Rain didn’t seem to be an issue for Germany’s Andreas Boecherer and France's Manon Genet at IRONMAN 70.3 Pays d’Aix. Those two took the wins in the men’s and women’s race, thanks to consistent performances despite heavy rainy and cool weather. Boecherer proved his outstanding talent at the half distance and established in his victory in France. Coming out of the water in fifth, he sailed away after about a third of the bike course. The rain was pouring when the 35-year old opened up a decisive gap on the bike. Boecherer nailed a sub-2:10 split and had a six-minute lead going onto the run. A solid sub-1:15 half marathon was more than enough to control this early-season victory ahead of Denis Chevrot (FRN).
For many, Genet's win was unexpected in the women’s race. The 28-year-old was able to hold-off Austria’s Lisa Huetthaler both on the bike and on the run to take home a the win. After ranking fifth here last year, Genet was able to put the hammer down for her first IRONMAN 70.3 victory. Her win backed up her top five finish at the IRONMAN African Championship in Port Elizabeth.
Top 5 Pro Men
1 Boecherer, Andi DEU 3:53:09
2 Chevrot, Denis FRA 3:58:27
3 Maurel, Kevin FRA 3:58:43
4 Buckingham, Mark GBR 3:59:23
5 Herbst, Marcus DEU 3:59:45
Top 5 Pro Women
1 Genet, Manon FRA 4:24:22
2 Huetthaler, Lisa AUT 4:27:08
3 Landridge, Fenella GBR 4:28:24
4 Gossage, Lucy GBR 4:31:44
5 Bracegirdle, Sonia NZL 4:40:59