Pre-race hype for this year’s Cannes International Triathlon centred around the return to racing of Kona 2014 champ Sebastian Kienle (GER), but it was Italy’s Giulio Molinari who romped home first, while Britain’s Leanda Cave took gold in the women’s race.
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The race is quickly building a reputation as one of the most beautiful races on the calendar thanks to its location on the French Riviera, but offers a tough bike that demands strong climbing abilities and descending nous. The long-distance edition involves a 2km swim, 80km bike and 16k run.
>>> Jan Frodeno’s 10 top tips for stepping up to iron distance
Lining up in the men’s race alongside Kienle and Molinari were Beijing 2008 gold medallist Jan Frodeno, Kona 2005 champ Faris Al Sultan, Romain Guillaume (FRA), Manuel Kueng (SUI) and Bjorn Andersson (SWE).
Frenchman Frederick Belaubre led the men out of the water and once on the bike formed a lead group with Frodeno and Andersson, while Kienle trailed by several minutes. Molinari attacked hard on the bike and arrived in T2 with a 5min lead.
Once on the run Molinari managed to keep Frodeno at bay despite some hard work by the latter, and the Italian crossed the line in 3:46:33 for victory.
Women’s race
Cave’s rivals in the women’s race included defending champ Charlotte Morel (FRA), Denmark’s Michelle Vesterby and Vanessa Raw (GBR). Cave had a slender lead coming out of the 2km two-loop swim and proceeded to build a margin of around 5mins on the tough bike course.
The 2002 Kona champion didn’t let go of her hard-won lead on the run and crossed the line in 4:18:42, with Belgium’s Alexandra Tondeur around 4mins behind. Britain’s former ITU ace Vanessa Raw overtook defending champ Morel on the run for third place.
Top ten men
1. Giulio Molinari (ITA) 3:46:33 2. Jan Frodeno (GER) 3:48:09 3. Sebastian Kienle (GER) 3:51:15 4. Romain Guillaume (FRA) 3:53:01 5. Hervé Banti (MON) 3:54:20 6. Nicolas Fernandez (FRA) 3:55:50 7. Frédéric Belaubre (FRA) 3:56:41 8. Faris Al Sultan (GER) 3:56:46 9. Kevin Runstadler (SWI) 4:03:34 10. Jérémy Morel (FRA) 4:03:52
Pre-race hype for this year’s Cannes International Triathlon centred around the return to racing of Kona 2014 champ Sebastian Kienle (GER), but it was Italy’s Giulio Molinari who romped home first, while Britain’s Leanda Cave took gold in the women’s race.
Advertisement
The race is quickly building a reputation as one of the most beautiful races on the calendar thanks to its location on the French Riviera, but offers a tough bike that demands strong climbing abilities and descending nous. The long-distance edition involves a 2km swim, 80km bike and 16k run.
>>> Jan Frodeno’s 10 top tips for stepping up to iron distance
Lining up in the men’s race alongside Kienle and Molinari were Beijing 2008 gold medallist Jan Frodeno, Kona 2005 champ Faris Al Sultan, Romain Guillaume (FRA), Manuel Kueng (SUI) and Bjorn Andersson (SWE).
Frenchman Frederick Belaubre led the men out of the water and once on the bike formed a lead group with Frodeno and Andersson, while Kienle trailed by several minutes. Molinari attacked hard on the bike and arrived in T2 with a 5min lead.
Once on the run Molinari managed to keep Frodeno at bay despite some hard work by the latter, and the Italian crossed the line in 3:46:33 for victory.
Women’s race
Cave’s rivals in the women’s race included defending champ Charlotte Morel (FRA), Denmark’s Michelle Vesterby and Vanessa Raw (GBR). Cave had a slender lead coming out of the 2km two-loop swim and proceeded to build a margin of around 5mins on the tough bike course.
The 2002 Kona champion didn’t let go of her hard-won lead on the run and crossed the line in 4:18:42, with Belgium’s Alexandra Tondeur around 4mins behind. Britain’s former ITU ace Vanessa Raw overtook defending champ Morel on the run for third place.
