Men's Races
Serbia celebrated gold in Tarragona this weekend in the PTVI classification. Already victorious this season in Yokohama and Samarkand, the Serbian athlete once again proved his class, overcoming a strong challenge from reigning world champion Dave Ellis.
The Serbian star showcased his skill throughout the race, leading from the opening stages and controlling proceedings from the front. His advantage proved unassailable, with Ellis unable to close the gap as the race unfolded.
In the PTS2 race, it was Ribstein who made the decisive move, pushing on during the run to build a 16-second advantage and secure the European title. He also recorded the fastest run of the day, clocking 21:07. Belgium's Wim De Paepe finished second, almost three minutes ahead of bronze medallist Vasilii Egorov (RUS).
In the PTS4 class, France’s Alexis Hanquinquant was joined on the podium by fellow compatriot Pierre-Antoine Baele. The two Frenchmen were separated by silver medallist Nil Riudavets Victory, who delighted the home crowd with his performance.
Great Britain claimed gold in the PTS3 class as Henry Urand delivered a dominant performance, crossing the line in 1:05:55, 15 seconds ahead of Spain's Daniel Molina, who recorded the fastest run split of the day in the PTS3 classification.
Austria secured a one-two finish in the PTWC classification, with Thomas Fruehwirth crossing the line almost two minutes ahead of fellow compatriot Florian Brungraber. Joseph Fritsch of France completed the podium in third. The victory adds another European title to Fruehwirth’s impressive résumé after also claiming gold in Besançon last year and Yokohama last month.
Ireland’s Tom Williamson secured bronze in the PTS5 class after holding off a determined challenge from Russian athlete Aleksandr Ialchik. The race was won by Bence Mocsari in 1:00:34, with Filipe Marques taking silver in 1:00:55.
Women's Races
Germany’s Neele Ludwig was pushed all the way to the finish in the PTS2 race, producing a strong final effort to hold off Belgium’s Gitte Welslau and claim gold. It was the closest finish of the day, with Ludwig prevailing by just four seconds. Martina Abaterusso finished third to add another medal for Italy during a successful weekend for the nation.
After triumphing in Besançon last year, Eva María Moral Pedrero successfully defended her European title in front of a passionate home crowd in the PTWC classification, stopping the clock in 1:14:04.
Fellow Spaniard Susana Rodriguez also gave the home fans plenty to celebrate, powering to victory in the PTVI classification. Rodriguez crossed the line almost two minutes ahead of Italy’s Francesca Tarantello to secure back-to-back European titles after winning in Besançon last year, further adding to her world title won in Wollongong.
Serena Banzato claimed another gold medal in the PTS3 classification, with Anna Plotnikova (RUS) taking silver and Elise Marc securing bronze in Tarragona.
It was double delight for France in the PTS4 race, with Camille Seneclauze and Zoé Reveillon winning gold and silver respectively. Great Britain's reigning Paralympic champion Megan Richter finished third.
Great Britain did claim another gold medal in the PTS5 category, with Lauren Steadman improving on her bronze at the World Championships last year to take the European title. Steadman finished more than one minute and 20 seconds ahead of Ukraine’s Alisa Kolpakchy, who herself finished over one minute and 30 seconds clear of Spain’s Maria Fuertes Artigot.
