Nine medal haul for GBR at European Paratriathlon Championships
Great Britain's paratriathletes won nine medals, five golds and four silvers, at the ETU European Paratriathlon Championships in Tartu, Estonia. Lauren Steadman won a remarkable sixth career European title, and Hannah Moore won gold on her championship debut.
Lauren Steadman, the Paralympic silver medal from Rio, is in arguably the form of her life at the moment. Claire Cashmore exited the swim just ahead of her, but Steadman was in the lead by the time the British duo hit the bike course. They maintained their leading positions all the way to the finishing line to achieve PTS5 gold and silver for Great Britain.
Lauren said:
"I’m really pleased to be European Champion again, this was my sixth title and it meant just as much as all of them before! Estonia offered a great racing venue and although it wasn’t my best personal performance, I am chuffed to be bringing home the gold for GB."
21 year-old Hannah Moore is on a rapid rise after having her leg amputated two years ago. In her first championship event, she dominated the PTS4 race.
Hannah commented:
"I am so delighted to win today in Tartu.
"To win the European Championships just one day after the two year anniversary of having my leg amputated feels very special."
Fran Brown won PTS2 gold setting her fastest ever time over a sprint triathlon course, and there was double gold in the visually impaired category through Alison Patrick and Dave Ellis. Patrick raced with a new guide, Hannah Drewett and Dave was guided by Jack Peasgood to continue his lengthy unbeaten stretch of results.
Alison said:
"I’m super happy to be European champion again. I’ve been working with a new guide, so proud of her for putting together all her learning."
There were hard fought silvers for Ryan Taylor and Andy Lewis. Taylor ran side-by-side with Daniel Molina (ESP) and lost out by just two seconds in a sprint finish.
Ryan said:
"I loved every minute of the run, but so painful. Most exciting race I've done."
The final silver medal was won by Joe Townsend in the wheel chair category (PTWC) after moving up from third to second during the technical 5km run course. His great rival and friend, Geert Schipper (NED) claimed gold.
British Triathlon Head Coach, Jonathon Riall, said:
"Overall, we achieved a really good set of performances in what was a relatively non standard race due to a downriver swim. It bunched the fields much closer together making for dramatic and close bike and run races."
