EUROS 2016: Hookway wins maiden international title

Lauren Hookway put in a superb performance to claim a maiden international title in the 2016 European Ladies championship.

After first beating her main rival Vicky Brown in heat ten, the Exeter rider stormed past the young Macie Schmidt in heat fifteen to take control of the meeting, and a second place in her final ride gave Hookway the victory to improve on her runners up in the 2016 World Final.

Second place went to Brown, who was unable to pass Hookway in that heat ten after winning her first two races.

Lauren Hookway stormed her way to victory. Photo by Graham Robins.

Lauren Hookway stormed her way to victory. Photo by Graham Robins.

The World and British champion was then unable to hold her gate one against Lucy Whitehead in heat seventeen, forcing her into a runoff against Kristina Mines for runners up, and leaving the European title as the one which she has yet to win.

Mines’ superb gating propelled her into that run off, dropping her only points to Schmidt and Brown. Despite finishing behind Brown in that race for second, Mines will be very pleased with a third place, that is her best achievement yet and which shows the potential this Poole rider has.

Lucy Whitehead showed the kind of form that won her a British championship with her score of 17 points and three wins, whilst the young Schmidt showed why she is the favourite for the British Under 16 Girl’s competition, with an eye catching performance to also finish on 17.

2016 European Championships Ladies Podium. Photo by Graham Robins.

2016 European Championships Ladies Podium. Photo by Graham Robins.

Scores:

Lauren Hookway 19, Victoria Brown 18, Kristina Mines 18, Macie Schmidt 17, Lucy Whitehead 17, Elizabeth Rigley 15, Michelle Whitehead 15, Sandra Tamborska 12, Chloe Whitehead 12, Charlie Herbert 10, Laura Watson 9, Sophie Middleton 9, Anna Tutle 8, Madeline Saunders 8, Gemma Hill 7, Jenna Whitehead 5