After Jan Frodeno’s heroics in the men’s event, Daniela Ryf came within touching distance of the women’s Iron record at the 2016 edition of Challenge Roth, with her 8:22:04 finish time just four minutes slower than Chrissie Wellington’s 2011 epic time.
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The women’s race, like the men’s, was similarly dominated by a reigning Ironman world champ from the gun in Bavaria. In front of 50,000 spectators, Ironman and 70.3 world champ Daniela Ryf exited the 3.8km swim in 48:48mins and never looked like losing her grip on the race, sitting within the top 10 men throughout.
A late entry into the race after feeling ill at Ironman Frankfurt a fortnight before Roth, Ryf was told by coach Brett Sutton to take it easy after 150km on the bike but that advice was evidently disregarded as she destroyed a women’s field including longtime Roth favourite Yvonne Van Vlerken.
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Onto the run and Ryf’s only rivals were the clock and the pro men, with the Swiss athlete sitting in eight overall by 12km. In the build-up Ryf, unlike Frodeno, had downplayed any record attempt on Chrissie Wellington’s 8:18:13 Roth record. But by halfway through the marathon it was clearly on, with Ryf looking strong and in control.
Her margin over the women’s lead chasers was 18mins by 35km on the run, but Chrissie’s record remained just out of reach as the Swiss danced across the line in 8:22:04 to post the third fastest female Iron time in history. Waiting at the finish was Chrissie herself, who has the top two spots in the Iron speed hall of fame after her exploits in Roth.
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Australia’s Carrie Lester was second, while regular Roth favourite and Dutch star Yvonne Van Vlerken came home in third. Brit pro Laura Siddall would post a PB to finish fourth in 8:51.
After Jan Frodeno’s heroics in the men’s event, Daniela Ryf came within touching distance of the women’s Iron record at the 2016 edition of Challenge Roth, with her 8:22:04 finish time just four minutes slower than Chrissie Wellington’s 2011 epic time.
Advertisement
The women’s race, like the men’s, was similarly dominated by a reigning Ironman world champ from the gun in Bavaria. In front of 50,000 spectators, Ironman and 70.3 world champ Daniela Ryf exited the 3.8km swim in 48:48mins and never looked like losing her grip on the race, sitting within the top 10 men throughout.
A late entry into the race after feeling ill at Ironman Frankfurt a fortnight before Roth, Ryf was told by coach Brett Sutton to take it easy after 150km on the bike but that advice was evidently disregarded as she destroyed a women’s field including longtime Roth favourite Yvonne Van Vlerken.
Onto the run and Ryf’s only rivals were the clock and the pro men, with the Swiss athlete sitting in eight overall by 12km. In the build-up Ryf, unlike Frodeno, had downplayed any record attempt on Chrissie Wellington’s 8:18:13 Roth record. But by halfway through the marathon it was clearly on, with Ryf looking strong and in control.
Her margin over the women’s lead chasers was 18mins by 35km on the run, but Chrissie’s record remained just out of reach as the Swiss danced across the line in 8:22:04 to post the third fastest female Iron time in history. Waiting at the finish was Chrissie herself, who has the top two spots in the Iron speed hall of fame after her exploits in Roth.
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Australia’s Carrie Lester was second, while regular Roth favourite and Dutch star Yvonne Van Vlerken came home in third. Brit pro Laura Siddall would post a PB to finish fourth in 8:51.
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JAN FRODENO (CHAMPION)
On… being the Iron record holder
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I’m feeling sore and it’s hard coming down from the high of finishing. I’ve never experienced anything like it, and it was hard not to overpace actually on Solarberg. I’m glad my ears are still intact from the crowd noise and I’ve done this bucket list race. To break a world record you need to race big or go home.
On… battles
My inner voice told me to slow down and I think I actually went too slow on the first lap. I even crashed on the second lap but still did it faster than the first. Although I’m not sure now if I can have a second child! I played with my limits a few times especially on the marathon, and I had a few darker moments but I kept my poker face on.
On… pain
Man, I was in pain but this being my fastest marathon by a long time meant I was in even more pain. There was so much relief to finally stop and when I read the time i was so happy for it. It’s a mixture of disbelief and being content.
