British Para-triathlete Henry Urand has once again proven his mettle by securing the European Para-Triathlon title in Besancon, France. This victory adds to his already impressive resume, which includes a world crown. Urand, who made his Paralympic debut in Paris 2024, finished fourth in the PTS3 division but has since shown remarkable improvement.

In a thrilling race, Urand outpaced his closest competitor, Max Gelhaar of Germany, who won silver at the Paralympics, by nearly a minute and a half. Starting off slow in the swim, Urand gradually made up ground during the bike leg and then surged ahead in the run to finish in 1 hour 11 minutes and 41 seconds.

Teammates also shone brightly at the event. Mel Nicholls secured silver in the women's wheelchair division, while Josh Landman claimed bronze in the men's wheelchair event. However, the day was not without its setbacks. Paralympic champions Dave Ellis and guide Luke Pollard faced disappointment as a mechanical issue with their bike forced an early end to their race in the men's VI category.

This championship not only highlights Urand's growing dominance in the sport but also underscores the competitive spirit and resilience of para-athletes. The event in Besancon was a testament to the incredible athleticism and determination of all participants, setting the stage for future competitions.