Christie, who triumphed yesterday in the 500 and 1,500 metres events sealed the overall victory in the women's classification, finishing in second place in today's 3,000m super final, behind Poland's Patrycja Maliszewska.

The Briton was penalised in the 1,000m semi-final, meaning she did not progress to the final, which was won by Russian skater Sofia Prosvirnova, who became the European champion over the distance.

In the men's event, Knegt backed up his dominant victory in yesterday's 1,500m by beating his Dutch team mate Freek Van Der Wart to the European title in the 1,000m, a result that strengthened his grip on the overall standings.

Knegt secured the overall European title with a fourth place finish in the 3,000m super final, which was won by Israel's Vladislav Bykanov, but was unable to help his team-mates to relay gold in front of a sold out home crowd.

The 5,000m relay was won by the Russian quartet of Semion Elistratov, Dmitry Migunov, Vladimir Grigorev and Victor An as they posted a time of 7min 4.153sec to beat Hungary's 7:04.492, while Knegt's Dutch team finished in bronze medal position.

Sjinkie Knegt won the 1,000 metres and the overall European title in front of a home crowd ©Getty Images



Russia also frustrated The Netherland's in the women's relay as they forced the Dutch to settle for a silver medal, as they won gold in 4:18.084, with Hungary rounding off the top three of the 3,000m event.

The Dutch crowd were left to worship Knegt's overall victory in the men's classification and will hope his form continues with the World Championships set to be held in Moscow from March 13 to 15.