French cross country championships: Alésien Michaël Gras champion of France

Michaël Gras (bib number 1505) and his twin brother Damien flew through the semi-final of the French cross-country championships on February 18 in Carcassonne. FREE MIDI – ARCHIVE

Not favorite but rather outsider at the start, the athlete from Alès C2A was crowned French cross country champion for the first time in his career, this Sunday March 10 at Cap Découverte, in Tarn . A consecration, at 32 years old. 

"After three bronze medals and one silver, this first title delights me. Since Saturday evening, I've been thinking about it very hard! These are the first words of consecration for Michaël Gras, 32, crowned French cross country champion on Sunday March 10 at Cap Découverte, near Carmaux, in Tarn. 

The resident of Alès Cévennes athletics agglomeration (AC2A) was only an outsider at the start of the 9.92 km race. But he measured his effort remarkably, around 30th place after two terminals, he let the first ones wear out in the mud, to gradually accelerate and drop everyone, even the foreigners, except the Kenyan Kosgei , who is ahead of him on the line. But Gras is indeed the first Frenchman, therefore champion of France! 

The head and the legs: Michaël Gras is a doctor

Michaël Gras is both head and legs: when he's not running, the adopted Cévenol is a doctor, having managed to combine medical studies and sport high level. He is also an accomplished international marathon runner, who still has hope of qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games over the distance.

Michaël Gras during his victory over Marvejols-Mende, in July 2023. FREE MIDI – giacomo italiano

With this victory in cross country, this time, he is automatically selected for the French team for the world championships in the discipline, scheduled for March 30 and 31 in Belgrade (Serbia).

A triumph for Alès C2A, with Michaël Gras individual French champion, a title of vice-champion of France by team in men's long cross, and the surprise coronation of the cadets by team!