Michelle Parsons placed 5th at Powerman Holland in a race dominated by Erika Csomor (HUN) and Benny Vansteelant (BEL) over the classic Powerman distance of 15k 60k 7.5k. Dutch favourite, and last year’s European champion, Yvonne van Vlerken could keep up Csomor’s pace during the first run, but faced mechanical problems on the bike, which cost her several minutes. Ulrike Schwalbe (GER) was a close second with Van Vlerken finishing third thanks to a good last run.

Benny Vansteelant was given serious competition by a surprisingly strong Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) but eventually the Swiss athlete had to bow for the multiple world champion and had just enough strength left to keep Benny’s younger brother Joerie from second place. More information on the Powerman website: www.powerman.nl

UPDATE: Jez Cox contacted us to let us know that, as far as he was concerned, the tanks had run dry and he ended up cramping and dropping out on the bike. He did report, however, that his travelling companion, Toby Jameson of Total Fitness Bath, ended up placing 15th in the world. Still no word on Sue Stockley though.