European Championships
in Rumia, Poland
May 2025
Julie Hill
10k run, 40k bike, 5k run
It was an absolute honour to be able to represent GB for the Age Group Team in the European Championships standard duathlon in Rumia, Poland on Sunday 27th April. The standard duathlon is a 10k run, 40k bike, 5k run event. There are 3 qualifying events each year which provide the opportunity to gain a place in your age group team for the following year. There is also the option of a sprint distance which is half of each of the standard ones.
I was lucky enough to compete in the 2023 Euro Champs but sadly had to give up my place last year due to a major foot op (4 screws put in) and was unable to run for a year. I was determined to make it back into the team again and thanks to Horsham Cycling and gaining more experience on the bike as well as taking part in those hill climb challenges last September and October, thanks to Tina and Ryan, I was able to secure my place at the qualifier beginning of November in Devon due to overtaking on the hilly bike route as I had only just returned to running at the end of August and that was still pretty weak.
Whilst everywhere else seemed to be having a heat wave that weekend, we were ranging around 7 degrees with a very chilly breeze and the "what to wear" but not being able to cover your country's tri-suit colours!
Not many options other than gloves, arm sleeves, calf sleeves and underlayers OR just have to grit your teeth and cope. If you put extras on, you could overheat on the run but if you don't and put them on at transition you then lose valuable time and get overtaken.
The bike route appeared to be flat with 5 U turns. Flat was deceiving as there is a very long, gradual incline which just happened to have a bonus headwind.
The surface was pretty good for most of it but with a few dodgy bits and one turn point had a large gritty, sandy patch at one side that had to be avoided.
The standard event is non-drafting and there are Technical Directors out on the course on motor bikes making sure you comply, or you risk time in the penalty box. The sprint event is draft legal but not at all events.
The key to a good race is judging how much to push the effort in each element to ensure you can complete the whole thing and enduring the 'jelly leg' effect for the last run off the bike. You are also hoping you don't gain any penalties, get disqualified or get any mechanicals out on the bike.
Ages ranged from 18 to over 70, so why not give it a go, you might enjoy it?
If I can do it, anyone can do it!
The Euro Champs is a great experience and a fantastic opportunity. The sun kindly came out to play and it was a lovely warm day on Monday when we were all recovering!