23rd June 2013 04:44
'The bar has certainly been raised at these excellent European Athletics Team Championships in Gateshead,' said President Wirz.
'We are very happy to see how the people of Gateshead and the North East have embraced these unique national team championships.
'The stadium has been packed out rain or shine with spectators who have created a memorable atmosphere over the last two days. It has been great to see such a historic sporting venue as the Gateshead International Stadium provide excellent facilities where the athletes could compete to the best of their abilities.
'We have received very encouraging television audience overnight figures for Saturday’s coverage on BBC One, with an average audience of 1.6 million, peaking at 2.4 million, with a 14.5 percent market share.
'The passionate fans at the stadium and the millions watching at home have showed how well received athletics is in Great Britain, and that the momentum that our sport picked up during the London 2012 Olympics has been maintained.
'The organisation of the championships has been excellent. We believe that the organising committees of the Braunschweig 2014 and Cheboksary 2015 European Athletics Team Championships will go away from this event inspired and motivated by what they have seen to replicate the success of these European Athletics Team Championships.'
Russia retained their title as European Team Champions, making it three wins in a row for them, ahead of Germany and hosts Great Britain & N.I.