Euros: Wednesday Wrap - 500 & Relays

The 500 meter finals went with the numbers tonight, with the Womens final having 2 Italians and the Mens final 3 French. In the Women, Sheila Posada (ESP) had a hard final against three Italians but managed to get herself into a good position at the final corner to cross the line for the Bronze medal.

Prepare for Launch
Erika Zanetti (ITA) being readied for her 500m gold-winning performance

Zanetti 1, Orru 2, Posada 3
Zanetti with her first Gold of the day, Orru finds the podium, and Spain's Posada has something to smile about ahead of her impending home World Championships

In the Men’s final, 300 meter winner Wouter Hebbrecht (BEL) skated one of the best races I have seen. He worked his way into perfect winning position, but going around the final corner left a 1-meter gap open and all three French escaped up the side to cross the line in 1st, 2nd & 3rd.

Food on the Go
As night falls on a long day at the track, Bianca Roosenboom eats-on-the-run

Relaxed & Happy
Erika Zanetta manages a laugh before the Relay heats, on a day where she would go on to win 2x Gold medals

Often the Relays are the most exciting event of a Championship, and at the track this was no exception - especially for the Dutch. The ladies Dutch team (of Elma de Vries, Bianca Roosenboom & Mariska Huisman) made a great Relay final - giving it everything they had, staying on their feet and taking advantage of some tired legs amongst other teams. The all-CadoMotus girls crossed the line to take the Bronze medal behind Italy and France.

France, Italy & Holland
The Ladies Relay podium at the conclusion of a long night, and a lot of racing, for all the girls

The Mens Relay final was the highlight of a long day. It was full-on from the start, with France maintaining a few metres in front of the five other teams who appeared to be left to race it out for second. With 6 laps remaining, Italy’s Francolini crashed in the change area, breaking his finger and taking the Italians out of the event. The Dutch crossed the finish line in second when Michel Mulder was put into the lead for the final lap, being passed by the French but holding off Spain (3rd) & Germany (4th).

Under Fire
Holland's Sjoerd Huisman noses under Spain's Garikoitz Lerga

Firepower
Michel & Ronald Mulder's sprint hardware (genetics, CadoMotus & MPC)

Tired & Happy
Mulder, Mulder & Huisman stand on the Relay podium with their Silver medals

Sjoerd Huisman (NED, Relay Silver)

How was the race for you guys?

"It was very fast from the start. The French were very strong and we did a good fight against the Spanish and German's for 2nd place"

How was everybody feeling at the end of such a long day?

"I felt good, the heats were not so good but in the final we were focused and we believed in ourselves."

When the team arrived back at the hotel, we all sat down together at the hotel bar for a cocktail. The French came to sit with us to have a drink, and on the next table over the Italians were playing cards. The end of a long day.

A great night
Netherlands Mens and Womens Relay teams with their medals - the Men, Silver, and the Ladies, Bronze

As has been the practice of some teams recently, the Italian Road Team showed up today ahead of the Road events, and their Track team heads back to Italy tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the rest day - with teams expected to take the opportunity for a sleep-in before typically heading out to the road circuit to test wheels and prepare for the Road events.