Search
shop

Switzerland dominate U23 European Championships in Eilat

With one of the closest finishes ever, Switzerland just edged out the British team at the ETU Mixed Relay Triathlon U23 European Championships to sweep all of the Gold medals in Eilat, Israel.
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Advertisement

Incredible Sprint Finish in Mixed Relay U23 Championship

Bronze for Olivia Matthias in the Individual race

The British run of medal success at the ETU Triathlon U23 European Championships continued in Eilat, Israel over the weekend – but it was an event dominated by Switzerland, with triple Gold in both individual events and a thrilling finish in the Mixed Relay to push the British squad into Silver, by the narrowest of margins.

It was Olivia Mathias (Bronze) who kept the British run of medals in the individual races (full history below) in tact with Bronze, where the champions were the Swiss pairing of Julie Derron and Max Studer.

Sunday’s Mixed Relay was decided in the final metres, a sprint finish with Jack Willis (fifth in the individual) left them separated by just inches – and given the same time, it was so close, with several present describing it as one of the most exciting races they had ever seen. Scroll forward to 1:10:45 into this video and enjoy – the final moments of commentary are courtesy of Paul Groves! (And great job – once again – from the ETU in trying to provide some live coverage, with zero budget. It’s times like this, that the efforts of some truly dedicated triathlon volunteers pays off).

https://www.facebook.com/ETUtriathlon/videos/1507150326096033/

Great Britain’s success at the ETU U23 Triathlon European Championships:

  • 2018: Olivia Mathias (Bronze)
  • 2017: Georgia Taylor-Brown (Gold), Sian Rainsley (Bronze)
  • 2016: Sophie Coldwell (Silver)
  • 2015: Lucy Hall (Gold), Marc Austin (Silver)
  • 2014: Gordon Benson (Gold)
  • 2013: Lois Rosindale (Gold)
  • 2012: Thomas Bishop (Bronze)
  • 2011: N/A
  • 2010: Jonathan Brownlee (Silver)
  • 2009: Jodie Stimpson (Silver)
  • 2008: N/A
  • 2007: Ritchie Nicholls (Gold), Rosie Clarke (Gold)
  • 2006: Will Clarke (Gold), Oliver Freeman (Silver)
  • 2005: Helen Jenkins (Silver)

ETU Triathlon U23 European Championships, Eilat Israel – Saturday 20th October 2018
1.5km / 40km / 10km

MEN

1st – Max Studer (SUI) – 1:54:19
2nd – Jannik Schaufler (GER) – 1:54:34
3rd – Roberto Sanchez Mantecon (ESP) – 1:54:36
4th – Ran Sagiv (ISR) – 1:54:38
5th – Jack Willis (GBR) – 1:54:43

Max Studer - ETU Triathlon U23 European Championships, Eilat, Israel
Photo: ETU Triathlon

7th – Barclay Izzard (GBR) – 1:55:01
15th – Samuel Dickinson (GBR) – 1:56:49
31st – Chris Perham (GBR) – 2:00:34

WOMEN

1st – Julie Derron (SUI) – 2:09:19
2nd – Cecilia Santamaria Surroca (ESP) – 2:09:43
3rd – Olivia Matthias (GBR) – 2:10:39
4th – Sophie Alden (GBR) – 2:11:19
5th – Estelle Perriard (SUI) – 2:11:52

Julie Derron - ETU Triathlon U23 European Championships, Eilat, Israel
Photo: ETU Triathlon

DNF – Sian Rainsley (GBR)

ETU Mixed Relay Triathlon U23 European Championships, Eilat, Israel – Sunday 21st October 2018
300m / 5.6km / 1.1km

1st – Switzerland – 1:06:17
2nd – Great Britain – 1:06:17
3rd – Russia – 1:06:30

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
Cadomotus aero triathlon cycling shoes
Can your triathlon cycling shoes make you faster? How shoe choice could speed up your triathlon finish times
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Is this the ultimate middle distance triathlon bike course? We rode the French Riviera T100 bike course and it’s EPIC
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
latest News
The PTO's CEO Sam Renouf
PTO reveal ambitions of matching Roth and Kona as French Riviera T100 triathlon course details unveiled
Sam Long St George 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘No No No’ – Sam Long says he felt ROBBED by swim cancellation at ‘69.1 Chattanooga’
IRONMAN World Championship 2024 Nice Age Group Swim Start
IRONMAN to review World Championship slot allocation model after fears raised for Age Group women
Jonny Brownlee / Jonathan Brownlee - Super League Triathlon London 2023
Did the Brownlee brothers nearly join pro cycling’s Team Sky after 2012 Olympic heroics?
Kristian Hogenhaug interviewed after The Championship 2025
Danish triathlon star highlights blistering bike split as key to The Championship success.
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...