Event: 6 November 2011
Location: Lucca, Italy
Report: Eddie Allen
Full results at:
Nikki Harris was the best of the Brits at the European Cyclo-Cross Championships in Lucca, Italy.
Above: Far left - Helen Wyman and Nikki Harris on the starting grid of the women's race.
Harris narrowly missed out on fourth in a sprint finish against Sophie De Boer of the Netherlands, whose compatriot Daphny Van Der Brand took the women’s euro title. Behind her a brace of Frenchwomen, Lucie Chainel and Pauline Ferrand rounded out the top five. Helen Wyman was eighth, 1 minute and 29 seconds behind the winner.
Hugo Robison was the best placed Brit in the Junior Men’s race, despite a number of setbacks that threatened to prematurely end his challenge. Following the race, Hugo tweeted: “Frustrating race at the euros. got on lead group but punctured and had an epic crash! double flip trying to hop a ditch.” Hugo recovered and worked his way back to 14th position.
Hugo’s teammate Joe Moses had equally evil luck but showed massive determination and talent coming back from a first lap crash which left Moses needing a bike change and about 20 to 30 seconds off the pace. Joe eventually battled back to a hugely creditable 17th place.
The European junior title went to Dutchman Mathieu Van Der Poel, finishing 33 seconds ahead of Quentin Jaureguy of France, with fellow Frenchman Romain Seigle taking Bronze.
With no GB representation in the U23 Men’s race, there was a royal flush for the Netherlands, with the title going to Lars Van Der Haar, with MikeTeunissen and Stan Godrie taking silver and bronze respectively.
Results | Full Results
Junior Men
1 Mathieu Van Der Poel NED
2 Quentin Jaureguy FRA
3 Romain Seigle FRA
4 Wout Van Aert BEL
5 Anthony Turgis FRA
14 Hugo Robinson GBR
17 Joe Moses GBR
Women
1 Daphny Van Den Brand NED
2 Lucie Chainel FRA
3 PaulineFerrand Prevost FRA
4 Sophie De Boer NED
5 Nikki Harris GBR
8 Helen Wyman GBR
U23 Men
1 Lars Van Der Haar NED
2 MikeTeunissen NED
3 Stan Godrie NED
4 Arnaud Jouffroy FRA
5 Vennie Braet BEL
