Mirinda Carfrae triumphed at Challenge Roth
Triple Ironman Hawaii world champion Mirinda Carfrae never did a long distance race in Europe before. For her first appearance she decided on racing the 30th anniversary of classic Challenge Roth, a triathlon with a long history and probably one of the most popular tri events all over the world. The whole region of “Landkreis Roth” is celebrating this race year by year and the support of locals and volunteers is unique. More than 200.000 spectators cheered for the athletes and the slogan “We are Family” isn’t just an empty platitude.
Conditions were Kona-like with temperatures up to 35°C as the day progresses.
But one thing at a time: Athletes were released in 16 waves starting at 06:30 with all the Pros and some top age group athletes. What’s special about this is that the swim is held in the canal of Main-Danube. Orientation – sometimes a challenge for open water swims – isn’t a big issue.
Mirinda – who arrived about ten days before race day – was a bit in doubt about her shape at this time of the year since she never did a long distance race at that moment. Understandably enough her training is absolutely focused on Kona and breaking the mold was a bit risky.
Her sophisticated stately and great pacing resulted in a battle against defending champion Caroline Steffen and British Rachel Joyce.
Rinny – always placed within top 5 during swim and bike – was flying on the run and at around 30km into the marathon she moved into the lead.
The quickest women marathon of 2:53:27 has been the key to success culminated in a new long distance PB.
After finishing at the “Festplatz” in Roth, she spoke of a ‘lifetime experience’ and was delighted with all the crowds especially at hot spots like ‘Solarer Hill’ and ‘Kalvarienberg’.
Women Top 3:
1. Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) 8:38:53
2. Rachel Joyce (GBR) 8:42:25
3. Caroline Steffen (SUI) 8:48:42
Charity relay:
Castelli athlete Andreas Raelert was part of a charity relay and tackled the swim (0:48:26).
The bike leg was done by German biathlon superstar Andreas Birnbacher – equipped with customized Castelli Free Top and Tri Shorts – in impressive 4:28:55.
Runner Thomas Förster rounded out the race for a good cause with a 3:29:43 rund split and secured 10th place overall within the relay competition.
Andreas Birnbacher in his customized Castelli Free Tri kit.
