May 2021 – Page 38

Frodeno and Ryf take Ironman 70.3 Worlds

May 7, 2021 | News | No Comments

Middle-distance racing’s finest pro and age-group athletes descended on Zell-Am-See in Austria today for the tenth edition of the Ironman 70.3 World Championships and its debut sojourn in Europe. And, after wins for Germany’s Sebastian Kienle in 2012 and ’13 and Spanish superstar Javier Gomez in 2014, Europe’s hold on the men’s title was maintained, with 2015 being Germany’s Jan Frodeno’s turn to top the podium.

In the women’s race, reigning champ and Swiss star Daniela Ryf went into the race as the favourite and was dominant throughout, leading on the bike leg and run to cross the line in 4:11:34 (and 30th overall) to maintain her grip on the 70.3 world title.

IRONMAN ROYALTY

Under blue skies and in increasingly oppressive heat, the World Championship race kicked-off at 10:45am in the crystal blue Zell-Am-See lake, flanked by mountainous peaks, thousands of local and international spectators and Ironman Hawaii royalty Paula Newby-Fraser and Heather Fuhr on the starting pontoon, and 48-year-old Natascha Badmann on the race course.

The men’s field had the biggest strength in depth, with 2008 Olympic champion and the current Ironman Europe title holder, Germany’s 194cm Jan Frodeno, towering over his race rivals on the lakeside starting ramp. Alongside him were two fellow former ITU stars, the reigning 70.3 world champ Javier Gomez and Britain’s great hope for the men’s title, Tim Don. After five wins from six middle-distance races in 2015, Don was looking to go better than his 70.3 worlds bronze in 2014, but his prep was disrupted by a nasty bike crash in Boulder last week which left him with 30 stitches in his face and a thumb split in two.

Don, nonetheless, exited the 1.9km lake swim on the coattails of Gomez and Frodeno, with the reigning Ironman world champion Sebastian Kienle a couple of minutes in arrears. Onto the bike, however, and the Germany’s two-wheel tri dominance was asserted, with the top six spots halfway through the 90km bike leg all occupied by the nation (Andi Bocherer leading Frodeno, Andreas Drietz, Nils Frommhold, Michael Raelert and Kienle).

After America’s Lauren Brandon broke the 70.3 Worlds swim record in 22:53mins, the women’s race saw Ryf lead throughout the bike leg, entering T2 with a wide deficit over the field. Brit hopes were pinned on Jodie Swallow, who suffered a training ride crash on Saturday while recee’ing the bike course. It was left to Holly Lawrence, Susie Cheetham, Parys Edwards and EK Lidbury to carry the Brit flag.

KONA STATEMENTS

As the men approached Zell-Am-See after 90km of riding in the Austrian hills, Drietz and Frodeno had over a 2mins advantage over the chasers (Frodeno’s 2:09:04 bike split was 50secs faster than Kienle’s). The two loop half-marathon run hugged the Zell-Am-See lakeside for nearly all the duartion, with a brief interlude into the town. With his run speed honed from years of ITU racing, once Frodeno was in front there seemed to be only one victor, with the race compere pretty much handing Frodeno the victory 20mins before the Cologne born Olympic champ crossed the line after 3:51:19 of racing. After his Ironman Europe win over Kienle, here was another major statement from Frodo ahead of October’s Ironman worlds in Kona.

Following Frodo home were Kienle and a visibly dejected Gomez (who’d been ill during the week) in a day to remember for Germany’s middle-distance stars. The women’s race for victory also turned into something of a procession, with Ryf dominant throughout and never looking like giving up her 70.3 world title. The Swiss would cross the line in 4:11:34, some 10mins ahead of Canada’s Heather Wurtele and Anja Beranek of Germany, and again lay down a marker for Ironman worlds glory on 10 October.

For the famous Brit names it was a day to forget in Austria, with Swallow dropping out early on the bike and Tim Don suffering a puncture and two penalty cards before dropping out. How the day of woes affects their Kona preparation is unclear, but both are well-versed in getting knocked down and picking themselves up again. Top Brit male was Ritchie Nicholls in 27th.

Click Here: newcastle knights rugby store

Stay tuned for more results, plus any Brit AG news when we get it.

