Thierry Ndikumwenayo Wins European Cross Country in Lagoa

Published on January 06, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Thierry Ndikumwenayo, Spanish athlete, competing and celebrating his victory at the European Cross Country Championships held in Lagoa, Portugal.

Thierry Ndikumwenayo wins the European cross-country in Lagoa

The Spanish athlete Thierry Ndikumwenayo secured the continental cross-country title this Sunday in the Portuguese town of Lagoa. He prevailed in the men's individual event during the thirty-first edition of the European Championships, an achievement he shared with the team gold of Spain's absolute men's team. 🏃‍♂️🥇

The Spanish medal tally shines in Portugal

The Spanish delegation concluded its participation with a total of eight medals. In addition to the two golds won by Ndikumwenayo and the men's team, the Spanish athletes added two silvers and three bronzes. This tally consolidates a very solid performance in the event, with medals distributed across several of the categories contested, both individual and team events.

Breakdown of Spanish success:
  • Gold in the absolute men's individual event (Thierry Ndikumwenayo).
  • Team gold in the absolute men's category.
  • Two silver medals in other events on the program.
  • Three bronze medals to complete the haul.
The success of the Spanish team has some fans already thinking about booking for the next edition.

A technical course and an enthusiastic crowd

The competition brought together Europe's top cross-country specialists under favorable conditions. The circuit presented the usual technical challenges of the discipline, with athletes competing on varied terrain that combined grass, dirt, and slopes. The atmosphere, enlivened by the Portuguese public and traveling fans, added extra energy to the day. 🇵🇹

Features of the Lagoa event:
  • Circuit with elevation changes and typical cross-country surface variations.
  • Favorable atmosphere created by local and visiting spectators.
  • Gathering of the continental cross-country elite.

A promising future after the triumph

The results obtained project a very positive image of Spanish endurance athletics. Achieving the double gold in the main events and such a complete medal tally requires great collective effort. This triumph not only rewards the athletes' hard work but also serves as motivation for upcoming international competitions, although following the team across Europe demands special dedication. 🏆