Editorial : The 2005 IAAF World Cross Country Championships are about to begin in Saint-Galmier.
It is fortunate that a major championship of the calendar could take place in such a welcoming and dynamic district as Loire part of the Region of Rhône-Alpes.
All Local Communities have to be thanked for the challenge they were able to took up when they accepted to organize such an event. 
Without being strongly involved both financially and in the whole organisational aspects of this event, nothing would have been possible. 

The Region of Rhône-Alpes, the Loire district, the city of Saint-Etienne, the city of Saint-Galmier and Saint-Etienne Metropole Urban Community really did help the Loire athletics volunteers in succeeding in this initiative which is so image enhancing for our Federation.
Congratulations for each and every of you.

The Cross-Country which is a demanding and a very educative discipline for young people, is one of the oldest of Athletics.
The French Federation took this great international opportunity to built up a plan for the renewal of the Cross-Country which first actions will be set up just before the World Championships of Saint-Etienne Saint-Galmier. I would like to thank all volunteers mobilized for this event leaded by Pierre TOUSSAINT and Frédéric AUGAGNEUR. This team went to a great deal of trouble to make this international event a great success.

Hurrah for the Cross Country in Saint-Galmier !

Bernard Amsalem