Camilla Pedersen triumphed for a second year in a row at Challenge Barcelona to win the ETU Challenge Middle Distance Triathlon European Championships.

Ireland’s Eimear Mullan was second and Maria Czesnik (POL) secured the bronze medal in third place.

It was Pedersen’s first victory at this level since her 2011 win at Tampere in the ETU Long Distance Championships.

It was Polish athlete Czesnik, along with Germany’s Ricarda Lisk, who set the pace during the swim to exit the water in front.

At the start of the 90 km cycling segment, Great Britain’s Holly Lawrence headed the race, followed by Pedersen and Lisk. The Danish athlete looked strong and composed as she got into a rhythm before leaving her rivals behind.

Pedersen maintained her advantage all along the 21 km run course and reached the finish line with a wide margin over her rivals.

After the race, a delighted Pedersen said: “It has been incredible, a real challenge with this new cycling course. I had problems with my bike a couple of times, but everything ended up well and I managed to enjoy the circuit, where I felt really comfortable.

“I love this circuit, it is fun and constitutes a real challenge. I never expect anything specific before starting a new race, I just go out there planning to give my best and it makes me really happy to win.”
For more information on the ETU Challenge Barcelona Middle Distance European Championships, click here.

Picture Credit: Riccardo Giardina, email riccardo@actionpress.it for more.