World triathlon champion Frederik van Lierde (Belgium) has left his mark on the premiere event of the ISOSTAR EXTREME MAN DÜREN Triathlon by MAXMO. The 35-year-old Belgian won the half-distance in and around Duerener Badesee and the cycling course into the Eifel region by leading from the start in 3:54:53 hours, ahead of German Fabian Rahn (4:03:02hrs) and his Belgian compatriot Tim Jacobs (4:06:15hrs). “It was really tough. The location here at Dueren is simply made for a triathlon; the course is great but also demanding, and the organisation was really good for a premiere event”, said van Lierde, who took the race at Dueren as preparation for the Ironman Frankfurt.
The women’s event ended much closer than the men’s. At the finish just seven seconds decided the race between winning Dutchwoman Karlijn van der Burg (4:51:00hrs) and German Myriam Klein (4:51:07hrs). German Birgit Jacobi (4:55:45hrs) took third place.
A total of about 350 triathletes – the majority being hobby athletes – from more than ten nations competed in the half-distance with 1.9km swimming, 84km cycling and the concluding half marathon. More than ten relays were also held. Dueren’s Mayor Paul Lane was the patron of the event.
“We are quite happy with our inaugural event and received a lot of praise from the athletes. Of course there are always a few things to be optimised and improved. But we will work on that with regard to the next event in 2015”, said Sonja Oberem from the organising team of the ISOSTAR EXTREME MAN DÜREN Triathlon by MAXMO.
The social programme included a „Pasta Party“ on the eve of the competition and a two-day Triathlon Exposition with numerous regional and the triathlon sport companies presenting their products on site at the Badesee.
Further information, results and pictures at www.extreme-man.com