Rodrigue Kwizera reigns supreme on the Cross Country Tour

The 2024-2025 World Athletics Cross Country Tour has ended with standout performances, notably from Burundian athletes Rodrigue Kwizera and Francine Niyomukunzi. Kwizera dominated the men's standings, winning five major races, while Niyomukunzi finished an impressive second in the women's, just behind Italy's Nadia Battocletti.​

Rodrigue Kwizera: total domination

Rodrigue Kwizera confirmed his status as the undisputed leader in cross-country by claiming his third consecutive title on the circuit. His wins in Amorebieta, Atapuerca, Soria, Alcobendas and Albufeira gave him a total of 3720 points, putting him top of the men's standings. His tactic of watching his rivals before launching a decisive attack in the final kilometre paid off on several occasions. ​

Read also: Cross Country Tour: Beatrice Chebet and Rodrigue Kwizera win the 2023-2024 edition

On the women's side, Francine Niyomukunzi shone by winning the races in Amorebieta and Albufeira, which earned her second place overall with 3700 points, just 20 points behind the winner, Nadia Battocletti. It further underlines Niyomukunzi's rise on the international cross-country scene.

The top six athletes in each category received prize money, with each winner collecting a bonus of 10,000 euros. These rewards cap an exceptional season for Kwizera and Niyomukunzi, strengthening Burundi's standing in the world of cross-country.​

Final standings

Men's standings:

1. Rodrigue Kwizera (Burundi) – 3720 points​

2. Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto (Kenya) – 3680 points​

3. Thierry Ndikumwenayo (Spain) – 3660 points​

4. Oscar Chelimo (Uganda) – 3640 points​

5. Célestin Ndikumana (Burundi) – 3620 points​

6. Robert Kiprop Koech (Kenya) – 3600 points​

Women's standings:

1. Nadia Battocletti (Italy) – 3720 points​

2. Francine Niyomukunzi (Burundi) – 3700 points​

3. Sheila Jebet (Kenya) – 3680 points​

4. Charity Cherop (Uganda) – 3640 points​

5. Carolina Robles (Spain) – 3620 points​

6. Daisy Jepkemei (Kazakhstan) – 3610 points​

Malick BAMBA