Nibret Melak won his second consecutive race at Cinque Mulini ©Getty Images

Ethiopian Nibret Melak and Teresiah Muthoni Gateri of Kenya claimed victory in the 90th edition of the Cinque Mulini in Italy, a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold leg.

Melak won the men's race at the San Vittore Olona event for the second year running despite slipping during the last lap.

After losing his lead due to the fall, Melak regained his composure to set up a sensational final sprint for the line.

Kenya's Levy Kibet followed close behind to take the silver medal while Melak's compatriot and 3,000 metres under-20 world champion Tadese Worku was third.

Ethiopian athletes have now won 17 editions of the men's Cinque Mulini, the most of any country.

The best Italian male was Luca Alfieri who finished 13th on home soil.


In the women's race, Gateri was the clear and deserved champion, beating her countrywoman Zenah Jemutai Yego by five seconds.

Slovenia's Klara Lukan produced a stunning performance to take a shock third place, a further eight back.

The Azzurri's best finisher was Anna Arnaudo in fifth place.

The next Gold event on the World Athletics Cross Country Tour calendar is the Agnes Tirop Cross Country Classic in Eldoret in Kenya on February 12.