France dominates with 24 medals at European Cup Uster

At the European Cup in Uster, the Dutch men added two more title, making three. The Dutch men were the most successful. But also the German judoka took two gold medals and three silver this weekend in Uster, near Zurich.

Jim Heijman has the capabilities to win a medal at European Cup level, the Dutch senior champion U81kg was the best among 39 men and won his five contests. For Heijman iyt was his second victory at a European Cup, in 2016 he won in Saarbrucken. The silver was for Niklas Bloechl of Germany, but at least a medal, he finished fifth at the European Cup in Belgrade and European U23 Championships, so this was a useful weekend.

Another Dutchman, Bas van Empelen grabbed gold U90kg. In the final he defeated German Dario Kurbjeweit Garcia. Kurbjeweit was the winner in February in Vise. Van Empelen won silver at the Dutch Championships against Frank de Wit and on Sunday he won his first European Cup. Previously he won three bronze medals in Saarbrucken, Belgrade and Dubrovnik, but a more important goal is to make the connection at the level of the World Tour. This gold may give him some extra spirit to proceed that road. Both Van Empelen and Kurbjeweit have felt that level this year and it wasn’t easy.

Domenik Schoenefeldt took gold for Germany U100kg. He defeated Nell Ariano Rebouka of France in the final.  The French though did a good job with twelve medals in total. As last final Messie Katanga added the last gold medal for the French men. Against Benjamin Bouizgarne he won the final in a small field of six men.

France won two of the three women’s divisions on Sunday. Alison Linon captured gold for women U70kg in an all French final against Clarisse Habricot with two Austrian bronze medallists.

Loriana Kuka took the first medal for Kosovo. In her weight category U78kg she bested Valentine Marchand of France in the final. Furthermore a strong podium with Belgian Sophie Berger who’s in a good shape and Dutch Ilona Lucassen both taking bronze.

The heavyweight gold was for Audrey Thorel of France in a small pool of three women she won her two contests. France dominated the women’s division with four gold medals and 12 medals.

France took six titles in total this weekend and seven silver, and a total of 24 medals out of 54, that’s a huge result.