TriMLT at the European Triathlon Championships Lisbon 2016 (Update 2)

Day 2 of the expedition to Lisbon 2016 for our TriMLT team today, with a packed day on the race field, where Danica, Shaun, Neil Nina, Michelle and Hannah took part in the Sprint Distance Age Group European Triathlon Championship 2016.

The day started early as our athletes were at the race venue by 9am. The usual pre-race rituals and nerves but the group seemed positive and ready to go. 

The proceedings were kicked off with Shaun and Neil who at 11am dived in the waters. Soon after, they were followed with the female wave of which Nina and Hannah formed part. The team was all in the water when Danica and Michelle started their efforts.

MTF President Cyprian Dalli and Secretary General had loads of running around to ensure they were placed at vantage points to see the swim, T1, cycle, T2, run and finish of all 6 Maltese triathletes, while keeping track of the order of classification of each, updating the MTF's social networks, and off course shout their support each time a member of the team passed.

At the end of race, it was a very satisfied collective effort with Danica and Michelle grabbing 4th and 5th place while Nina, Shaun and Neil placed 9th, 14th and 19th in their respective categories - very promising especially when one considers it was their first go at international racing and at such a prominent stage!

The best result of the day was achieved by Hannah Pace who went a step higher from last year by claiming the Silver medal with her second place in the Age Category. Hannah had a very sharp race and managed to put herself in front of a large field of athletes in the bike and run segment. Hannah received her medal during a Medal-Presentation ceremony which took place in the Athletes' Lounge in the evening,

After the race, all the contingent went straight to have lunch together in a restaurant nearby and discuss the races, the timings, and thoughts were already running towards Sunday when most of the team will be engaged once again the Standard (Olympic) Continental Championships again.

That's all for this second day in Lisbon! Tomorrow, a bit of resting time and the Elite European Championships up for grabs on the street of Lisbon.

All athletes and team members would like to express gratitude towards all their families and friends, the supporters of Triathlon Malta and the Maltese Olympic Committee who made all this possible.

Obrigado!!