On… the speed of Roth
On the first lap I was upset that I actually touched my brakes once. It’s been said a lot but the atmosphere here is so unique and how Roth lives and breathes this race is why the age-groupers and elite athletes count it as a favourite. You can’t buy history like this.
On… retirement
I wouldn’t know how else I’d make a living. I’m not sure if I’d come back next year or when I’ve officially retired so I can enjoy it more.
JOE SKIPPER (2ND MALE)
On… breaking the British Iron record
That was my goal to come here and do that. And to get on the podium is a dream with the field we had here so I’m over the moon. I had a tough swim and I felt like someone was trying to drown me! I did 52mins when I wanted 50mins. I also wanted 4:15hrs on the bike but was again a little slow.
On… hitting second
There’s a big of work to do on the swim, but I didn’t think I’d run that quick. I realised I might make the podium until someone told me Nils was just ahead. I thought Nils would tag onto me and it’d come down to a sprint finish so I just went for it.
On… being young for an Iron pro
I don’t think about that, but I’ll hopefully be the bride one day at racing because I keep being the bridesmaid. I’d love to come back next year to race.
DANIELA RYF (CHAMPION)
On… racing to win
I didn’t care about winning today but I just wanted to swim, bike and run out there. It wasn’t fun not finishing the race at Ironman Frankfurt, and I miss just doing a race and enjoying it. And I really did enjoy it and the spectators are great, and the bike course is the nicest I’ve ever done. I’ve heard so much about it and I’m glad I’ve done it. I swam with the boys and given my time it must have helped. It’s not often in a long-distance race that you get to enjoy it.
On… the Roth course
I heard that it’s fast but it’s definitely a great course, with uphills and then fast downhills to rest your legs.
On… Chrissie’s record
Of course it’s a motivation for me; she’s a legend and I admire how strong she was. A big respect for Jan to say he’d break the record and actually do it. Today was perfect conditions, so who knows for next time?
CARRIE LESTER (2ND FEMALE)
I had an interesting day when none of my equipment worked. I thought I charged everything but obviously hadn’t. So everything today was by feel and I didn’t know my time until the finish time. And it was a lot faster than last year. I went by instinct and picked Yvonne up at 25km and we ran together until near the end. I’ve finished third and second at Roth, so next year don’t come back Daniela! Winning Roth would be a dream.
YVONNE VAN VLERKEN (3RD FEMALE)
On… another sub-9hr finish and puking
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It was my eleventh sub-9hr finish. I should be happy with a third but… I’m a little fish rather than a big fish like the other girls. I was putting out numbers better than I ever have on the bike and I really wanted to run a 2:54hr marathon. I puked over my toes so I asked the camera man to go away! I don’t know what went wrong and felt good until I started puking! After 5mins of that I had nothing left. The conditions were the best I’ve ever had here. I’m really happy for Carrie to finish second as she’s such a sweet girl.
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JAN FRODENO (CHAMPION)
On… being the Iron record holder
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I’m feeling sore and it’s hard coming down from the high of finishing. I’ve never experienced anything like it, and it was hard not to overpace actually on Solarberg. I’m glad my ears are still intact from the crowd noise and I’ve done this bucket list race. To break a world record you need to race big or go home.
On… battles
My inner voice told me to slow down and I think I actually went too slow on the first lap. I even crashed on the second lap but still did it faster than the first. Although I’m not sure now if I can have a second child! I played with my limits a few times especially on the marathon, and I had a few darker moments but I kept my poker face on.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
On… pain
Man, I was in pain but this being my fastest marathon by a long time meant I was in even more pain. There was so much relief to finally stop and when I read the time i was so happy for it. It’s a mixture of disbelief and being content.
On… the speed of Roth
On the first lap I was upset that I actually touched my brakes once. It’s been said a lot but the atmosphere here is so unique and how Roth lives and breathes this race is why the age-groupers and elite athletes count it as a favourite. You can’t buy history like this.
On… retirement
I wouldn’t know how else I’d make a living. I’m not sure if I’d come back next year or when I’ve officially retired so I can enjoy it more.
