Germany’s Franziska Scheffler produced a sublime performance to win the first European Duathlon title of her career at the ETU Powerman European Sprint Distance Championships in Horst aan de Maas.

In a race that typified the speed and intensity of a sprint distance event, Scheffler was never far from the front on the opening run before picking her moment to break ahead on the bike.

After the first lap, it was Jessica Oosterloo (NED) who led with Scheffler being sandwiched between two Italians Giorgia Priarone and Sara Dossena.

Priarone upped the ante heading into transition and after a smooth changeover she led out of T1 on  the bike. Scheffler was giving chase with Dossena and Petra Fasungova (SVK).

There was not a lot to separate the athletes heading out of T2 but Scheffler soon put the burners on with a 2.5km lap all that stood between her and the gold medal. U23 athlete Priarone fought gallantly to stay with Scheffler but the German athlete had too much and crossed the line to become European Champion.

Priarone did well to stay focused as, after realising that victory was outwith her grasp, she maintained a steady pace to ensure that the silver medal was hers.

ITU World U23 Duathlon Champion, Fasungova added to her growing reputation with third place and the final podium position.

After the race, Scheffler said: “I am very happy to win. I found the first run quite easy for me but I had to work hard on the bike.”

“On the last lap I just ran for my life and it was enough.”