Britain's Matthew Sharp also shone in the running to secure bronze after setting off on the final event neck and neck with Hungary's Gabor Faldum.

The Italian team of Charlotte Bonin, Alessandro Fabian, Annamaria Mazzetti and Steinwandter were delighted with the win.

"We kept the gold medal for last so we could enjoy it even more," said Fabian with a laugh.

"It's so great becoming European champions with this strong team," said Mazzetti.

"Will we become world champions as well?

We'll see, but to finish on the podium would already be great.

"Here in Kitzbuhel it was a tough race, after the last two days of racing.

"But we're really happy that we can sing our national anthem out loud on the podium today."

Italy celebrate their victory over Germany (left) and bronze medallists Britain after the Mixed Team Relay at the European Triathlon Championships in Kitzbuhel today ©ETU

Italy and Germany made their initial break when Hanna Philippin and Mazzetti worked together on the bike, dropping off Hungary's Margit Vanek, who would be caught before the end of the bike leg by Britain, Ukraine, Russia and the Czech Republic, thus setting up an exciting battle for bronze.

The two leading teams came into the final transition together with a margin of 1min 12sec over the chasing bunch, and the decisive action came down to the final 2.5 kilometres run.

Nieschlag was not too disappointed.

"It's great to win silver today with our team," he said.

"I gave it all, but Matthias is a very strong runner.

"We are looking out for a big party tonight, with both gold for our junior team and silver for us.

"All in all I am satisfied with my races here."

Sharp was equally buoyed up by Britain's medal.

"That was a pretty fast and hard run, yes," he said.

"But I really need to thank my team mates Lois Rosindale, Marc Austin and Holly Lawrence for bringing us in the front.

"Yesterday's men's race was hard and I really felt my legs burn in the downhill sections on the run today.

"I know they were counting on me to finish it off, but I love to do the last leg, so I'm pretty excited that we won bronze."

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