By Tncse

British triathlete dies during swim leg of Ocean Lake Triathlon

May 7, 2021 | News | No Comments

Sad news over the weekend – a first-time triathlete has died during the swim leg of the Ocean Lake Triathlon at Leybourne Lakes near Maidstone, Kent.

The alarm was raised after Paul Gallihawk, 34, failed to complete the swim on Saturday (29 August), and his body was recovered two days later. The cause of his death remains unclear.

The organisers said: “We are all deeply saddened by the death of a participant of Saturday’s Sprint Triathlon. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Ocean Lake Triathlon Club organises six sprint distance events throughout the year, with last Saturday’s race being the penultimate one in the 2015 calendar.

British Triathlon CEO Jack Buckner said: “Tragedies are unfortunately inevitable in any sport, but the loss of a relatively young participant in triathlon, a sport often seen as an exemplar in its ability to promote physical wellbeing and fitness, is a shock to us all.”

Mr Gallihawk had been raising money for King’s College Hospital in London (JustGiving page), and donations have now passed £13,000.

(Main image: Ocean Lake Triathlon)

Click Here: gold coast suns 2019 guernsey

By Tncse

Xterra UK 2015: Razafa, Paterson win European Champs

May 7, 2021 | News | No Comments

There was some very tight racing at Xterra UK in Cranleigh, Surrey last weekend, with South Africa’s four-time Xterra world champ Conrad ‘The Caveman’ Stoltz battling for the final Xterra title of his long career.

>>> South Africa’s Conrad Stoltz to retire after Xterra UK

A solid, driving rain the night prior left the trails muddy and slick, leaving those without the proper grippy tires and skills flying off their bikes left and right. However, the Sunday (31 August) proved perfect for racing, with cool temps and not a drop of rain.

Men’s race

Britain’s Richard Stannard exited Vachery Pond first with the fastest 1.5km swim, followed by Ben Allen (AUS) and Stoltz more than a minute back in 18:54. Ruzafa was almost two minutes behind at 19:35.

Allen moved past Stannard early on the bike to take the lead, and eventually Stoltz managed to catch him. Ruzafa ultimately did what he does best and moved into the front on the second lap of the bike, but couldn’t shake Stoltz.

Conrad Stoltz going hard on the bike at Xterra UK 2015

“I couldn’t pull away,” said Ruzafa, a three-time Xterra world champ who has now won 15 straight Xterra majors since winning the Worlds in October of 2013. “I took speed and tried to pull away but he didn’t drop, he stayed on my wheel.” Ruzafa and Stoltz came into T2 practically together, and then it became a foot race.

“I thought back after my first Xterra in Richmond where it was all about the experience and not about the result and I just wanted to enjoy the race and I did,” said Stoltz. “The bike course was so much fun, it was slippery and challenging and it was pretty crazy.”

Stoltz started suffering leg cramps on the run though, and couldn’t keep up with the Frenchman, eventually crossing the line a little under 30secs behind for second place. “Of course I wanted to win my last Xterra,” he said afterwards. “Winning is important, but enjoying it all is important too, so I’m not going to be too hard on myself.”

Third place was taken by Ben Allen, who posted the fastest run split of the day, and Britain’s Henry Sleight rounded out the top-ten.

Click Here: British & Irish Lions rugby shirts
Women’s race

In the women’s race, Christine Jeffrey (CAN) was first female out of the water but Jacqui Slack (GBR) was close behind and had an incredible bike, putting more and more time on the rest of the field.

Women’s podium, left-right: Renata Bucher (SUI), Lesley Paterson (GBR), Jacqui Slack (GBR)

“I had an amazing swim, came out with Ruben,” said Slack. “I’ve been working so hard and I felt like it paid off today. I spent so much time training, working on corners, and was really confident, and I like the mud, and the longer the girls didn’t catch me the more I was motivated.

Switzerland’s Renata Bucher caught Slack with about 4km to go on the bike, and led into T2. Eventual winner Lesley Paterson (GBR) caught both early on in the run, and kept pushing to finish over 1min ahead of Bucher, with Slack taking bronze.

