Czech Triathlete Radka Vodickova has been crowned the ETU No.1 European Elite Women athlete for the fourth year in a row.

Vodickova once again finished on top of the rankings after four podium finishes across the European season.

Russian Irina Abysova was second and Ukrainian Yuliya Yelistratova finished third.

Vodickova’s season began in ominous style with victories in the Mekong River Aquathlon and Duathlon Asian Championships.

On her return to European action she immediately lay down a marker with second place at Brasschaat.

A disappointing European Championships saw her finish 16th in stifling conditions at Pontevedra but she bounced back with a second place in Holten.

Two further podiums at Geneva (2nd) and Banyoles (3rd) followed before her European season ended with an 8th place finish at Karlovy Vary.

Vodickova said: “It’s nice to be No.1 again. It is definitely one of my goals at the start of the year.

“It’s nice for my sponsors but I think this position does reflect my year. I have been consistent and that’s down to remaining injury free, lots of sleep and good food.”

Photos: Abyssova & Yeslistratova finished 2nd and 3rd in the rankings respectively

Abysova was delighted with her second place. She managed three European podiums throughout 2011 including second place in the Grand Final at Alanya.

Abysova said: “For me to be number 2 in the European rankings is very good. This is my best finish in the European rankings.

“Of course I would like to be number one, I think this is what all athletes strive for. But 2011, was a successful year for me, unlike 2010 when I had some injuries and I did not perform well enough.

“I would single out the 3rd place at Tiszaujvaros as my highlight of the year. As well as my other two European cup podiums.

“Next year I want to be number one in the rankings and also compete in the Olympics.”

Yuliya Yelistratova showed that it’s not just the Ukrainian men who made great strides this year.

Yelistratova finished 5th in the European Championships at Pontevedra as well as a third place finish in the season’s finale at Alanya.

She said: I'm glad to finish the year 3rd in European Ranking. Of course it's always great to lead, but top 3 in Europe is still nice.

'It's nice to get this title in the end of the season. And it's a good achievement for my region.

To view the full 2011 ETU European Rankings click here.