Italy’s athletics never stops. The half marathon of the European Championships in Rome ends with another extraordinary double: Yeman Crippa wins gold in 1h01’03 ahead of another Italian, Pietro Riva. Third place for the German Amanal Petros.
the race
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Crippa crowned a perfect race and in the final at the Olympic stadium he overtook the German Petros, who was also overtaken by the other Italian, Riva, in the last sprint. Another 3 Italians in the 10: sixth Pasquale Selvarolo (1h01’27”), eighth Eyob Faniel 1h01’29”; 10. Yohanes Chiappinelli 1h01’42” who was in the lead until halfway through the race. With Selvarolo’s sixth place, Italy also secured the continental team title.
“I was extremely excited to run at home, to do the half marathon – declared Crippa to Rai microphones – Reconfirming the gold was tough, I’m happy to have brought it home. I had a bit of discomfort in my side, which then went away. Until just before entering the stadium I was still under pressure, then when I made the tunnel, I entered and I felt more comfortable and I enjoyed the last two hundred meters. The results of these days of our teammates they made us understand that we had to wake up to bring more medals.”
And Pietro Riva, silver, added: “It was the best moment of my career and to be beaten by a great friend and by someone who deserves it is even more beautiful. I knew I was better on the road than on the track, but I didn’t expect silver. I was a little disheartened, but I felt great in the race and in the end I thought I’d get a medal, but with Stefano Baldini as my guide, something comes up.”
For Italy it is the third double in this edition of the European Championships after the walk and the 100.
