Davies avenges Zatopek defeat with victory at Stromlo

Cover photo by Steve Christo, courtesy of Athletics Australia

Hometown hero Leanne Pompeani was the nominal favourite for the women’s selection trial for the World Cross Country Championshipsafter victory at last month’s Zatopek:10, but it was Rose Davies, who took victory.

Davies had won the two prior editions of the Zatopek:10 meet. A slowish early pace saw a large lead pack and it was not until the final two kilometres that Davies drew away, from Pompeani, Caitlin Adams, Izzi Batt-Doyle and a spirited run from Holly Campbell. Davies ultimately crossed the line in 33 minutes, 33 seconds, with Pompeani second in 33:41 and Adams holding on for the third automatic selection by a second, with a 33:46 run.

Batt-Doyle (33:47), Campbell (33:49) and Olympic marathon Ellie Pashley (33:55), who last year gave birth to her first child, all have strong claims for discretionary selections for the team for Bathurst.

“I’m super happy to get the win today. I’ve been focussing on this for a while,” Davies said.

“It was a slow start to the race so I saw my chance to make a move, and I just tried to hold the gap and get the win and be on this team.”

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