“I was pretty down on myself after the first lap because I couldn’t stay upright, but I talked myself into staying positive,” said Paterson afterwards. “I got to the run though and I’m comfortable with that. Ironically, I’m Scottish and it was like I’ve never been in the mud before. I live out in San Diego where it’s sandy and rocky and the mud out there, today was just something else.”

Age-group races

Among the age-groupers, Geert Lauryssen (BEL) and Louise Hanley (GBR) captured the overall amateur championship titles, with British names peppering this year’s list of age-group Xterra European Champions:

Ages 15-19: Molly Campbell, 04:00:01
Ages 15-19: Harry Leleu, 03:01:01
Ages 25-29: Sam Begg, 02:53:44
Ages 25-29: Samantha Aplin, 03:37:28
Ages 30-34: Ruth Owen-Evans, 03:44:50
Ages 45-49: Louise Hanley, 03:29:33
Ages 50-54: Rob Moore, 03:13:43
Ages 55-59: Simon Osborne, 03:19:18
Ages 65-69: Ray Haines, 04:34:46

Complete results / photos.

Were you racing Xterra UK? Let us know in the comments below!

By Tncse

Ironman 70.3 World Champs 2015: British female age-groupers shine

May 7, 2021 | News | No Comments

While top British pros Tim Don and Jodie Swallow had a day to forget at the Ironman 70.3 World Champs last weekend, the sun well and truly shone for their age-grouper counterparts.

>>> Frodeno and Ryf take Ironman 70.3 Worlds

Click Here: gold coast titans rugby store

Among the pros, Susie Cheetham placed highest Brit in seventh position, followed by Holly Lawrence in 11th. Ritchie Nicholls was top male British pro in 27th place. Tim Don and Jodie Swallow both posted DNFs.

Women

Onto the age-groupers, and the women grabbed an impressive six top-five finishes in Austria, including two golds, one silver and one bronze.

Lucy Charles (F18-24) and Gill Fullen (F50-54) were the standout performers, grabbing the only golds for GB:

1st. Lucy Charles (F18-24) – 4:46:00
2nd. Alison Rowatt (F30-34) – 4:47:37
3rd. Jane Hansom (F45-49) – 5:08:06
1st. Gill Fullen (F50-54) – 5:09:28
5th. Jane Leslie (F65-69) – 7:08:59
3rd. Peggy Crome (F70-74) – 8:26:15

Amongst the men, there were three top-five finishes, with Ed Nicholl (M50-54) taking bronze:

5th. Ross Simpson (M30-34) – 4:22:37
3rd. Ed Nicoll (M50-54) – 4:38:46
5th. Richard Hobson (M50-54) – 4:41:29

Check out the full results.

Were you racing in Zell am See? Let us know in the comments below!

By Tncse

WTS Edmonton 2015 preview: Holland, Stanford & Jenkins all in

May 7, 2021 | News | No Comments

Just two more races to go – the World Triathlon Series arrives in Edmonton this weekend, and there’s a very strong chance we could see more than one Brit up on the podium.

>>> WTS Edmonton 2014 round-up

As the last WTS race before the Grand Final in Chicago later this month, there’s bound to be some fast and furious racing over the sprint-distance course (750m swim/20km bike/5km run) in Canada this weekend.

Click Here: ireland rugby shirts

Despite concerns over blue-green algae levels in Hawrelak Park Lake, it looks like the swim is definitely happening now that public health officials have given it the green light, saying toxin levels are “negative or extremely low”.

Women’s race

Britain’s Vicky Holland, Non Stanford and Helen Jenkins are all racing, with Holland and Stanford in particular enjoying a strong run of form at the moment. Their medal hopes will be fuelled by the absence of the USA’s Gwen Jorgensen, Katie Zaferes and Sarah True, who currently sit top of the points leaderboard.

Both Holland and Stanford have reached a WTS podium this season: Holland won gold in Cape Town, then added a silver to her collection in Hamburg. Stanford joined her on the podium in Hamburg by taking home the bronze medal. Both women also secured step one of a two-step process for qualifying for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic team for their federation by making podium in the Rio Test Event in August. Step two could be accomplished by reaching the podium at the Grand Final in Chicago.

Britain’s two-time World Champion Helen Jenkins is still returning back to form after an injury that saw her sidelined for most of the 2015 season, but after a convincing win at last month’s London Triathlon she looks ready to return in fighting form.

