More medals for Britain at European track championships

European Track Champs 2008 logo

British junior sprint sensation Becky James just missed out on a hat-trick of gold medals at the European Track Championships in Minsk, Belarus this evening when she finished second in the Keirin.

The 17 year old, who earlier in the week won the individual sprint and the 500m time trial, was beaten to the finish by a Russian rival then brought down in a crash just beyond the line.

According to a member of the team’s support staff: “she’s just a bit battered and bruised.”

 

Olympic team sprint champion Jason Kenny also had to settle for silver in the under 23 men’s individual sprint final.

In two straight rounds he was beaten by Frenchman Kevin Sireau – the rider who qualified fastest and recently set the world’s fastest 200m from a flying start.

With Tim Kennaugh having taken a bronze in the junior points race late in yesterday’s sessions, there were more medals of the same colour for the British endurance riders today. Laura Trott took hers in the junior women’s points race while Chris Whorral finished third in the junior’s men’s scratch.

“Chris rode really well and strong,” said British endurance coach Dan Hunt. “He was tiring in the end but he had gained a lap with a group of eight and contested the sprint amongst them.”

Commenting on Trott’s ride, Hunt said: “She did a cracking ride. She showed some real promise early on. There’s a little bit for her to learn as well but it was a great performance.”

The championships finish tomorrow.

British medals

Gold - junior women's sprint: Becky James

Gold - junior women's 500m TT: Becky James

Gold - junior women's team pursuit: Jessica Booth, Laura Trott, Ella Sadler-Andrews

Gold - U23 men's individual pursuit: Steven Burke

Silver - U23 men's team pursuit: Mark Christian, Andy Fenn, Luke Rowe and Erick Rowsell

Silver - junior men's team pursuit:

Silver - U23 men's team sprint: Jason Kenny, David Daniell, Peter Mitchell

Silver – U23 men’s individual sprint: Jason Kenny

Silver – junior women’s keirin: Becky James

Bronze - junior women's individual pursuit: Laura Trott

Bronze - junior men's individual pursuit: George Atkins

Bronze – junior men’s points race: Tim Kennaugh

Bronze – junior men’s scratch race: Chris Whorral

Bronze – junior women’s points race: Laura Trott

RELATED LINKS

Becky James takes GB's second gold at Euro track champs

British women take junior team pursuit at Europeans

Jason Kenny and Steven Burke lead Euro champs track team

EXTERNAL LINKS

Official site of the 2009 European track championships

 

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