Kris Coddens (BEL) and Katrin Müller (GER) are the new inaugural ETU TNatura European Cross Triathlon Champions following a tremendous competition in Orosei, Sardinia.
For both athletes it is their maiden Cross Triathlon titles, with Coddens delighted to finally reach the top of the podium after finishing 2nd (2012 Den Haag) and 4th (2013 The Hague World Championships) over the last two years.
The Belgian was followed home by Arthur Forissier (FRA), who excelled on his Cross Triathlon debut to claim second place. Coddens teammate and friend, Jim Thijs, completed the podium on an excellent day for Belgium’s Elite Men.
After the race, a delighted Coddens said he was relieved to finally claim the Championship title but praised his long term friend Thijs. “It is a fantastic course and racing most of the race with my teammate, and friend, Jim Thijs was just amazing”, he said.
In the Women’s Elite race, Germany’s Katrin Müller dominated the race to open up a four minute gap on her nearest rivals.
After securing her maiden European Triathlon title, Muller said: “I was feeling good and I made it.”
TNatura Orosei defending champion Renata Bucher (SUI), who won this race last year, finished second and reigning World Cross Triathlon Champion, Helena Erbenova (CZE) was third.
Branislav Duben (SVK) is the new European Cross Triathlon Junior Champion with countryman, Tomas Kubek taking the title in the Men’s U23 competition. Lindy Van Anrooy (NED) took the gold medal in the Women’s U23 race.