Lining up with #1 next to her name for the first time this season is Rachel Klamer (NED). While she has yet to step into the WTS spotlight this season, she has succeeded in making a name for herself in the European competitions. She was second in the Baku European Games and also tallied a victory at the Holten ETU Triathlon Premium European Cup while etching out consistent performances in Series races.

Flora Duffy (BER) carried on a breakthrough consistent season in Stockholm when she scored her third top 5 WTS finish of the year. Duffy’s tenacity on the bike is unmatched and will be the key for the Berumuda athlete to score a second podium this weekend.

The Aussies will also have a strong showing in Canada. Emma Moffatt and Ashleigh Gentle are tough competitors and are ones to look out for. Both women made podium in Yokohama with Gentle earning the silver, while Moffatt took the bronze. Emma Jackson is another Aussie to watch, as is Olympic bronze medallist Erin Densham. Plagued with injury and illness since 2012, Densham showed signs of a return to form with her finishes in London and Stockholm. Full start list.

The women’s race will be held on Sunday, September 6 at 1:30pm local time (8.30pm UK time). UK viewers can watch the race live on the BBC Red Button service (free), or online at triathlonlive.tv (£).

Men’s race

In his drive for five World Championship titles, Javier Gomez Noya (ESP) is in Edmonton to top off the men’s roster, and sports the golden number one. After dominating the competition in Stockholm, the Spaniard remains in strong contention to become the first athlete ever to win five ITU World Championships.

Rode 70.3 Worlds course today. Felt quite weak but hey, 2 days ago couldn’t get up from bed. That’s an improvement! pic.twitter.com/hm2KqjcLVQ

— Javi Gomez Noya (@Jgomeznoya) August 27, 2015

However, he’s been suffering from illness after WTS Stockholm and couldn’t manage better than bronze at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships a few days ago.

With Britain’s Brownlee brothers sitting this out yet another WTS race due to injury, it’s fellow Spaniard Mario Mola who looks most likely to challenge Gomez. Sitting in second in the Columbia Threadneedle rankings, Mola is right on the coattails, trailing by just 447 points. His incredible running strength means if Mola makes it in the lead group in the swim and bike, there should be nothing stopping him from making podium.

Another talented runner is South Africa’s Richard Murray. He wowed the spectators at the Rio Test Event when he made up a minute after the bike leg and blew past over twenty men to ultimately earn the bronze medal. Murray has not seen the likes of a WTS podium since Abu Dhabi and is overdue for a medal this weekend.

To do so, however, he will have to go head-to-head with Vincent Luis (FRA) in addition to the Spaniards. The young French triathlete has been the name to watch this season in sprint races after countless strong performances throughout the whole season. He has made the podium in every single race that he has contested and was finally able to secure his first gold medal in Hamburg. A tactical racer whose swim, bike and run are all on par with the best, look for Luis to be a leader this weekend.

Sole elite male Brits racing in Edmonton are Adam Bowden and Tom Bishop. Check out the men’s start list.

The men’s race will be held on Sunday, September 6 at 3:30pm local time (10.30pm UK time). UK viewers can watch the race live on the BBC Red Button service (free), or online at triathlonlive.tv (£).

(Images: Delly Carr / ITU)

Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments!

By Tncse

The Vitruvian 2015 – Race Report

May 7, 2021 | News | No Comments

Saturday 29th August saw the 13th edition of the Vitruvian Triathlon, and the award-winning middle-distance race was blessed with the best of the weather from an otherwise soggy bank holiday weekend.

In warm temperatures and bright sunshine it was an early start as always for the 800 entrants, with waves starting from 6:15am to begin the the 1.9km lake swim. Swimmers completed two 950m laps, broken up by a brief exit from the water and a 25m run back into the jetty to complete the swim course.

The 85km 2-lap bike course had some nasty surprises packed in, including a huge, lung-busting climb halfway into each lap – however warm sunshine ensured the route was well-spectated and dry throughout.

At the front of the race, Ben Terry of RAF Triathlon was first into T2, after putting in the second-fastest swim split of the day and one of the fastest bike legs (2hrs 14mins). Terry’s lead was to be short-lived on the run course, as Richard Ebbage, who had initially clawed back significant time by putting in the fastest bike split of the day (2hrs 11mins) also ran a blistering 1:17:35 half-marathon to win in a time of 4:02:21. Daniel Sims was 2nd with a time of 4:10:01 and Terry held on for 3rd with a time of 4:11:30.

