The Austrian Tyrol provided a stunning backdrop as Challenge Walchsee-Kaiserwinkl hosted the 2016 ETU Middle Distance Triathlon Championships, with British medal success in both Age-Group and Paratriathlon competition.
On what was a busy day of long distance multisport action across the world, more than 250 British triathletes were attracted to Challenge Walchsee-Kaiserwinkl on Sunday, as the ETU continue their partnership with the Challenge Family to host their annual Middle and Long distance European Championship events.
Italy’s Giulio Molinari continued his consistent run of success in this championship, winning the Gold medal in the men’s Elite race that he also gained two years ago in Paguera, Mallorca. He set up his victory in signature style courtesy of an impressive performance on two wheels. Great Britain’s David Mcnamee produced a fine half marathon performance to take fourth, just over a minute shy of the podium, as he continues his final preparations for the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
The Elite women’s title went to Julia Gajer (GER), with Great Britain’s Kim Morrison finishing ninth in her first Elite GB representation, after putting herself right into medal contention during the swim and bike sections.
There was success for Iain Dawson in the Paratriathlon event. Previously a World Champion in triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon in the visually impaired category, Iain (guided by Matt Ellis), won a close battle with Serbia’s Lazar Filipovic to cross the line just seven seconds outside of the five hour mark.
The large travelling Great Britain Age-Group team also returned home with a total of 11 medals after some very competitive racing. Simone Dailey was the third fastest Age-Group athlete overall on the way to Gold in the 25-29 category. That was her first appearance for the GB team after previous success at the IRONMAN World Championships in Hawaii. Irene Peaty (60-64) and Margaret Sills (65-69) also earned Gold in their divisions.
The full listing of Great Britain medallists is provided below.
The 2017 ETU European Championship event will be held at Challenge Herning in Denmark June 10 2017.
Walchsee ETU Challenge Middle Distance Triathlon European Championships
Sunday 4th September 2016
1.9km / 90km / 21.1km
Elite Men
1st – Giulio Molinari (ITA) – 3:49:31
2nd – Florian Angert (GER) – 3:50:56
3rd – Thomas Steger (AUT) – 3:52:20
4th – David Mcnamee (GBR) – 3:53:44
Elite Women
1st – Julia Gajer (GER) – 4:18:29
2nd – Maja Stage Nielsen (DEN) – 4:19:49
3rd – Lisa Hutthaler (AUT) – 4:21:36
9th – Kim Morrison (GBR) – 4:36:51
Men’s PT5 (Visually impaired)
1st – Iain Dawson (GBR) – 5:00:07 (Guided by Matt Ellis)
2nd – Lazar Filipovic (SRB) – 5:03:48
3rd – Csaba Orban (HUN) – 5:44:46
Great Britain Age-Group Team Medals (11):
Gold (3)
Simone Dailey (F25-29)
Irene Peaty (F60-64)
Margaret Sills (F65-69)
Silver (4)
Kate Mactear (F20-24)
Kerry Mcgawley (F35-39)
Elizabeth Richardson (F40-44)
Tanya Edmondson (F65-69)
Bronze (4)
Sophie Bubb (F35-39)
Rebecca Nkoane (F40-44)
Melissa Dowell (F50-54)
Mike Davies (M50-54)
Full Results: View here.
