Corinne Abraham has won today’s Ironman Germany, which is also the European Championship. It is her second full Ironman victory after her last year's win in Melbourne. Clocking in at 08:52:40, Corinne Abraham edged out comfortably Liz Lyles (USA; 08:56:36) and Gina Crawford (New Zealand; 08:58:06) for the win in Frankfurt. While Corinne celebrated her win, Ronnie Schildknecht finished fourth in an impressive field.
Corinne started the sunny day in Frankfurt with a controlled swim. She came out of the water in 11th position, 7 minutes behind swim leader Jodie Swallow. During the bike leg Corinne started to catch up with a good pace and moved into 2nd position entering T2 1'58" behind Jodie Swallow. During the run, Corinne started chasing Jodie Swallow and caught her halfway, she kept a steady pace and finished with a comfortable lead of more than 4' for a convincing second Ironman win. A well paced race led to her well-deserved first European title.
Delighted and very happy
Corinne Abraham has put Frankfurt as one of the highlights of her season. “I am delighted and very happy with the result. It was fantastic to run as first with so many people. This victory is the best way to say thanks to the team, the sponsors and all the people that support me. I am very grateful for their support." Corinne managed to divide her race well: "After the swim, I did not know my position, but I stayed calm. I knew there were faster girls than me. I worked really hard on the bike and felt the result of the training in Lanzarote. I tried to catch up the time I lost during the swim leg. The run went well, I tried to control my lead and to keep a safe gap on the girls chasing me. I was only sure when I passed the finish line".
Ronnie Schildknecht 4rd in European Championship
Ronnie Schildknecht also competed today. He finished fourth in the Ironman Germany with a 8:12:08 finish. Sebastian Kienle took the title with a time of 07:55:14, Frederik Van Lierde (Belgium; 08:00:25) and Jan Frodeno (Germany; 08:07:05) completed the podium.
The Frankfurt Ironman counted as an important check with some other strong contenders, with Sebastian Kienle, Andreas Raelert and Frederik Van Lierde amongst them.
Ronnie came out the water in the 18th position after 49:54 at 4'15" from Jan Frodeno. During the bike leg Ronnie moved up to the fifth place. He finished the bike leg in 4:29:56 while Sebastian Kienle broke the race record with a time of 4:12:13. With the second fastest marathon in the race Ronnie moved up to a strong 4th place. Sebastian Kienle, who also broke the race record, and Frederik Van Lierde were too strong today.
Beaten up, but very happy.
"I feel beaten up, but very happy. In a normal race you would be disappointed with a 4th place but the level of the European Championship speaks for itself, with 2 world champions and an Olympic champion. My season so far was not so good, so this result is good for the soul. I feel I am still progressing, I felt good the last 2 weeks."
"My swimming was OK, only 4 minutes behind Jan Frodeno. The bike went quite well, I can do better than 4:29 but for today this was the maximum. During the run I felt tired. I started in the 6th place at a good pace. I stayed calm because the marathon is decided in the second half. Halfway the marathon I moved up to the 4th position. I knew that Frodeno was too far away and with the points in mind I tried to keep that position. Running the marathon in 2:49 is good. This is a solid result, I feel I can still improve. Of course I hope I have enough points for Kona."
Ironman Frankfurt
Men…………………….......Women
1.Sebi Kienle 7:55:14…...........1.Corinne Abraham 8:52:40
2.Freddy Van Lierde +5:10….....2.Liz Lyles +3:54
3.Jan Frodeno +11:51……...........3.Gina Crawford +5:24
4.Ronnie Schildknecht +17:38…...4.Kristin Moller +9:35
5.Alessandro Degasperi +24:30…..5.Amy Marsh +14:04