The BMX European Championships drew to a close in Verona ©Twitter/FFCyclisme

Germany’s Sarah Sailer and the Netherlands’ Raymon van der Biezen secured women’s and men’s elite titles on the closing day of the European Cycling Union (UEC) BMX European Championships.

Several of the major riders were absent from the Championships as they prepare for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, but that did not bother Sailer as she reached the women’s final.

The German, a junior time trial bronze medallist at the 2013 World Championships, held off her rivals to finish top of the podium in Verona.

She was followed across the line by France’s Marine Lacoste and Latvia’s Sandra Aleksejeva, who claimed silver and bronze respectively.

Van der Biezen secured gold in the men’s competition, with the Dutchman finishing ahead of Switzerland’s David Graf.

Despite missing out on the victory, Graf was able to celebrate winning his second medal of the Championships, having won bronze in the time trial.

Raymon van der Biezen triumphed in the elite men's final in Verona ©Getty Images
Raymon van der Biezen triumphed in the elite men's final in Verona ©Getty Images

France’s Sylvain Andre claimed the bronze medal in the final, ending just ahead of his compatriot Damien Godet.

There was French success in the men’s junior competition as Mathis Ragot Richard triumphed ahead of Switzerland’s Cedric Butti and Britain’s Paddy Sharrock.

Having triumphed in the women’s time trial on Friday (July 8), The Netherlands’ Merel Smulders earned her second gold by winning the junior race.

Russia’s Natalia Afremova and France’s Mathilde Hugot claimed the minor medals at Verona’s Olympic Arena BMX track.