Kipsang, Kipruto lead Kenya’s Cross Country charge in Spain and Italy

Kipsang comes in red-hot after winning a thrilling sprint finish against Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera in Soria last weekend.

The world 5000m finalist, who placed third in Burgos last year, is among the favourites over the shortened 7.3km course.

Kwizera will be back looking for revenge, while Spanish duo Thierry Ndikumwenayo and Said Mechaal add depth to the men’s field.

Ndikumwenayo finished just three seconds behind Kipsang in Soria. Kenya’s Naibei Kiplimo will also be in action.

In the women’s race, Kenya’s Sheila Jebet will face Ethiopia’s in-form Likina Amebaw, who has already claimed two wins this season, and last year’s Atapuerca champion Daisy Jepkemei of Kazakhstan.

Italy’s Nadia Battocletti will make her fourth appearance in Burgos, aiming to improve on previous finishes as she begins her cross-country season after a successful track year in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, in Italy, Kenya’s Matthew Kipruto will aim to defend his title at the Cinque Mulini in San Vittore Olona.

Kipruto, the world U20 cross-country bronze medallist, returns just a week after finishing third in Soria over 8km.

Ethiopia’s Yenenesh Shimket leads the women’s 6.2km field, taking on Kenya’s Sharon Chepkemoi and Burundi’s Elvanie Nimbona. Both Jebet and Battocletti have opted for Atapuerca this weekend, leaving Shimket as favourite.