14th August 2019
Vegan runner Andreas Vojta followed up his 33rd Austrian title with two races in the European Championships.
Andreas represented his country in the 5000 m and 3000 m. Austria are currently in the Second League of the competition, which includes twelve nations. A system of promotion and relegation links the league with the two divisions above and one below. As a team competition each athlete scores points depending on their placings.
“I had a very good start with my first day on the 5000m” Andreas told Great Vegan Athletes. “As usual it was a slow and tactical race where I could use my experience to control the field during the first 3-4km. The last km the race started to speed up and I got myself in front with one lap to go.”
Andreas held onto the lead and took first place and 12 points for Austria.
The following day he found the 3000 m harder. As well as feeling tired the race was at a fast pace.
“Even though I´m not really happy with my performance in this race I could place 5th out of 12 nations and could add some more important points to our account” he reflected.
“In the end the Austrian team achieved it´s big goal to stay in the league and place 7th overall!”
Vegan catering
Catering for vegans was a little limited, although Andreas adapted.
“Luckily we had a kitchen on each floor so I just made some rice, pasta and veggies with some of my teammates. So we had good quality foods, the amounts we needed and we didn´t have to wait at the counter in the restaurant. So not that easy but there is also a way to get your meals done!”