Top ten men
1. Giulio Molinari (ITA) 3:46:33 2. Jan Frodeno (GER) 3:48:09 3. Sebastian Kienle (GER) 3:51:15 4. Romain Guillaume (FRA) 3:53:01 5. Hervé Banti (MON) 3:54:20 6. Nicolas Fernandez (FRA) 3:55:50 7. Frédéric Belaubre (FRA) 3:56:41 8. Faris Al Sultan (GER) 3:56:46 9. Kevin Runstadler (SWI) 4:03:34 10. Jérémy Morel (FRA) 4:03:52
For almost 25 years, the Windsor Triathlon has been at the very heart of the UK multisporting scene. Starting life as part of the 220 Triathlon Series, the debut race in 1991 welcomed 250 athletes.
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Today, with both sprint and Olympic distances on offer, and a roll call of Lycra-clad greats having swum, bike and run the iconic course, Windsor now attracts a sell-out field of 2,500.
The 2014 overall sprint and 2013 Olympic-distance champion Mark Yeoman regards Windsor as his all-time favourite race: “You’ll be hard-pushed to find another race with such a stunning backdrop and atmosphere.”
>>> Windsor Triathlon’s past winners, scientifically compared
And with plenty of miles and medals notched up over the regal route, who better to provide top tips for completing Windsor? Over to Mark…
1. Transition
Besides London, Windsor has one of the biggest transitions in the country, so it’s easy to get lost and misplace your bike. Once you’ve racked on Saturday, walk your route from the swim exit to your bike and then from your bike to the bike exit.
Pick out a key feature near your bike, such as a tree or advertising sign. On the day, transition will be crowded, so having a fixed marker will help you locate your bike.
Make a note of the row to avoid getting confused. Use a permanent marker to write the row letter on the back of your hand so that, as you come out of the swim, you remember where to start looking. Knowing where you’re going will save you time.
2. The swim start
Swimming against the current can sap your energy, so reduce the resistance by swimming as close to the right side bank as you can as soon as possible. If you can’t touch the boats then you’re too far out in the middle.
>>> Windsor Triathlon changes swim route
Stay wide on the turn – and even swim a few metres beyond – so that you can swing across using the current. On the return back down the river, swim closer to the middle and allow the current to aid you.
3. Balance the bike
If you can, ride the course in the weeks before the race so that you’ll be able to understand its testing profile. The rolling course will take its toll, especially the famous drift road. This undulating section will give you speed but then takes it away, so balance your effort accordingly.
4. Measured run
The three laps up to Windsor Castle will hurt, so look to be respectful on the first lap, settle into your natural rhythm on the second lap and then give everything you have for the final lap. But always remember to save a little energy to smile as you run through the finish line for that all-important picture.
For almost 25 years, the Windsor Triathlon has been at the very heart of the UK multisporting scene. Starting life as part of the 220 Triathlon Series, the debut race in 1991 welcomed 250 athletes.
Advertisement
Today, with both sprint and Olympic distances on offer, and a roll call of Lycra-clad greats having swum, bike and run the iconic course, Windsor now attracts a sell-out field of 2,500.
The 2014 overall sprint and 2013 Olympic-distance champion Mark Yeoman regards Windsor as his all-time favourite race: “You’ll be hard-pushed to find another race with such a stunning backdrop and atmosphere.”
>>> Windsor Triathlon’s past winners, scientifically compared
And with plenty of miles and medals notched up over the regal route, who better to provide top tips for completing Windsor? Over to Mark…
1. Transition
Besides London, Windsor has one of the biggest transitions in the country, so it’s easy to get lost and misplace your bike. Once you’ve racked on Saturday, walk your route from the swim exit to your bike and then from your bike to the bike exit.
Pick out a key feature near your bike, such as a tree or advertising sign. On the day, transition will be crowded, so having a fixed marker will help you locate your bike.
Make a note of the row to avoid getting confused. Use a permanent marker to write the row letter on the back of your hand so that, as you come out of the swim, you remember where to start looking. Knowing where you’re going will save you time.
2. The swim start
Swimming against the current can sap your energy, so reduce the resistance by swimming as close to the right side bank as you can as soon as possible. If you can’t touch the boats then you’re too far out in the middle.
>>> Windsor Triathlon changes swim route
Stay wide on the turn – and even swim a few metres beyond – so that you can swing across using the current. On the return back down the river, swim closer to the middle and allow the current to aid you.
3. Balance the bike
If you can, ride the course in the weeks before the race so that you’ll be able to understand its testing profile. The rolling course will take its toll, especially the famous drift road. This undulating section will give you speed but then takes it away, so balance your effort accordingly.
The three laps up to Windsor Castle will hurt, so look to be respectful on the first lap, settle into your natural rhythm on the second lap and then give everything you have for the final lap. But always remember to save a little energy to smile as you run through the finish line for that all-important picture.
