Challenging course at Ironman 70.3 Pays d’Aix
The European season was really kicked off past weekend with the first Ironman 70.3 race of the year in France.
Among other things, the region around Aix en Provence is famous for its excellent training conditions.
Competition was tough, because pros and amateurs were already hunting for points and slots for the 70.3 World Championship in Zell am See in August.
Experienced Scotsman Fraser Cartmell – who was already training in nearby Girona for a few weeks and returns to the famous training destination right after the race – has already competed in Challenge Dubai and Ironman South Africa earlier this year.
Knowing, that the field was top-class, Fraser exited the water in 5th place and rode within the main group on the bike leg for much of the distance but lost contact over the final Col towards the end of the 90k loop.
After holding a fairly steady run pace, he finished in 13th position, which he’s not 100 % happy with.
Fraser Cartmell raced in his customized Free Sanremo Suit SS, a one piece race suit tailor-made for half and full distance Ironman races. It pairs exceptional wearing comfort with perfect aerodynamics.
Pewag racingteam sent young Austrian Thomas Steger to France. Thomas – who joined the team at the beginning of the year – will focus on half distance races this year with the main goal to qualify for the 70.3 World Championship near his hometown. He put on a brave show, finished 9th and gained valuable points for the Zell am See points ranking. Even though, the Austrian wasn’t satisfied at all with his performance.
Thomas Steger wore Castelli’s Free Tri ITU Suit for his Team Pewag race premiere.
In the women’s field, Castelli was represented by German Evi Neuscheler who finished in 9th position. She used this race to prepare for her first season highlight Ironman Lanzarote on May 23.
Thanks to Fraser Cartmell for his words and images.
Photo Thomas Steger: © Trimax Hebdo