By Gary Anderson

August 31 - Competitors take to the water during the junior triathlon European Cup in Eton DorneyThere was a British one-two he final event of the European Triathlon Union (ETU) Junior European Cup season at Eton Doreny as Gordon Benson led Grant Sheldon home in the men's race while France's Cassandre Beaugrand clinched her first ever win in the competition. 

Benson ensured there was a home win at the London 2012 Olympic rowing venue as he battled it out with Sheldon for top honours at the ninth and final European Cup event of the season.

The 19-year-old emerged from the water in second place behind Norwegian Jørgen Gundersen but a quickfire transition saw the Briton in the lead at the start of the bike stage.

Benson was joined in the leading pack by Sheldon and another British athlete Miles Burton.

Indeed, it was Burton who held the advantage after the athletes dismounted the bikes but he was eventually reeled in by his compatriots during the run and he also saw Italian Dalien Stateff overtake him.

It was a straight shoot-out between Benson and Sheldon for victory, and the man from Leeds powered home for the win in a time of 56min 11sec, as Sheldon had to settle for his second silver medal of the season following his efforts in Tiszaujvaros earlier this month.

Stateff held on to claim third spot.

George Benson (centre) stands highest on the podium following his win at Eton DorneyGeorge Benson (centre) stands highest on the podium following his win at Eton Dorney















































"It was a good race, everyone worked well on the bike and that was what I wanted, we stayed away and then went for it on the run," said Benson, who secured his place on the Great Britain team for the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Junior World Championships in London from September 11 until 15.

"I came here to qualify and to take away a win is a bonus."

There was a new name at the top of the podium in the women's race as Beaugrand claimed her first win at this level, finishing in a time of 1 hour 2min 39sec, ahead of Australia's Holly Grice and home favourite Sophie Coldwell in third.

The Frenchwoman was always in contention as she was the first out of the water and, despite Ireland's Emma Sharkey taking the lead during the bike stage, the podium finishers regained the initiative during the run and Beaugrand pushed for home to secure the win.

Cassandre Beaugrand (centre) celebrates her first ever junior European Cup win at Eton DorneyCassandre Beaugrand (centre) celebrates her first ever junior European Cup win at Eton Dorney









































"It was my first ever European Cup here at Eton and it was very nice," she said.

"The event was well organised and the spectators were good.

"I was at the back of the bike group but came through on the run."

Like Sheldon, Coldwell followed up her second place in Tiszaujvaros with another silver medal on home soil.

"It was great; I have raced here a few times before but never with this many people and the amount of different countries here because of the European Cup," she said.

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