Are you racing at this year’s Windsor Triathlon? Let us know in the comments below!
With Challenge Roth slots selling out in a matter of seconds each year, this will be welcome news for everyone dreaming of taking part in arguably the world’s best-spectated triathlon – the organisers have put 25 new race spots up for grabs.
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>>> Bracht and Carfrae take Challenge Roth 2014
There are 10 slots available at each half distance race and 15 at each full distance race, to be awarded to the athletes who are judged the best ambassadors for other Challenge events they are racing at around the world. This could be through their social media activity, charity fundraising or other activity as defined by the individual races.
Challenge CEO Zibi Szlufcik said: “We want to ensure that athletes of all abilities are able to enjoy the memorable life experience that is Roth – who can forget the roar of Solar Hill or the unequalled spectacle of the finish line? We look forward to working with all our races to making the dreams of triathletes around the world come true!”
Further details on how athletes can win the Challenge Roth slots will be revealed by the individual races over the next few weeks, as well as through Challenge Family’s social media channels and website.
For more information, visit www.challenge-family.com.
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Have you got a spot at Challenge Roth already? Let us know in the comments!
With Challenge Roth slots selling out in a matter of seconds each year, this will be welcome news for everyone dreaming of taking part in arguably the world’s best-spectated triathlon – the organisers have put 25 new race spots up for grabs.
Advertisement
>>> Bracht and Carfrae take Challenge Roth 2014
There are 10 slots available at each half distance race and 15 at each full distance race, to be awarded to the athletes who are judged the best ambassadors for other Challenge events they are racing at around the world. This could be through their social media activity, charity fundraising or other activity as defined by the individual races.
Challenge CEO Zibi Szlufcik said: “We want to ensure that athletes of all abilities are able to enjoy the memorable life experience that is Roth – who can forget the roar of Solar Hill or the unequalled spectacle of the finish line? We look forward to working with all our races to making the dreams of triathletes around the world come true!”
Further details on how athletes can win the Challenge Roth slots will be revealed by the individual races over the next few weeks, as well as through Challenge Family’s social media channels and website.
For more information, visit www.challenge-family.com.
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Have you got a spot at Challenge Roth already? Let us know in the comments!
Six-time Ironman world champ and triathlon legend Dave Scott is visiting the UK this summer and we’re working with award-winning wetsuit manufacturer Huub to offer 220 readers two chances to train with him for free.
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The first date for your diary is 11 June 2015, when we’ll be hosting an open-water swim training session close to Burton-on-Trent with a pub Q&A afterwards.
Then on 12 June 2015, you’ll have the chance to join Dave for a gym session and Q&A at the newly-opened Royles store in Manchester.
Keep an eye on the 220 Triathlon news pages and @220triathlon on Twitter and we’ll be releasing more info soon. Or to register your interest, send an email to [email protected].
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For more information on Huub’s range of triathlon products visit their website.
Six-time Ironman world champ and triathlon legend Dave Scott is visiting the UK this summer and we’re working with award-winning wetsuit manufacturer Huub to offer 220 readers two chances to train with him for free.
Advertisement
The first date for your diary is 11 June 2015, when we’ll be hosting an open-water swim training session close to Burton-on-Trent with a pub Q&A afterwards.
Then on 12 June 2015, you’ll have the chance to join Dave for a gym session and Q&A at the newly-opened Royles store in Manchester.
Keep an eye on the 220 Triathlon news pages and @220triathlon on Twitter and we’ll be releasing more info soon. Or to register your interest, send an email to [email protected].
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For more information on Huub’s range of triathlon products visit their website.
Alistair Brownlee will make his 2015 World Triathlon Series debut in Cape Town this Sunday, and the quality field will ensure it’s going to be a very tricky return.
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With brother Jonny missing Cape Town having won the Auckland and Gold Coast WTS races back-to-back, the traditional Ali Brownlee and Javier Gomez rivalry will resume, with this race earmarked as the one to potentially put Gomez back on top of the world series rankings. Brownlee will be competing in his first WTS race since winning the 2014 Grand Final in Edmonton, and will be looking to pick up maximum points this weekend. Mario Mola will also race, and his blistering run splits so far in 2015 will surely make him a contender to take the tape.
The South African contingent is lead by Richard Murray, who will be looking to capitalise on competing on home soil. Henri Schoemann will also compete, and three other South Africans have also made the start list.
