Vicky Holland returned to form with an impressive silver medal at the ETU Triathlon European Championships in Alanya, Turkey. Rachel Klamer (NED) claimed gold and a feisty run from Frintova, secured the bronze medal.
Holland, who missed the whole of April’s training through illness, had a good swim. She cruised her way into the lead pack of eighteen athletes on the bike, which ultimately proved vital in claiming her silver medal.
Holland and team mate, Vanessa Raw, worked well together as the lead group pulled further away from the chasing pack. Raw was particularly strong on the last lap, ensuring Holland’s smooth passage into the second transition.
After a relatively slow transition Holland came out onto the run course behind the leaders, but caught the chasing group by lap three of four.
Holland said: “I had a great swim and felt in control. I didn’t have the best of transitions. Unfortunately, I gave away a bit of time. On the final lap, I didn’t know how I was going to feel. I couldn’t give anything more, I am really pleased. On the final hill, Rachel (Klamer) dug in and then it was on from there. We dropped the others and then Rachel broke away.”
She added: “I’m over the moon. I don’t think I could have asked for more, especially not a medal. It’s a championship medal and it’s a medal for Great Britain, so it’s right up there.”
Vanessa Raw finished 13th after a typically good swim and great bike ride. Lois Rosindale secured a top twenty finish with 17th place with an excellent run split.
Holland’s silver medal adds to Georgia Taylor Brown’s junior success earlier today. The 19 year old retained the title that she won last year in Eilat.
Tomorrow sees the men’s junior and senior events, preceded by Age Group sprint races in the morning. Britain’s largest ever Paratriathlon team races on Sunday.
Results:
1. Rachel Klamer, NED, 1:55:43
2. Vicky Holland, GBR, 1:55:45
3. Vendula Frintova, CZE, 1:55:53
13. Vanessa Raw, GBR, 1:57:40
17. Lois Rosindale, GBR, 1:58:08
