The 2026 European Multisport Championships in Banyoles came to a close today with the Middle Distance European Championship. While the start list lacked the deep, star-studded field typically expected at a European Championship event, the racing still delivered plenty of action over a unique distance featuring a 1.9-kilometer swim, an 83-kilometer bike leg, and a concluding 14-kilometer run. In the end, it was Spain’s Mikel Arrasate Larrea and Italy’s Marta Bernardi who walked away with the continental titles.
A Spanish Duel in the Men’s Race
The men’s race quickly turned into an intense, all-Spanish battle at the front. Mikel Arrasate Larrea found himself under constant pressure from compatriot Guillem Montiel Moreno. Arrasate Larrea managed to hold his nerve and his lead, crossing the finish line in 3:10:38 to claim the European title. Montiel Moreno pushed him until the very end, securing the silver medal just under a minute behind in 3:11:35.
Behind the leading duo, an all-Belgian battle unfolded for the final spot on the podium. Joran Driesen mounted a fierce charge on the run, posting a split nearly two minutes faster than Tom Vaelen. However, Vaelen’s advantage from the earlier disciplines proved just enough. Driesen ran out of real estate, crossing the line a little over a minute too late to deny Vaelen the bronze. Vaelen secured third place in 3:16:12, with Driesen finishing just behind in fourth (3:17:32).
Italian Dominance in the Women’s Field
Much like the men’s race featured a one-two finish for Spain, the women’s race saw total dominance from the Italian contingent. Marta Bernardi delivered a commanding performance to capture the gold medal, stopping the clock in a winning time of 3:45:12.
Her compatriot, Sara Sandrini, put up a strong fight to claim the silver medal in 3:48:48. The podium was completed by Spain’s Helene Alberdi Sololuze, who crossed the finish line in 3:52:05 to take home the bronze on home soil.
