Rachel Klamer’s preparations for London 2012 are going perfectly after she retained her European Cup title in Holten.

The Dutch athlete, racing on home turf, dominated from start to finish to win her first International race of 2012.

Klamer finished ahead of Russian duo Evgenia Sukhoruchenkova and Irina Abysova. Abysova, who is in the Russian squad for the Olympics just edged out Klamer’s Dutch colleague Sarissa De Vries to complete the podium.

In the Men’s Elite race, Gregor Buchholz (GER) won his first European Cup in almost two years, narrowly finishing ahead of Tom Bishop (GBR).

Bishop’s fine form in 2012 continues despite having to settle for second place here and there was joy for Uxio Abuin Ares as he finished third to record his first ever European Triathlon podium.

Abuin Ares has success in the Duathlon championships but he will be delighted to break his duck in such a prestigious race as Holten.

 

Picture: Klamer (left) and Buchholz (right) celebrate their victories in Holten. Courtesy of www.triathlonholten.nl