European delight for Steadman
Five golds and four silvers claimed by Great Britain team at European Paratriathlon Championships in Estonia LAUREN STEADMAN claimed a superb sixth career European title and Hannah Moore a first as Great Britain excelled at the ETU European Paratriathlon Championships. In all the Brits claimed nine medals at the event in Tartu, Estonia. Steadman, the Paralympic silver medal from Rio, is in arguably the form of her life. Claire Cashmore exited the swim just ahead of her, but Steadman was in the lead by the time the duo hit the bike course. They maintained their positions all the way to the finish line to achieve PTS5 gold and silver. Steadman 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.” Moore, meanwhile, is on a rapid rise after having her leg amputated two years ago. In her first championship event she
Patrick said: “I’m super happy to be European champion again. I’ve been working with a new guide and I’m so proud of her for putting together all her learning.”
dominated the PTS4 race. The 21-year-old commented: “I am so delighted to win. 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, while Ellis was guided by Jack Peasgood to continue his lengthy unbeaten run of results. Agilitymagazine | 7
There were 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. He said: “I loved every minute of the run, but it was so painful. That’s the most exciting race I’ve done.” The final silver was won by Joe Townsend in the wheel chair category (PTWC) after moving up from third to second during the 5km run course. His great rival Geert Schipper 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.” w
