Boris Stein and Yvonne Van Vlerken are the 2013 Sparkasse Challenge Kraichgau champions and here is a race day gallery that captures the event.


All images © Karsten Täschner

Nervous anticipation before the start of the 2013 Sparkasse Challenge Kraichgau.

After a weather delay it was finally time to get into the water.

The first wave that included all the elite athletes is off.

An age group wave is awaiting their start.

Dylan McNeice was first on the bike but hit the deck early on.

German Olympian Maik Petzold cruising through the streets of Kraichgau.

Timo Bracht likely did not have the day he wanted, but third overall is certainly not shabby.

Andreas Raelert was not on a roll in Kraichgau.

Austrian resident Yvonne Van Vlerken raced a smart and efficient race.

Jenny Schulz on her way to third place.

This very colorful blur is Natascha Schmitt wo ended up in fourth place.

The fifth place in Kraichgau went to Laura Philipp.

Julian Mutterer on course.

It is easy to forget to hydrate in overcast conditions, but that is not the case here.

Boris Stein took over the lead on the bike and held it to the finish. He is the new German Middle Distance champion.

Maik Petzold on the way to second place.

The final podium spot in the men's race went to Timo Bracht.

The 2013 Sprakasse Challenge Kraichgau champion Yvonne Van Vlerken.

Julia Gajer finished second in Kraichgau but earned the German Middle Distance title.

Andreas Raelert hung tough to finish 21st. He had a dental operation just a few days earlier and was questionable.