In the women’s race Kelly Murphy was victorious in a time of 4:35:55, and also put in a monster bike leg to give herself a comfortable lead for the remainder of the race. 50-year-old Melissa Dowell also put in a stunning performance to finish 2nd female overall in 4:40:28.

The event, as always, wasn’t without a collection of unusual and inspiring competitors, from a pair completing the bike-leg on an aero-tandem to regulars Rob Argles and Howard Davies, who have completed all 13 Vitruvian events since the first in 2003.

After another successful event, race organiser Mark Shaw said: “After 13 years of the Vitruvian we should be getting things right, and the athletes certainly seem to think so!
“We’re lucky to have such great support from the volunteers and marshals who turn out every year to make this a special race – and of course the one thing you can’t control is the weather, but we were lucky with that one this year as well!”

Did you take part in The Vitruvian, and if so what did you think of the race? Let us know in the comments!

Click Here: gold coast titans team jersey

By Tncse

Race preview: Sweden’s ÖtillÖ celebrates 10th anniversary

May 7, 2021 | News | No Comments

Tomorrow will see Sweden’s ÖtillÖ race celebrate its 10th anniversary, as 120 International teams of two take on one of the world’s most challenging multisport endurance races.

Held on Stockholm’s picturesque archipelago, each team will start at Sandhamn and traverse the 26 islands and sea stretches to complete a total distance of 65km of running and 10km of swimming. The time to beat is last year’s course record by world champions Lennart Moberg and Daniel Hansson from Sweden, who finished in 8 hours 16 minutes – although the race will see competitors enduring the challenging sea swims and rocky, island trail runs for up to 14 hours with a strict cut-off time based on sunset.

UK event to launch

Competition for places is fierce with two qualifying events – Uto and Engadin – held annually, as well as merit places being allocated. However with the rise in popularity of swim-run races, the organisers are planning to expand into Germany and the UK in 2016 with a race in the Lake District being planned. There will then be further qualifying races in France and the Mediterranean in 2017.

Also, Sprint category races next year will give athletes the chance to try the swim-run format. Dates and distances for the UK sprint race are unconfirmed at present, but will be approximately 20km, incorporating 2-3km of swimming.

This year’s ÖtillÖ event see several GB teams taking part, including Pippa Middleton racing with Sweden’s Jöns Bartholdson. Reigning world champions and course record holders in all three disciplines Lennart Moberg and Daniel Hansson (men), Ulrika Eriksson with new team mate Peter Oom (mixed), mother and daughter Bibben Nordblom and Charlotta Nilsson (women) will meet a strong field of athletes. The full start list is here.

Fundraising initiative

ÖtillÖ have also today announced an initiative #swimrunforlife, to raise funds to help the Red Cross in their work with refugees. Race founder Michael Lemmel said at today’s race briefing: “We want to race for people who are swimming and running for life – to their safety. We’re a really cool community, we want to do something good.” Find out more here.

Click Here: cheap puma women shoes

220 Triathlon are in Sweden reporting on the race and will be tweeting updates through @220Triathlon using #otillo15. Plus, to watch the race live from its start time of approx 6:45am UK time (5:45am in Sweden), visit the video stream here.

By Tncse

GB’s Vicky Holland wins WTS Edmonton 2015

May 7, 2021 | News | No Comments

Overcast and frankly dismal conditions in Edmonton, Canada today, yet Vicky Holland didn’t slow down for the World Triathlon Series’ penultimate stop, coming away with her second gold of 2015 after a ferocious run.

Despite recent algae worries the swim went ahead as planned with a beach start replacing the more usual pontoon. Water temps of 16.1°C were brisk but better than the ambient temperature of 7.6°C. Carolina Routier (ESP) led out of the one-lap swim as she so often does, but two Brits were mere seconds behind – Helen Jenkins in 3rd, and Holland in sixth.

Among the lead pack Flora Duffy (BER), Ashleigh Gentle (AUS), Pamela Oliveira (BRA) and Holland all shared the load at the sharp end, while Non Stanford (GBR) had plenty to do at the front of a chase group nearly 1min back.

