Posted: September 27, 2004

Duathlon: Brits Dominate At Swansea

The world’s finest duathletes battled it out yesterday for the coveted title of European Duathlon Champion at Swansea’s SA1 waterfront redevelopment. The field contained no less than 11 medallists from this year’s World Championships held in Geel, Belgium and was heralded a great success

The men’s elite field provided fast and furious racing over the 10k run / 40k bike / 5k run course. The race was determined during the final 5K run when Belgium’s Jurgen Dereere broke away from GB Olympic triathlete Tim Don to take an impressive gold. Don narrowly lost out on a silver medal in the final 100 meters to Dutch athlete Arand Van Smissen finally finishing in bronze position ahead of the current world championship silver medallist, Portugal’s Lino Burruncho.

Spain’s Anna Burgos dominated the elite women’s field breaking away from the Czech republic’s Frintova Vendula in the final straight to take gold. Great Britain’s Helen Lawrence took her first championship medal in bronze position.

Competing in her first major duathlon, fellow Brit and former Commonwealth 5000m sliver medallist, Andrea Whitcombe, followed in fourth position.

The age group races told a very different story with the Great Britain team dominating the fields and claiming a massive 55 medals, 20 of which were gold.

The elite under 23’s competitions were won by Benjamin Grenetier of France and Lisa Hutthaler of Austria.

The junior titles were taken by Michael Gondek of the Czech republic and Charlotte Gauchet of France.

“Swansea is a natural environment to stage both triathlon and duathlon events. The marina and extremely attractive architecture make it a very exciting course” said Sarah Springman OBE, Honorary President of the British Triathlon Association.

“Partnership support is an essential ingredient to the success of the event. The government, development agencies, the local council and the community are extremely supportive and I very much look forward to returning to Swansea in the future”. she added.

Chris Holley, Leader of the City and County of Swansea Council said “We are delighted to have hosted the European Duathlon Championships. The event has been a great success, the athletes have received a warm welcome, enjoyed the race and the attractions of the city. We very much hope to host many more events of this status in the future”.

For more information about the European Duathlon Championships and a complete result list please log on to www.britishtriathlon.org under Events / European Duathlon Championships.

Detailed race coverage can be found on www.etu-triathlon.org..