Cycling. Cyclo-cross – Europe – France dethroned by Italy in mixed relay

This Saturday began the European Cyclo-cross Championships 2024 in Pontevedra in Galicia, in the northwest of Spain, with the mixed relay event to open the ball. Introduced last year on the continental scene, this mixed race again did not arouse immense enthusiasm, sonly four nations (one less than in 2023) having actually started at 3:00 p.m.: the Czech Republic, Italy, the host country, Spain, and of course France, with a selection made up of six torchbearers (one runner and one runner in each Junior, U22 and Elite category). Sacred at home has Pontchâteau during the last edition, the French team this time lost its European crown after a very good duel with the Italian relay, which won Gold at the end of the six laps of the circuit and 40 minutes and 51 seconds of effort!

Video – The French team was the title holder in the mixed relay

A final fatal round for the Blues

In the absence of the Netherlands and Belgium, the French starting six had the ambition to retain their title despite a fairly young composition, with Théophile Vassal, Aubin Sparfel et Rémi Lelandais male side, Lise Revol, Célia Géry et Hélène Clauzel feminine side. After a rather average start from the first two cities, Célia Géry took matters into his own hands in the 3rd stint to put the Blues back in the lead. The fight between the two transalpine neighbors continued until the last round, in which Rémi Lelandais failed to get rid of Junior Mattia Agostinacchio (17 years old), the latter even overflowing him in the final to win the gold medal with an 11-second lead. Disappointment therefore for thehe Blues, who must be satisfied with money. Thanks to a big last round of Felipe OrtsSpain climbs onto the podium and takes bronze. All individual events will take place this Sunday, November 3.

The program for the European Cyclo-cross Championships

9 a.m.-9:40 a.m. – Junior Women

10 a.m.-10:40 a.m. – Junior Men

11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. – Women’s Hopes

12:50 p.m. – 1:40 p.m. – Men’s Hopes

2:10 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Elite Women

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. – Elite Men