On the third and final day of the French Athletics Championships - Elite (from June 25 to 27) held on the track of the "Josette and Roger Mikulak" stadium, in Angers (Maine-et-Loire), the 10000m track walk was scheduled both men and women.
10,000m track walk men
Twenty athletes showed up at the start, a quite interesting number for these times after the pandemic period. From now on elite athletes are finalizing their seasonal high-altitude training with the aim of the Olympic Games.
Very interesting was the fight for the title between Gabriel Bordier (FRA) and long-time opponent Kevin Campion (FRA), both of whom had already qualified for the 20km of the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The two battled it out from the first lap, but remained together, alternating in command, for almost 24 of the 25 laps of the race.
Gabriel Bordier then forced the pace and launched the decisive attack 600m to go, obtaining the victory and reconfirming the title of Albi in 2020.
Victory in 39:31.61 which represents the new personal best of the athlete. Previous of 40:52.7 obtained on 2.10.2016 in Saran (FRA). The athlete, however, boasts a personal best on the 10km road of 39:17 obtained in Albi (FRA) on 13.9.2020.
Second place to Kevin Campion (FRA) in 39:40.70
Third place to Aurélien Quinion (FRA) in 40:57.03 new personal best. Previous of 45: 02.9h obtained in the distant 22.3.2015 in Villejuif (FRA)
10,000m track walk women
Also in this race, twenty athletes showed up at the start
Great race for Clémence Beretta (FRA) who won in 44:47.78.
This result represents the new absolute record of France which for 20 years had been held by Fatiha Ouali (44:58.6h) and had been obtained on 22.4.2001 in Chalon-sur-Saone (FRA).
In second place Pauline Stey (FRA) in 45:03.76. Also for her this performance represents the new U23 national record. The previous one belonged to Camille Moutard (FRA) with a mark of 46:32.8h and was established on 4.10.2020 at the Colette Besson Stadium in Saran (FRA).
Third place to Eloise Terrec (FRA) in 45:29.48 which represents the new personal best. Previous of 47:306h and was established on 4.10.2020 at the Colette Besson Stadium in Saran (FRA).