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Benson sees off Spaniards to claim his first senior win in Melilla

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Gordon Benson saw off his Spanish opposition to top the podium in Melilla this weekend at the ETU European Triathlon Cup.

The Brit narrowly pipped Antonio Serrat Seoane to the post to claim his first Senior international win, finishing six seconds clear of second place in 1:53:49. Serrat Seoane’s fellow countryman Uxio Abuin Ares followed shortly behind, grabbing bronze in 1:54:08.

After emerging from the swim in the leading group, Benson lost a little ground to Serrat Seoane as Spaniard went on to clock an impressive 55:53 bike leg. However the Briton’s 33:38 run saw him claw back the lead in time to take victory in Spain.

Beau Smith finished in 21st place with 1:57:02, with Eliott Smales just edging over the 2 hour mark to finish 38th in 2:00:20.

The Women’s race saw Marlene Gomez-Islinger take the top spot, with a 2:11:06 clocking from the German. In her debut ETU European Cup race, Britain’s Natalie Thomas finished in 19th place with 2:27:12.

Thomas said; “Amazing race - not the result I had hoped for but I am pleased and put absolutely everything into it”.

Melilla ETU European Triathlon Cup results:

Elite Men’s Race

1. Gordon Benson, GBR, 1:53:49
2. Antonio Serrat Seoane, ESP, 1:53:55
3. Uxio Abuin Ares, ESP, 1:54:08
21. Beau Smith, GBR, 1:57:02
38. Elliot Smales, GBR, 2:00:20

Elite Women’s race

1. Marlene Gomez-Islinger, GER, 2:11:06
2. Anna Godoy  Contreras, ESP, 2:11:14
3. Elena Marie Petrini, ITA, 2:11:23
19. Natalie Thomas, GBR, 2:27:12

For full results, visit here

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