"I am certainly happy," he said.

"It is a great success for me.

"I didn't really think I would come out on top as I didn't win any European Cups.

"After the Olympic year, I wanted to relax so I deliberately missed the World Series races."

Fortunately for the Ukrainian, big performances in the European Championships in Alanya and the Premium Cup in Banyoles, which saw him finish ninth and seventh respectively, as well as an all round consistency over the previous few season, has led to him retaining his position at the top of the rankings.

Danylo Sapunov tops the men's points list despite a relatively unremarkable season
©Getty Images



Points from previous seasons are a contributing factor in the ETU's Point List, proving a big factor in Sapunov's continued dominance of the standings.

The system is set to continue for the foreseeable future, although the ETU have announced the introduction of a new European Ranking System that will reward the best performing athletes in each calendar year.

Sapunov agrees that the change is a fairer system but maintains that he should be rewarded for his consistency and hard work over a longer length of time.

"During the last three years, I have competed for this title, took part in competitions to get European points," he said.

"This title is very important for me, my team and sponsors."

Spain's Vicente Hernandez and Russia's Vladimir Turbaevskiy made up the list's top three, finishing second and third respectively.

Jerzyk pipped Russia's Irina Abyssova and Germany's Rebecca Robisch to the top spot of the women's point list following a superb season which saw her claim two podium places.

The Polish athlete made a sensational start to 2013, winning her first International race of the year at the International Triathlon Union's (ITU) Premium European Cup in Banyoles.

Agnieszka Jerzyk's season got off to a flier when she won her first international event of the year in Banyoles ©ETU



She finished 15th at the ETU European Championships in Alanya before securing her second European podium of the year with second place at the ITU Sprint Premium European Cup in Holten.

"I feel happy and surprised that I won this prestigious ranking," said Jerzyk.

"My European Cup participation was a good step to see what my condition and chances were within the European Elite."

"Season 2013 had many high points.

"The highlight of this season surely was European Championship, despite the fact that I did not succeed.

"It was an experimental season for me.

"I checked out a few new training methods and I had an exciting debut in a Half Ironman distance.

"I am quite content with starts in European Cups and Half Ironman distance.

"The end of the season was powerful and positive and I am looking forward to the new season 2014!"

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