JOE SKIPPER (2ND MALE)
On… breaking the British Iron record
That was my goal to come here and do that. And to get on the podium is a dream with the field we had here so I’m over the moon. I had a tough swim and I felt like someone was trying to drown me! I did 52mins when I wanted 50mins. I also wanted 4:15hrs on the bike but was again a little slow.
On… hitting second
There’s a big of work to do on the swim, but I didn’t think I’d run that quick. I realised I might make the podium until someone told me Nils was just ahead. I thought Nils would tag onto me and it’d come down to a sprint finish so I just went for it.
On… being young for an Iron pro
I don’t think about that, but I’ll hopefully be the bride one day at racing because I keep being the bridesmaid. I’d love to come back next year to race.
DANIELA RYF (CHAMPION)
On… racing to win
I didn’t care about winning today but I just wanted to swim, bike and run out there. It wasn’t fun not finishing the race at Ironman Frankfurt, and I miss just doing a race and enjoying it. And I really did enjoy it and the spectators are great, and the bike course is the nicest I’ve ever done. I’ve heard so much about it and I’m glad I’ve done it. I swam with the boys and given my time it must have helped. It’s not often in a long-distance race that you get to enjoy it.
On… the Roth course
I heard that it’s fast but it’s definitely a great course, with uphills and then fast downhills to rest your legs.
On… Chrissie’s record
Of course it’s a motivation for me; she’s a legend and I admire how strong she was. A big respect for Jan to say he’d break the record and actually do it. Today was perfect conditions, so who knows for next time?
CARRIE LESTER (2ND FEMALE)
I had an interesting day when none of my equipment worked. I thought I charged everything but obviously hadn’t. So everything today was by feel and I didn’t know my time until the finish time. And it was a lot faster than last year. I went by instinct and picked Yvonne up at 25km and we ran together until near the end. I’ve finished third and second at Roth, so next year don’t come back Daniela! Winning Roth would be a dream.
YVONNE VAN VLERKEN (3RD FEMALE)
On… another sub-9hr finish and puking
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It was my eleventh sub-9hr finish. I should be happy with a third but… I’m a little fish rather than a big fish like the other girls. I was putting out numbers better than I ever have on the bike and I really wanted to run a 2:54hr marathon. I puked over my toes so I asked the camera man to go away! I don’t know what went wrong and felt good until I started puking! After 5mins of that I had nothing left. The conditions were the best I’ve ever had here. I’m really happy for Carrie to finish second as she’s such a sweet girl.
Britain’s, and 220’s columnist, Lucy Gossage has successfully defended her Ironman UK title in Bolton at the weekend, while in the men’s pro race Kirill Kotsegarov was the victor.
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Fresh from the Ironman European championship in Frankfurt just 2 weeks ago, Katja Konschak, was first out of the water but was quickly wheeled in by the charging Tine Deckers (BEL) and Lucy Gossage (GBR). The pair traded the lead for the first 60 miles, after which Gossage made her move, gaining about 4 minutes as she headed out of T2. Gossage then went on to finish in a time of 09:26:05.
Tine Decker pushed hard on the run, to produce a brilliant second place finishing in 09:45:21, ahead of Katja Konschak completing the podium in 10:13:18.
This is Gossage’s third victory here, winning in 2013 and 2015. “I only entered last minute as I just couldn’t bear to miss out on racing at Ironman UK,” she said. “It is such a special race to me. The UK crowds and support can’t beat any other race.
“Tine is a world class athlete and I knew I had to be on form – you never know what’s going to happen out there but I’m really pleased with my performance. Tine had an amazing race but my course knowledge and home crowd support definitely helped me push through so I could even enjoy the run once I had built enough of a lead.””
In the men’s Romain Guillaume (FRA) Markus Thomschke (GER) Krill Kotsegarov (EST) Karl-Johan Danielson (SWE ) Andrej Vistica (CRO) and Harry Wiltshire (BBR) quickly established themselves as the contenders with Guillaume the early leader after making a break on the bike and gaining a lead of over 9 minutes.