No other British athletes are lining up, but Joao Silva (POR) Vincent Luis (FRA) Igor and Dmitry Polyanskiy (RUS) and Fernando Alarza (ESP) add to a very strong men’s field. Full start list.
The Olympic-distance race will begin in chilly waters with a two-lap swim, followed by a flat technical bike leg and fast 10km run starting and finishing at Green Point athletics stadium. The men’s race will start at 2.55pm local time (1.55pm UK time) on Sunday 26 April.
UK viewers can watch live on the BBC’s Red Button service, or on triathlonlive.tv.
Women’s race
Last year’s Cape Town race was a British one-two, and also the last time Gwen Jorgensen was defeated in a WTS series event. This year only Helen Jenkins from the 2014 podium will be competing, leaving the field wide open. Katie Zafires of USA has more 2015 podium finishes than any other athlete in the field, but much is expected of versatile Bermudan Flora Duffy, who also won the Xterra Asia-Pacific championships on April 18. Whether Duffy has taken too much out of herself with her busy schedule so far remains to be seen, but strong bike skills are expected to put her in contention.
With Jenkins’ form hard to predict after returning from a long-term foot injury, a strong American contingent competing and Olympic champion Nicola Spirig lining up, picking a winner is an impossible task.
Other British athletes lining up are Vicky Holland and the improving Emma Pallant. Other top athletes include Sarah True (USA) Rachel Klamer (NED) and Anne Haug (GER). Full start list.
The women’s race will get underway on Saturday 25 April at 2.55pm local time (1.55pm UK time). UK viewers can watch live on the BBC’s Red Button service, or on triathlonlive.tv.
For updates and race coverage follow us on Twitter (@220Triathlon) and keep an eye on the website for full race reports and photo galleries.
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Who do you think will claim the Cape this weekend? Let us know in the comments!
Alistair Brownlee will make his 2015 World Triathlon Series debut in Cape Town this Sunday, and the quality field will ensure it’s going to be a very tricky return.
Advertisement
With brother Jonny missing Cape Town having won the Auckland and Gold Coast WTS races back-to-back, the traditional Ali Brownlee and Javier Gomez rivalry will resume, with this race earmarked as the one to potentially put Gomez back on top of the world series rankings. Brownlee will be competing in his first WTS race since winning the 2014 Grand Final in Edmonton, and will be looking to pick up maximum points this weekend. Mario Mola will also race, and his blistering run splits so far in 2015 will surely make him a contender to take the tape.
The South African contingent is lead by Richard Murray, who will be looking to capitalise on competing on home soil. Henri Schoemann will also compete, and three other South Africans have also made the start list.
No other British athletes are lining up, but Joao Silva (POR) Vincent Luis (FRA) Igor and Dmitry Polyanskiy (RUS) and Fernando Alarza (ESP) add to a very strong men’s field. Full start list.
The Olympic-distance race will begin in chilly waters with a two-lap swim, followed by a flat technical bike leg and fast 10km run starting and finishing at Green Point athletics stadium. The men’s race will start at 2.55pm local time (1.55pm UK time) on Sunday 26 April.
UK viewers can watch live on the BBC’s Red Button service, or on triathlonlive.tv.
Women’s race
Last year’s Cape Town race was a British one-two, and also the last time Gwen Jorgensen was defeated in a WTS series event. This year only Helen Jenkins from the 2014 podium will be competing, leaving the field wide open. Katie Zafires of USA has more 2015 podium finishes than any other athlete in the field, but much is expected of versatile Bermudan Flora Duffy, who also won the Xterra Asia-Pacific championships on April 18. Whether Duffy has taken too much out of herself with her busy schedule so far remains to be seen, but strong bike skills are expected to put her in contention.
With Jenkins’ form hard to predict after returning from a long-term foot injury, a strong American contingent competing and Olympic champion Nicola Spirig lining up, picking a winner is an impossible task.
Other British athletes lining up are Vicky Holland and the improving Emma Pallant. Other top athletes include Sarah True (USA) Rachel Klamer (NED) and Anne Haug (GER). Full start list.
The women’s race will get underway on Saturday 25 April at 2.55pm local time (1.55pm UK time). UK viewers can watch live on the BBC’s Red Button service, or on triathlonlive.tv.
For updates and race coverage follow us on Twitter (@220Triathlon) and keep an eye on the website for full race reports and photo galleries.
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Who do you think will claim the Cape this weekend? Let us know in the comments!