Lebid confirms title defence in Ireland

Reigning European Cross Country Champion, Sergey Lebid, has confirmed that he will defend his title at this year's SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Dublin.

The Ukrainian will be aiming to win his ninth European Cross Country title when the event takes place in Santry Demesne, Dublin on 13 December.

Lebid first won the event in 1998, but it was the period from 2001 when he confirmed his domination of Europe's premier cross country race as he won five consecutive titles up until 2005.

He then regained the title in 2007 before taking his eighth gold medal last year in Brussels.

'I'm definitely aiming to defend my title in Dublin. Not only that, as many people know and it's almost as important for me, I'm the only person to have run in all 15 of the previous SPAR European Cross Country Championships,' commented Lebid.

The 34-year-old was adamant that nothing would stop him appearing on the starting line in December. 'I want to keep my streak in the Championships going. Last year, I remember I said that I would have to have a broken leg not to be at the start. This year it might take something even more serious,' he joked.

Lebid's name is now added to that of world champion Marta Dominguez. The Spaniard, who has 13 major European and world medals, confirmed her intention to race at Santry in what is turning into a top class international field.

The SPAR European Cross Country Championships will take place in Ireland for the first time on the 13 December in Santry Demesne, Dublin.