NEWS

Vodickova is European No.1 once again

By David Peddie | 14 Dec, 2011

Czech Triathlete Radka Vodickova has been crowned the ETU No.1 European Elite Women athlete for the fourth year in a row.

Vodickova once again finished on top of the rankings after four podium finishes across the European season.

Russian Irina Abysova was second and Ukrainian Yuliya Yelistratova finished third.

Vodickova’s season began in ominous style with victories in the Mekong River Aquathlon and Duathlon Asian Championships.

On her return to European action she immediately lay down a marker with second place at Brasschaat.

A disappointing European Championships saw her finish 16th in stifling conditions at Pontevedra but she bounced back with a second place in Holten.

Two further podiums at Geneva (2nd) and Banyoles (3rd) followed before her European season ended with an 8th place finish at Karlovy Vary.

Vodickova said: “It’s nice to be No.1 again. It is definitely one of my goals at the start of the year.

“It’s nice for my sponsors but I think this position does reflect my year. I have been consistent and that’s down to remaining injury free, lots of sleep and good food.”


Photos: Abyssova & Yeslistratova finished 2nd and 3rd in the rankings respectively

Abysova was delighted with her second place. She managed three European podiums throughout 2011 including second place in the Grand Final at Alanya.

Abysova said: “For me to be number 2 in the European rankings is very good. This is my best finish in the European rankings.

“Of course I would like to be number one, I think this is what all athletes strive for. But 2011, was a successful year for me, unlike 2010 when I had some injuries and I did not perform well enough.

“I would single out the 3rd place at Tiszaujvaros as my highlight of the year. As well as my other two European cup podiums.

“Next year I want to be number one in the rankings and also compete in the Olympics.”

Yuliya Yelistratova showed that it’s not just the Ukrainian men who made great strides this year.

Yelistratova finished 5th in the European Championships at Pontevedra as well as a third place finish in the season’s finale at Alanya.

She said: I’m glad to finish the year 3rd in European Ranking. Of course it’s always great to lead, but top 3 in Europe is still nice.

“It’s nice to get this title in the end of the season. And it’s a good achievement for my region.

To view the full 2011 ETU European Rankings click here.
 

Related Event: 2011 Alanya ITU Triathlon Premium European Cup
02 Nov, 2011 • event pageall results
Results: Elite Women
1. Rachel Klamer NED 02:00:42
2. Irina Abysova RUS 02:01:23
3. Yuliya Yelistratova UKR 02:01:55
4. Alexandra Cassan Ferrier FRA 02:02:13
5. Daniela Chmet ITA 02:02:46
6. Elena Danilova RUS 02:04:41
7. Inna Tutukina RUS 02:05:26
8. Eszter Dudás HUN 02:06:20
9. Kseniia Levkovska AZE 02:06:57
10. Mette Pettersen Moe NOR 02:07:18
Results: Elite Men
1. Yegor Martynenko UKR 01:45:45
2. Anatoly Fedotov RUS 01:45:49
3. Ivan Vasiliev RUS 01:46:00
4. Artem Parienko RUS 01:46:06
5. Danylo Sapunov UKR 01:46:17
6. Lukas Hollaus AUT 01:46:27
7. Ivan Tutukin KAZ 01:46:30
8. Oleksiy Syutkin UKR 01:46:35
9. Dmitriy Gaag KAZ 01:46:41
10. Valentin Mechsheryakov KAZ 01:46:49