Click Here: cheap wests tigers jersey

Kirsten Sweetland (CAN) and Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) managed to effect a breakaway just before the end of lap two on the bike, edging a 10sec gap over the chase pack led by Stanford. Meanwhile, at the front, Flora Duffy made a break for it but was reeled back in by Oliveira. Australia’s Emma Moffat took her turn at the front, her running abilities well known to the others.

Spot the blue carpet from over #WTSEdmonton. LIVE in 5. www.triathlon http://t.co/riRXm1qKhn pic.twitter.com/kBqDcJtOMD

— World Triathlon (@worldtriathlon) September 6, 2015

Lingering surface water meant the frequent corners had to be negotiated carefully as the lead pack closed the final kilometres before T2. Germany’s Anja Knapp had a dream transition, practically flawless, but once Holland had got her running shoes on she wasted no time getting going.

Within minutes Holland had caught and overtaken Knapp, and she quickly assumed pole position with Flora Duffy just behind. There was no respite for the Bermudan though, as Holland kept her cadence high and the gap grew bigger and bigger.

Come the final stages and there could only be one result, Holland looking the best runner out there by a country mile. She crossed the line in 58:55mins, followed by Duffy and Gillian Backhouse (AUS).

Never been so cold in my life! But still all smiles for the @BritTri girls in post race anti doping #WTSEdmonton pic.twitter.com/xf9drnHs0x

— Non Stanford (@NonStanford) September 7, 2015

(Image: Rich Cruse / ITU)

What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

By Tncse

SA’s Richard Murray outruns rivals for WTS Edmonton 2015 title

May 7, 2021 | News | No Comments

There was a well-deserved win for South Africa’s Richard Murray at WTS Edmonton yesterday, showing great running strength to pull away from series leader Javier Gomez in chilly, wintry conditions.

>>> Richard Murray rules out Triple Crown challenge

Raoul Shaw (FRA) and Eric Lagerstrom (USA) led the men out of the quick 750m one-lap swim and into T1. With no time to create a gap, a group of just over 20 men formed together to make up the lead pack on the four-lap 20km bike.

Tucked safely inside the lead group were pre-race heavyweights Murray, Gomez, and Vincent Luis (FRA), while Aaron Royle (AUS) and Tom Bishop (GBR) consistently hammered away at the front.

However, their efforts weren’t enough to keep away the chasers, which included Mola, from bridging up as more than 40 men came together at the end of the third bike lap.

Britain’s Tom Bishop on the bike at WTS Edmonton

Off the bike, Murray and his South African teammate Wian Sullwald gunned to the front of the pack early on the first of three run laps. But by the end of that lap, Murray had pulled away and Gomez – who won WTS Stockholm two weeks ago followed by a bronze at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships last weekend – showed his tenacity and went with him.

Behind them, Royle ran past Sullwald in an effort to repeat his WTS Stockholm podium. But it wasn’t to be as Mola mustered up the guts to overtake the Australian on the second lap.

While Gomez stayed on Murray’s hip throughout the run, the South African was just too strong on Sunday as he lengthened his stride and pulled far enough away on the last lap to keep the reigning World Champ at a great enough distance to win the race.

A moment that stands in time …. Emotions running wild through me . @WTS_Edmonton worth ever sweat and shiver pic.twitter.com/xopbxyQsqf

— Richard Murray (@RD_murray) September 7, 2015

Gomez held the pace to keep himself in second, and Mola crossed over with the third fastest race of the day in bronze medal position. Britain’s Tom Bishop finished eleventh. Full results here.

“Javi was hanging on the whole time and I really had to give it everything,” said Murray afterwards. “I had some issues at the start of the day. I broke my swim cap, I had to give it everything in the end. My swim was much better than last year, and I managed to push hard on the bike.”

Mola meanwhile reflected on a difficult day’s work: “It’s been the toughest hour of my life. I kept thinking it wasn’t going to end. It was good for me with third. It was important for me to get a good result here to be able to fight for the World Championship in Chicago. Javi isn’t going to make it easy for me.”

WTS Edmonton elite men (750m/20km/5km)

Richard Murray

RSA