The 2026 Europe Triathlon Multisport Championships kicked off in spectacular fashion in Banyoles, Spain, delivering a masterclass in elite run-bike-run racing. As the opening event of a packed week of multisport action, the Duathlon Championships – contested over a blistering 5km run, 20km bike, and final 2.5km run – crowned two new European Champions: Jasmijn Bakker and Arnaud Dely.
Elite Women: Bakker Climbs to the Top with Dominant Final Run
In the women’s race, the gold medal went to The Netherlands, courtesy of a spectacular performance by Jasmijn Bakker. The Dutch athlete played a patient tactical game, keeping her closest rivals within striking distance during the opening 5km run and the 20km bike leg, without burning unnecessary matches.
The strategy paid off brilliantly. Transitioning into the final 2.5km run, Bakker unleashed an unmatched turn of speed. Leaving her competitors behind, she stopped the clock at 56:32 to capture the European title. Behind her, the battle for the remaining podium spots was incredibly tight. Spanish María Varo Zubiri put on a courageous display in front of a home crowd but could not match the Dutchwoman’s closing kick, securing the silver medal just three seconds later in 56:35. France’s Emma Wasser rounded out the podium, fighting hard to take the bronze medal in 56:40.
Elite Men: Dely Delivers Gold for Belgium
The men’s race offered a similar brand of high-octane drama, ultimately ending in a triumphant celebration for Belgium. Arnaud Dely, long considered one of the sport’s finest duathletes, solidified his status at the very top of European racing by capturing the gold medal. Dely executed a tactically perfect race, maintaining a front-running position through the opening run and bike legs before executing a fierce attack in the final discipline to secure the European crown.
Dely crossed the line victorious with a time of 49:11. He was followed closely by a duo of French powerhouses who made the champion work for every single second. Emile Blondel Hermant claimed the silver medal, crossing the line in 49:19 after a thrilling pursuit. His compatriot, Adrien Pilleux, completed the podium just some seconds later, stopping the clock at 49:25 to take home the bronze
