By Mmedo Duffort
Team GB Euro’s 2015, Gothenburg
(L-R Mmedo Duffort, Louis Sebly, Richard Searle)
This years Team GB “Travelling Trio”, Louis Selby, Mmedo Duffort and Richard Searle made their way to Gothenburg for this years European Championships to take part in the Pro, Am and Masters divisions respectively.
Despite the few number of racers (less than 16 in each class), the level was high and the racing very competitive. In the pros, the performance of the weekend must go to Edijs Jermacenko of Latvia for taking the GS – even if Viking Hadestrand unsurprisingly owned both Tight and Special events and was logically crowned Pro European Champion. Louis took a respectable 9th in the GS; given how gnarly the course is, this really must be applauded. Having had a go at it myself, I can vouch that Louis’ status asUK#1 is not under the slightest threat!
Louis gunning the gnarly GS course.
(Photo courtesy of Richard Searle)
In a Masters category comprising both retired Pros and very experienced racers; it was difficult to see Richard taking any medal back home but his fifth place in the GS was just reward. A good effort nonetheless; this international racing experience will pay dividends sometime soon, no doubt.
In the AMs, I clocked a very good time in the GS and held the top spot for about 10 minutes, until Toms Dreiblats (reigning Junior World Champion and soon to be crowned European Champion) turned on the style. It seems a bit odd to be disappointed with a silver medal at the European championship but there I was… That’s what competitive racing does to us all. It’s one thing to have the prize within reach; it’s another one altogether to get hold of it. I didn’t better this result in any other discipline but consistent racing secured me a spot on the overall podium behind Toms and the impressive Victor Mårtensson.
Mmedo – 3rd place Overall Ams.