Posted: April 25, 2004

Duathlon: Tina Walter And Sergio Rodriguez Vicente European Champions Duathlon Long Distance

Venray, the Netherlands, Sunday 25 april 2004 - Tina Walter from Germany and the totally surprising Spaniard Sergio Rodriguez Vicente were crowned European champions duathlon long distance on Sunday 25 April in Venray, the Netherlands.

Walter, no.1 in the Powerman World Ranking, led from the start and finished her 15 kilometres run, 60 kilometres bike and 7,5 kilometres in 3 hours, 8 minutes, 32 seconds. More than a minute behind was Sione Jongstra from the Netherlands, followed by her countrywoman Mariska Kramer - Postma.

The men's race was a complete surprise, with the victory of the virtually unknown Sergio Rodriguez Vicente from Spain, who did his third race ever in Venray. The ex-amateur cyclist came already close to race favorite Dirk Strothmann (Ger) on the bike, but really sped away on the final run to clock the best last run time in Venray, even faster than Belgian Gerrit Schellens, famous for his final runs.

Second place in the men's race was for the young Belgian Koen Maris, third was Gerrit Schellens, also from Belgium. Favorite Dirk Strothmann ended fifth.

Results European Championships Powerman Venray, 15 km run, 60 km bike, 7,5 km run

Men

1.	Sergio Rodriguez Vicente (Spa), 2.46.38
2.	Koen Maris (Bel), 2.47.13
3.	Gerrit Schellens (Bel), 2.47.44

Women

1.	Tina Walter (Ger), 3.08.32
2.	Sione Jongstra (Neth), 3.09.43
3.	Mariska Kramer - Postma (Neth), 3.11.24

More information: www.powerman.nl
John Raadschelders, tel. 00-31-6-53708975