Allen reflects on "positives" for battling brits
Great Britain team boss Olly Allen remained upbeat after a battling FIME European Pairs final in France.
Image courtesy of Steve Hone
Adam Ellis, Chris Harris and Tom Brennan missed out on the podium after a first heat blow against eventual champions and host nation France.
The GB pair of Ellis and Harris were leading Heat 2 when the race was stopped. In the re-start, France took a maximum and from then on took control of the event.
But Allen believes the overall experience gained for the team is the most vital aspect. He said: “I’m not going to sugar coat it in any way, we did feel we could at least get a medal. That is disappointing.
“However, the opening race was a blow psychologically. That could have shaped the meeting very differently.
“But that’s the way sport goes, sometimes you don’t get the rub of the green. Fair play and congratulations to France, they were consistent from that moment onwards.
“When the result doesn’t go your way, you have to reflect on the positives and there are plenty.
“Adam, Chris and Tom all acquitted themselves brilliantly in the final and the semi-final which we won in Hungary just a fortnight earlier.
“They were hugely professional and that’s what we are striving for in all of the Great Britain meetings. It’s that sort of mentality and drive we want from all our riders and they delivered that in abundance.”
Allen once again singled out the incredible influence of experienced Harris during the European Pairs meetings.
The three-times British Champion and British Grand Prix winner of 2007 showed his desire to be a big help to the next generation of young Brits.
Allen continued: “Chris has been an absolute pleasure to deal with. He is an outstanding example for the young riders coming through and he certainly helped Tom on how to prepare for big occasions.
“I wouldn’t hesitate in increasing his presence at Great Britain events in the future. His influence is hugely positive.”
FIME European Pairs Final - Macon, France.
France 26, Poland 22, Latvia 21, Denmark 16, Great Britain 16 (Adam Ellis 10, Chris Harris 6, Tom Brennan 0), Italy 13, Czech Republic 11.