However the chasing pack were pushing hard and by the time Romain got to T2, having lost 7 minutes, it was apparent that he wasn’t feeling well. Despite a considerable lead and enthusiastic crowds leading him out of T2, Romain was overhauled by Thomschke and Kotsegarov as the leading duo, with Danielson looking like a firm bronze contender, as Guillaume quickly withdrew from the race.
The leading pair tussled together to the half way point, when Kotsegarov made his move on a tiring Thomschke, to win in 08:41.13 and claiming his 3rd Ironman win. Thomschke held onto 2nd place finishing in 8:50:03.
But the drama wasn’t over as Andrej Vistica (CRO), who had exited T2 over 17 minutes behind the leader, made a surprise surge and the race was on for the final podium spot. Producing a blistering 02:53:00 marathon run, Vistica his way up the field, overtaking Danielson at the 33km marker to take a worthy bronze in 08:58:50.
GB’s Harry Wiltshire came 5th in a time of 09:05:35
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“It was fantastic to improve on my 3rd place performance in 2014,” said Kotsegarov. “That was a very tough bike but I was able run well. The crowds were amazing and a huge help to have their support.”
Women
1.
Gossage, Lucy
GBR
00:56:13
05:15:04
03:08:20
09:26:05
2.
Deckers, Tine
BEL
00:55:19
05:20:00
03:22:28
09:45:21
3.
Konschak, Katja
GER
00:54:02
05:53:44
03:14:44
10:13:18
4.
Godesky, Alyssa
USA
00:58:45
05:57:12
03:18:44
10:23:42
5.
Gill, Vicky
GBR
01:07:21
06:04:39
04:55:14
12:16:25
Men
1.
Kotsegarov, Kirill
EST
00:51:19
04:52:35
02:50:09
08:41:13
2.
Thomschke, Markus
GER
00:51:21
04:52:38
02:59:13
08:50:03
3.
Vistica, Andrej
CRO
00:53:25
05:04:50
02:53:36
08:58:50
4.
Danielsson, Karl-Johan
SWE
00:51:14
04:56:46
03:05:32
08:59:48
5.
Wiltshire, Harry
GBR
00:45:35
05:11:19
03:03:05
09:05:35
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Britain’s, and 220’s columnist, Lucy Gossage has successfully defended her Ironman UK title in Bolton at the weekend, while in the men’s pro race Kirill Kotsegarov was the victor.
Advertisement
Fresh from the Ironman European championship in Frankfurt just 2 weeks ago, Katja Konschak, was first out of the water but was quickly wheeled in by the charging Tine Deckers (BEL) and Lucy Gossage (GBR). The pair traded the lead for the first 60 miles, after which Gossage made her move, gaining about 4 minutes as she headed out of T2. Gossage then went on to finish in a time of 09:26:05.
Tine Decker pushed hard on the run, to produce a brilliant second place finishing in 09:45:21, ahead of Katja Konschak completing the podium in 10:13:18.
This is Gossage’s third victory here, winning in 2013 and 2015. “I only entered last minute as I just couldn’t bear to miss out on racing at Ironman UK,” she said. “It is such a special race to me. The UK crowds and support can’t beat any other race.
“Tine is a world class athlete and I knew I had to be on form – you never know what’s going to happen out there but I’m really pleased with my performance. Tine had an amazing race but my course knowledge and home crowd support definitely helped me push through so I could even enjoy the run once I had built enough of a lead.””
In the men’s Romain Guillaume (FRA) Markus Thomschke (GER) Krill Kotsegarov (EST) Karl-Johan Danielson (SWE ) Andrej Vistica (CRO) and Harry Wiltshire (BBR) quickly established themselves as the contenders with Guillaume the early leader after making a break on the bike and gaining a lead of over 9 minutes.
However the chasing pack were pushing hard and by the time Romain got to T2, having lost 7 minutes, it was apparent that he wasn’t feeling well. Despite a considerable lead and enthusiastic crowds leading him out of T2, Romain was overhauled by Thomschke and Kotsegarov as the leading duo, with Danielson looking like a firm bronze contender, as Guillaume quickly withdrew from the race.
