Europe Triathlon

Joerie Vansteelant (BEL) and Lucy Gossage (GBR) were crowned ETU Long Distance European Duathlon Champions after a thrilling day of racing in Horst (NED).

In the Elite Men’s race, Vansteelant led the way from start to finish over the 15km run/ 60km/ 7.5km course - looking every inch the World Champion Duathlete that he is.

The Belgian finished in 2:42:37 and now adds a first European title to the three World Championship Long Distance titles under his belt.

Anthony Le Duey (FRA) finished second, recording his first International podium since 2005.

Pieter Rijnders (BEL), who has enjoyed sparring with Vansteelant at a domestic level, will be delighted to record his first ETU podium with third place.

Great Britain’s Lucy Gossage continued her remarkable start to 2012 with victory in the Elite Women’s Long Distance Duathlon Championship.

The British Elite Duathlon Champion finished over a minute ahead of Eva Nystrom (SWE) and Susanne Svendsen (DEN) in 3:04:50.

In the Age Group categories, titles were shared across Europe with athletes from seven different nations becoming European Long Distance Duathlon Champions.

AG 20-24 was won by Richard Anderson (GBR) and Maja Nielsen (DEN).

AG 25-29 was won by Gabriele Rola (ITA) and Kristina Mandt (GER).

Kris Steyaert (BEL) and Christine Liebendorfer (GER) were victorious in the 30-34 AG category.

Dmitri Vanmassenhove (BEL) and Irene Kinnegim (NED) became European Champions in the 35-39 AG category.

In the 40-44 AG, Luxembourg’s Paulo Goncalves won the Men’s title and Angelique Vanderlinden (NED) was the winner of the Women’s race.

Edwin Ophof (NED) and Claudia Hille (GER) became European Champions in the 45-49 AG category.

Gerald Chesneau (FRA) and Regina Bette (GER) took home gold in the 50-54 AG category.

In AG 55-59, there was double joy for Great Britain as Peter Wheddon and Hilary Ross were the winners.

Bart Mulders (NED - 60-64), Bert Streumer (NED - 65-69) and Lothar Bathe (GER - 75-79) were also Age Group European Champions.