of endurance and strategy.
Result
Men
1 Rodrigue Kwizera (BDI) 22:58
2 Martin Kiprotich (UGA) 23:09
3 Samuel Cherop (UGA) 23:31
4 Mathew Kipsang (KEN) 23:37
5 Yahya Aouina (ESP) 23:38
6 Abrham Sime (ETH) 23:46
Women
1 Nadia Battocletti (ITA) 26:14
2 Konstanze Klosterhalfen (GER) 27:27
3 Claudia Arce (ESP) 27:50
4 Ruth Tisalema (ECU) 27:54
5 Federica Del Buono (ITA) 28:01
6 Alicia Berzosa (ESP) 28:03
