Stunning race sees Spain’s Gomez ETU Champ

For the Elite Men, this was time for a showdown. Olympic places are secured and now it is a chance for the most select of titles, European Champion. On the start line were a number who had held this coveted title. On the start line were some new kids on the block who thought that today, perhaps, there was a chance of changing the old guard with the new.

On the start line was also Javier Gomez. Would he have the pace? Would he take risks in a race so close to Rio? Would the rain cause upsets out on the bike course?

So many questions. So much tension. So many athletes and the quayside, with thousands of spectators. Really, this was the place to be. As the athletes were announced the cheers rose for the home nation’s athletes but you could also hear the shouts and cheers from groups of spectators who supported individual athletes.

As if any more excitement was needed, the heartbeats echoed around the quays. Then there was silence ….

So still … and then the explosion of muscles pushing off the pontoon, the crashing of the water as 61 sets of neoprene hit the water and then the arms and legs pulled and kicked away from the crowds out into the calm waters.

The turn buoy was really a place in hell for some as the leaders accelerated away from it leaving those to fight their way around the sharp turn.

Leading out as usual, was Richard Varga SVK. He swam safely and in front but was beaten into T1 by Spain’s Francesc Godoy. He had a lead of just a couple of seconds. Gomez had a …

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