World Champion Lisa Tertsch and in-form Oliver Conway took the Elite titles at this weekend’s European Triathlon Championships in Tarragona.
The German, who won the final race of last season’s WTCS campaign in Wollongong to secure her 2025 title, picked up her first podium of this season in Alghero two weeks ago and showed her class once again with a fine sprint finish.
Briton Conway, who took the tape at last weekend’s Supertri Blenheim Palace, once again delivered a stunning run leg as he blew his rivals away to take an emphatic victory.
KropkĂł first out of the water
Hungary’s Marta Kropkó was first out of the water in the women’s race, but she was soon reeled in as a large lead group formed on the bike.
Reigning European champion Jolien Vermeylen encountered a minor mechanical issue early in the cycling leg but managed to remain with the front pack, confident that her running strength could prove decisive. With around 30 athletes working together, the race increasingly looked set to be decided on the run.
The bike leg unfolded largely without major attacks until the final lap, when Finland’s Helena Knaapi made her move and led the field into T2. However, Tertsch produced the fastest transition of the race, quickly closing the gap and taking control at the front.
Tertsch was joined by Valentina Riasova and Roksana Slupek, who recently returned from injury, creating a leading group that featured the reigning world champion, the European champion, and one of the sport’s most exciting comeback stories.
Tertsch uses her experience to hold on
Slupek applied pressure throughout the closing stages and launched a strong effort in the final kilometre, but Tertsch’s experience proved decisive. The German responded emphatically, surging clear with 500 metres remaining.
Vermeylen attempted to stay on her shoulder but was unable to match the pace as Tertsch crossed the line in 2:00:56 to secure the European crown.
Vermeylen claimed the silver medal, while Riasova held off Slupek to complete the podium in third place.
After the excitement of the Elite Women’s race, the Elite Men’s event promised more thrilling action – and it delivered.
Hungary’s Márk Dévay led the field out of the water, once again showcasing his exceptional swim strength.
Conway leads the break on the bike
In the opening kilometres of the bike leg, a large lead group formed, raising the prospect of a repeat of the women’s race, with the outcome likely to be decided on the run.
However, a decisive breakaway featuring Conway and several others changed the complexion of the race. The group steadily built its advantage and arrived in T2 with a lead of more than 30 seconds over the chasers.
Dévay was first into transition for the second time, closely followed by a group of around six athletes. As the run got underway, Conway immediately took control at the front, with Austria’s Tjebbe Kaindl and Dévay giving chase.
Spain’s Roberto Sánchez Mantecón sat in fourth place, leading the pursuit in the battle for the podium.
Gar produces stunning run to take silver
Conway continued to increase his advantage throughout the run and, by the penultimate lap, had opened a lead of more than 30 seconds over the chasing pack. From there, the result was never in doubt. The reigning U23 World Champion crossed the line in 1:47:08 to secure the European title in commanding fashion.
Behind him, Great Britain’s Michael Gar produced the fastest 10km split of the day, clocking an impressive 29:38 to surge through the field and claim the silver medal. The home crowd also had reason to celebrate as Spain’s Roberto Sánchez Mantecón secured bronze, finishing 20 seconds clear of compatriot Antonio Serrat Seoane.
Women’s results
| Position | Athlete | Nationality | Swim | Bike | Run | Total time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lisa Tertsch | GER | 00:19:18 | 01:05:58 | 00:33:42 | 02:00:56 |
| 2 | Jolien Vermeylen | BEL | 00:19:23 | 01:06:01 | 00:33:31 | 02:00:58 |
| 3 | Valentina Riasova | AIN | 00:20:27 | 01:04:51 | 00:33:40 | 02:01:03 |
| 4 | Roksana Slupek | POL | 00:19:25 | 01:05:52 | 00:33:51 | 02:01:14 |
| 5 | Diana Isakova | AIN | 00:19:38 | 01:05:42 | 00:34:39 | 02:02:06 |
Men’s results
| Position | Athlete | Nationality | Swim | Bike | Run | Total time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oliver Conway | GBR | 00:18:12 | 00:57:08 | 00:29:50 | 01:47:08 |
| 2 | Michael Gar | GBR | 00:17:36 | 00:58:42 | 00:29:38 | 01:47:44 |
| 3 | Roberto Sanchez Mantecon | ESP | 00:18:17 | 00:57:05 | 00:30:38 | 01:48:00 |
| 4 | Antonio Serrat Seoane | ESP | 00:18:13 | 00:57:57 | 00:30:13 | 01:48:19 |
| 5 | Márk Dévay | HUN | 00:17:27 | 00:57:52 | 00:31:12 | 01:48:29 |
