Triathlon in Germany is back at last. After a forced break in 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 1 500 professional and age group athletes celebrated the 19th edition of the Mainova IRONMAN European Championship Frankfurt. A day which saw Patrik Nilsson (SWE) crowned IRONMAN European Champion, finishing in a time of 07:59:21.
The race started with a beautiful swim start at Langener Waldsee, where athletes completed a 3.8km swim followed by a 185km bike in and around Frankfurt. The run portion of the race consisted of a marathon along the banks of the Main River with a stunning view of the skyline.
"Finally, triathlon again! We are extremely happy that we could finally offer our professional and age group athletes the opportunity to fulfil their sporting dreams again. It is simply wonderful when the familiar words 'YOU ARE AN IRONMAN' can be heard over the Römerberg. Congratulations to all the athletes who showed mental and physical endurance. I am especially proud of the entire IRONMAN team, who have worked tirelessly over the last few months to make the event a reality under strict health and safety protocols," said Oliver Schiek, Managing Director of IRONMAN Germany GmbH.
Patrik Nilsson (SWE) shared the same sentiment, commenting upon finishing his extraordinary race after a tight podium battle, "It's so wonderful to finally be back on the start line. Although there weren't big crowds at the run course as in the previous years, the atmosphere was wonderful and really carried you to the Römerberg.”
1 Patrik Nilsson SWE 7:59:21
2 Kristian Hogenhaug DNK +0:56
3 David McNamee GBR +3:07
4 Pieter Heemeryck BEL +7:50
5 Franz Loeschke DEU +8:10