The leading pair tussled together to the half way point, when Kotsegarov made his move on a tiring Thomschke, to win in 08:41.13 and claiming his 3rd Ironman win. Thomschke held onto 2nd place finishing in 8:50:03.
But the drama wasn’t over as Andrej Vistica (CRO), who had exited T2 over 17 minutes behind the leader, made a surprise surge and the race was on for the final podium spot. Producing a blistering 02:53:00 marathon run, Vistica his way up the field, overtaking Danielson at the 33km marker to take a worthy bronze in 08:58:50.
GB’s Harry Wiltshire came 5th in a time of 09:05:35
Advertisement
“It was fantastic to improve on my 3rd place performance in 2014,” said Kotsegarov. “That was a very tough bike but I was able run well. The crowds were amazing and a huge help to have their support.”
Women
1.
Gossage, Lucy
GBR
00:56:13
05:15:04
03:08:20
09:26:05
2.
Deckers, Tine
BEL
00:55:19
05:20:00
03:22:28
09:45:21
3.
Konschak, Katja
GER
00:54:02
05:53:44
03:14:44
10:13:18
4.
Godesky, Alyssa
USA
00:58:45
05:57:12
03:18:44
10:23:42
5.
Gill, Vicky
GBR
01:07:21
06:04:39
04:55:14
12:16:25
Men
1.
Kotsegarov, Kirill
EST
00:51:19
04:52:35
02:50:09
08:41:13
2.
Thomschke, Markus
GER
00:51:21
04:52:38
02:59:13
08:50:03
3.
Vistica, Andrej
CRO
00:53:25
05:04:50
02:53:36
08:58:50
4.
Danielsson, Karl-Johan
SWE
00:51:14
04:56:46
03:05:32
08:59:48
5.
Wiltshire, Harry
GBR
00:45:35
05:11:19
03:03:05
09:05:35
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With 401 locations nationwide, Parkrun has become a household name and one of grassroots sports’ success stories. Now tri could have its very own free companion to the 5km phenomenon with Intotri
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Intotri began life in 2015 and has since hosted six free events over junior, super sprint and sprint distances at the Elmbridge Xcel Centre in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, attracting nearly 400 athletes to date. Like Parkrun, the volunteer-run scheme sees participants create an online account before they can sign up for monthly Short (200m swim/10km bike/2.5km run), Long (400m/20km/5km) and Junior events in the summer. Intotri also provide free aquathlon events, and swim and run technique classes in the winter.
“The idea is to grow Intotri into the Parkrun of the tri world, providing communities all over the UK with opportunities to tri for free,” the co-founder Michael Burkert told 220. “So any bike will do, we use pools instead of OW swims, and participants can use the changing rooms instead of the transition zone.”
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Burkert is also upbeat about any expansion. “We’ve found local authorities generally supportive. We’re in advanced discussions with several leisure centre providers, and have secured the necessary risk sign-offs from local councils. The key is to find tri enthusiasts to run the events for us.” Head to www.intotri.com for more.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
With 401 locations nationwide, Parkrun has become a household name and one of grassroots sports’ success stories. Now tri could have its very own free companion to the 5km phenomenon with Intotri
Advertisement
Intotri began life in 2015 and has since hosted six free events over junior, super sprint and sprint distances at the Elmbridge Xcel Centre in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, attracting nearly 400 athletes to date. Like Parkrun, the volunteer-run scheme sees participants create an online account before they can sign up for monthly Short (200m swim/10km bike/2.5km run), Long (400m/20km/5km) and Junior events in the summer. Intotri also provide free aquathlon events, and swim and run technique classes in the winter.
“The idea is to grow Intotri into the Parkrun of the tri world, providing communities all over the UK with opportunities to tri for free,” the co-founder Michael Burkert told 220. “So any bike will do, we use pools instead of OW swims, and participants can use the changing rooms instead of the transition zone.”
Advertisement
Burkert is also upbeat about any expansion. “We’ve found local authorities generally supportive. We’re in advanced discussions with several leisure centre providers, and have secured the necessary risk sign-offs from local councils. The key is to find tri enthusiasts to run the events for us.” Head to www.intotri.com for more.
