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Sudrie and Pedersen take Gerardmer XL
On a weekend in Gerardmer, France where over 4,500 athletes raced in a variety of events Axel Zeebroek had a good day in the XL [half distance] race, but it was Sylvain Sudrie who captured his fourth title in this popular French event. Zeebroek made it interesting with a run that was about 90 seconds quicker, but he just could not get past the seasoned French Pro. Ritchie Nicholls used a race best 1:16:34 to capture 3rd place.
On a weekend in Gerardmer, France where over 4,500 athletes raced in a variety of events Axel Zeebroek had a good day in the XL [half distance] race, but it was Sylvain Sudrie who captured his fourth title in this popular French event. Zeebroek made it interesting with a run that was about 90 seconds quicker, but he just could not get past the seasoned French Pro. Ritchie Nicholls used a race best 1:16:34 to capture 3rd place.
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Camilla Pedersen was on the start list for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships but the Dane decided to race closer to home. After the swim and bike Pedersen had gained an advantage over Eimear Mullan, but nothing that would allow her to go easy. Mullan ran slightly faster but it did not really make a dent into the lead of the Dane. When it was said and done Pedersen had added another title to her post accident resume. [Pedersen then went on to race the Olympic distance the next day and also was victorious there.] Mullan finished second and Alexandra Tondeur was third.
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Gerardmer XL Triathlon
Gerardmer, France / September 6, 2014
Top men
1. Sylvain Sudrie (FRA) 4:26:52
2. Axel Zeebroek (BEL) 4:27:44
3. Ritchie Nicholls (GBR) 4:29:14
4. Timothy Van Houtem (BEL) 4:34:42
5. Danino Sapunov (UKR) 4:37:56
Top women
1. Camilla Pedersen (DEN) 4:57:37
2. Eimear Mullan (IRE) 5:03:21
3. Alexandra Tondeur (BEL) 5:05:21
4. Alexandra Louison (FRA) 5:09:49
5. Kristina Ziemons (GER) 5:11:01
Wisconsin wins for Bretscher and Martin
German Konstantin Bachor not surprisingly cranked out the race best bike split, and his 4:31:14 bested the next Pros by about ten minutes, but the fastest running legs he had not. After the swim and bike Daniel Bretscher and Brandon Marsh were about even, but Bretscher found an extra gear during the run with a race best 2:50;14 marathon. Marsh finished second about a minute later and Pedro Gomes came across the line in third. For Bretscher this was his first Ironman title, plus he has the distinction to be the very last Ironman Wisconsin Pro champion. Moving forward this race along with several others will no longer offer a Pro purse.
Gerardmer, France / September 6, 2014
Top men
1. Sylvain Sudrie (FRA) 4:26:52
2. Axel Zeebroek (BEL) 4:27:44
3. Ritchie Nicholls (GBR) 4:29:14
4. Timothy Van Houtem (BEL) 4:34:42
5. Danino Sapunov (UKR) 4:37:56
Top women
1. Camilla Pedersen (DEN) 4:57:37
2. Eimear Mullan (IRE) 5:03:21
3. Alexandra Tondeur (BEL) 5:05:21
4. Alexandra Louison (FRA) 5:09:49
5. Kristina Ziemons (GER) 5:11:01
Wisconsin wins for Bretscher and Martin
German Konstantin Bachor not surprisingly cranked out the race best bike split, and his 4:31:14 bested the next Pros by about ten minutes, but the fastest running legs he had not. After the swim and bike Daniel Bretscher and Brandon Marsh were about even, but Bretscher found an extra gear during the run with a race best 2:50;14 marathon. Marsh finished second about a minute later and Pedro Gomes came across the line in third. For Bretscher this was his first Ironman title, plus he has the distinction to be the very last Ironman Wisconsin Pro champion. Moving forward this race along with several others will no longer offer a Pro purse.
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Britta Martin had a slightly more comfortable margin over Tamara Kozulina on her way to victory in Wisconsin with a final time of 9:30:08. Kozulina gave it all but had to settle for the runner-up spot. Ashley Clifford captured the third podium place. This was the second Ironman title for the German born Martin who now resides in Nelson, New Zealand.
