Cross-country fever gripped France this past weekend as regional championships unfolded in Brives-Charensac and Dreux, setting the stage for the nation’s top athletes and clubs to flex their muscles ahead of the looming national contests. The air was crisp, the competition fierce, and the results? Nothing short of electrifying for the local athletic communities.
In the heart of Haute-Loire, the Plaine d'Audinet’s rolling, forgiving terrain provided the canvas for a dominant display by Auvergne’s cross-country contingent at the Loire and Volcans championships. Clermont Auvergne Athlétisme (CAA) didn’t just show up—they put on a masterclass, leaving with a staggering 19 out of 22 possible titles claimed by representatives of the Volcans. It was a veritable gold rush for the Clermontois, who took home both individual and team victories, and sent a clear message to their rivals ahead of the Aura regional championships set for February 15 in Mably.
“The Clermont Athlé did not leave much for the rest,” remarked a local observer, marveling at the club’s sweep across nearly every category. The only titles to elude them were in the benjamin and cadet divisions, but with eight individual wins and eleven team crowns, it’s hard to imagine a more comprehensive performance.
Among the standout athletes was Fleur Jacquet of Entente Ouest Allier Athlétisme (EOAA), who powered her way to the top of the Elite women’s podium. Young Alice Durand of Entente Athlétique Moulins-Yzeure-Avermes (EAMYA) also dazzled, clinching gold in the benjamine category. Meanwhile, RC Vichy’s benjamin squad stood tall, securing their own team triumph and adding another feather to the region’s cap.
Yet, the talk of the town remained CAA’s overwhelming presence. Despite the absence of several top leaders expected to shine in Mably, Clermont’s depth and collective spirit shone through. “It’s a real demonstration of strength,” one coach noted, “and it shows just how well-prepared Clermont is for what’s to come.” The club’s ability to dominate across such a range of age groups and events speaks volumes about their training programs and athlete development—a fact not lost on their competitors, who will no doubt be plotting a response.
While the Auvergne region celebrated its success, another cross-country spectacle was unfolding in Dreux, Eure-et-Loir, where the regional championships were being held for the very first time. The event not only marked a milestone for the venue but also for the Touraine region’s athletes, who seized the opportunity to shine on a new stage.
Free Run Athlé 37 emerged as the headline act, racking up seven individual titles and two team victories. Their athletes peppered the results sheets with top finishes across categories, from the youngest benjamins to the seasoned masters. The club’s junior men’s squad, led by Titouan Duguet—who captured the U20 men’s crown in 19 minutes and 42 seconds—was particularly impressive. Malo Vaudron and J. Fauconnier, both from Free Run Athlé 37, rounded out the top four, underscoring the club’s depth in the junior ranks.
“Touraine shone in Eure-et-Loir!” proclaimed a jubilant club official, and with good reason. The women’s long course saw Free Run Athlé 37 sweep the podium, with E. Coutant taking gold in 26 minutes and 25 seconds, followed closely by teammates A. Heliot and L. Cureau. Their victory in the team standings was a testament to both individual grit and collective strategy.
The men’s long course was no less thrilling, with A. Ngouari-Mouissi of Free Run Athlé 37 storming to victory in 26 minutes and 37 seconds. Teammate A. Cosson wasn’t far behind, and the club’s presence was felt throughout the top ten. In the master’s division, S. Dode added another title to the club’s haul, clocking 28 minutes and 44 seconds, and leading a pack of Free Run Athlé 37 runners who dominated the standings and secured yet another team win.
But it wasn’t just about one club. AC Romo, Bourges EA, and La Berrichonne also made their mark, taking home team titles in various categories and demonstrating the competitive balance that makes French cross-country so compelling. T. Lalmi of J3S Amilly took the girls’ 14F/BEF title in 12 minutes and 7 seconds, while E. Paviot of Chartres-Lucé-Mainvilliers grabbed the U14M/BEM crown in 10 minutes and 59 seconds.
The event in Dreux was a showcase of endurance, strategy, and heart, with athletes from across the region pushing themselves to new heights. For many, this was more than just a race—it was a stepping stone toward national glory, a chance to test themselves against the best, and an opportunity to earn bragging rights for their clubs and communities.
“These championships are a key preparation ahead of the national level contests,” said an event organizer, highlighting the importance of these regional battles in the broader athletic calendar. For the athletes, the pressure is on to maintain form and focus as the stakes rise and the fields narrow in the weeks ahead.
As the dust settles on a weekend of fast times and fierce rivalries, all eyes now turn to the upcoming Aura regional championships in Mably and the national contests beyond. Will Clermont Auvergne Athlétisme continue their reign of dominance, or will another club rise to the challenge? Can Free Run Athlé 37 carry their momentum onto the biggest stages, or will the balance of power shift yet again?
One thing is certain: French cross-country is alive and thriving, with a new generation of stars and clubs ready to write the next chapter. The athletes have set the bar high, and the anticipation for the next round of competition is already building. Fans and competitors alike can hardly wait to see who will seize the moment when the stakes are at their highest.