The ETU European Cup has started last Sunday at Gran Canaria. Seven Belgians were present at Las Palmas but none of them managed to outshine the competition. Only 2 of them ran sub-16 in a fierce sprint race where 4 athletes ran sub-15 5km.
Circumstances were far from ideal at Las Palmas. Warmen than Belgium, but not very sunny... British Barclay Izzard took a well earned victory after a fast race. He won in 56'03, running a 14'54, Noah Servais was first Belgian on 14th in 57'04, running his final 5km in 15'28. Just to illustrate the level of competition at Gran Canaria.
Antonio Hernaert came 21st, Dries Matthys 28th and Jonathan Wayaffe was the fourth Belgian in the top-30. Belgian Champion Arthur De Jaegher and national cross duathlon champion Tim Van Hemel were 39th and 40th. Peter Denteneer 41st.
The female race was won by a British as well. Georgia Taylor-Brown outran compatriot Jodie Stimpson. There were no Belgian women participating. Kirsten Nuyes cam 15th for the Netherlands.
Original article posted on 3athlon.be by Hans Cleemput on 18/03/2018
Translation by @T0v3