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Scientists from the Center for Brain Health Research at The University of Texas have found aerobic exercise has been found to improve memory
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For the study 36 sedentary adults ages 56-75 years were randomly put into either a cognitive training or a physical training group. They then followed a training programme for 12 weeks while the scientists monitored the results of their brain activity.
They found that aerobic exercise group showed increases in immediate and delayed memory performance that were not seen in the cognitive training group. The randomised trial is the first to compare cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular reactivity data obtained via MRI.
“Many adults without dementia experience slow, continuous and significant age-related changes in the brain, specifically in the areas of memory and executive function, such as planning and problem-solving,” said Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, study lead author, founder and chief director of the Center for BrainHealth, and Dee Wyly Distinguished University Professor. “We can lose 1-2 percent in global brain blood flow every decade, starting in our 20s. To see almost an 8 percent increase in brain blood flow in the cognitive training group may be seen as regaining decades of brain health since blood flow is linked to neural health.”
Those who participated in cognitive training demonstrated positive changes in executive brain function as well as a 7.9 percent increase in global brain flow compared to study counterparts who participated in an aerobic exercise program.
Each group took part in training three hours per week over 12 weeks. Neurocognitive, physiological, and MRI data were taken before, during and after training. The cognitive group received Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART), a manualised brain training developed at the Center for BrainHealth. The physical training group completed three, 60-minute sessions per week that included five minutes of warmup and cool down with 50 minutes of either walking on a treadmill or cycling on a stationary bike while maintaining 50-75 percent of maximum heart rate.
“Most people tell me that they want a better memory and notice memory changes as they get older,” said Dr. Mark D’Esposito, study co-author and professor of neuroscience and psychology, and director of the Henry H. Wheeler Jr. Brain Imaging Center at the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at the University of California, Berkeley.
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“While memory is important, executive functions such as decision-making and the ability to synthesise information are equally, if not more so, but we often take them for granted. The takeaway: aerobic activity and reasoning training are both valuable tools that give your brain a boost in different ways.”
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Scientists from the Center for Brain Health Research at The University of Texas have found aerobic exercise has been found to improve memory
Click Here: liverpool mens jersey
Advertisement
For the study 36 sedentary adults ages 56-75 years were randomly put into either a cognitive training or a physical training group. They then followed a training programme for 12 weeks while the scientists monitored the results of their brain activity.
They found that aerobic exercise group showed increases in immediate and delayed memory performance that were not seen in the cognitive training group. The randomised trial is the first to compare cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular reactivity data obtained via MRI.
“Many adults without dementia experience slow, continuous and significant age-related changes in the brain, specifically in the areas of memory and executive function, such as planning and problem-solving,” said Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, study lead author, founder and chief director of the Center for BrainHealth, and Dee Wyly Distinguished University Professor. “We can lose 1-2 percent in global brain blood flow every decade, starting in our 20s. To see almost an 8 percent increase in brain blood flow in the cognitive training group may be seen as regaining decades of brain health since blood flow is linked to neural health.”
Those who participated in cognitive training demonstrated positive changes in executive brain function as well as a 7.9 percent increase in global brain flow compared to study counterparts who participated in an aerobic exercise program.
Each group took part in training three hours per week over 12 weeks. Neurocognitive, physiological, and MRI data were taken before, during and after training. The cognitive group received Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART), a manualised brain training developed at the Center for BrainHealth. The physical training group completed three, 60-minute sessions per week that included five minutes of warmup and cool down with 50 minutes of either walking on a treadmill or cycling on a stationary bike while maintaining 50-75 percent of maximum heart rate.
“Most people tell me that they want a better memory and notice memory changes as they get older,” said Dr. Mark D’Esposito, study co-author and professor of neuroscience and psychology, and director of the Henry H. Wheeler Jr. Brain Imaging Center at the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at the University of California, Berkeley.
Advertisement
“While memory is important, executive functions such as decision-making and the ability to synthesise information are equally, if not more so, but we often take them for granted. The takeaway: aerobic activity and reasoning training are both valuable tools that give your brain a boost in different ways.”