Wespe and De Nigro victorious at European Junior Cup Izvorani
The Junior Cup Izvorani was held in the stunning Nicolae Navasart Sport Center in Izvorani this Saturday 14 of August. In a hot and sunny morning our juniors challenged themselves for a podium spot in the European circuit. A great day indeed for Team Italy Azzurri, that in the Junior women got a bronze medal with Sara Crociani while in the junior men Euan De Nigro claimed gold and Gabriele Paoletti another bronze which will make their President very proud of them for sure!
In the junior women the first out of the water was Daryia Firsova (RUS) followed on her shoulders by Sara Crociani (ITA) and Zuzana Michalickova (SVK). Notwithstanding her 15 seconds gap Livia Wespe (SUI) and Team companion Rebecca Beti 10 seconds behind the swim leaders managed to a great bike together with Noelle Werner (GER), Romina Nádas (HUN) and Adelaide Badini Confalonieri (ITA). After T2 the Swiss Wespe with a spectacular running performance crossed the finish line with 15 seconds of advantage to Team companion Beti and 28 seconds from Crociani. Livia Wespe (SUI) wins with the final time of 33:26, in second place Rebecca Beti (SUI) in 33:41 and in third place Sara Crociani (ITA) in 33:54.
In the junior men Márton Kropkó had the fastest swim in 4:38 followed strictly by Italian Euan De Nigro and Gabriele Paoletti and Gergö Gyula Soós (HUN). The group of leaders of about 8 athletes reached T2 and in the final run the challenge for victory was between Euan De Nigro (ITA) and Martón Kropkó (HUN). The Italian De Nigro got the best on the Hungarian and claimed victory of this European Junior Cup in 30:40. Silver medal for Márton Kropkó (HUN) in 30:43 and bronze medal for Gabriele Paoletti in 31:05.
Photo Credit Radu Cristi