Full of energy, Spanish competitor Zamora achieved an impressive performance. Four hours and twelve minutes to reach the peaks of the half triathlon. Right under the nose of Belgian Luc Van Lierde, deeply disappointed by his result. Just two minutes and a few seconds separated them, enough to demote the former world champion.
Yet nothing was decided in advance. The Catalan and the Austrian ran neck and neck lap after lap, with Luc Van Lierde just behind them. Van Lierde gained a lead of a few seconds during the swim over Zamora. Coming out of the water, they were nearly tied on the bike. The thrill of victory? A burst of hunger? During the run, the Belgian handed the Spaniard a nice two-minute lead and a nonchalant victory. Zamora crossed the finish line at a walk. He joins the galaxy of Spanish stars, after Fernando Alonso in Formula 1 and FC Valencia.
According to predictions, Marcel Zamora should win the world triathlon in Hawaii. Modest, the athlete only hopes to finish in the top ten places. “It was a great race that proved to me that I can also win in Hawaii. But I’m going there relaxed, just to see. Anyway, I’m young. If I lose, I’ll come back the following year,” he announced at the end of the race. For Van Lierde, on the other hand, Hawaii is an opportunity to regain his former level. He too hopes to be in the top 10.
Austrian Norbert Domnik created a sensation. An established champion in his country, he could hardly believe his ears at the announcement of the final result. “I’m very surprised to be in second place. I didn’t think I’d go that fast,” he said, looking delighted. “Actually, I just matched Marcel’s pace as he was running ahead.” By just a few seconds, Domnik edged out a breathless Van Lierde in the half-marathon. The athlete thus promises new surprises during his participation in Florida and Hawaii.
The women’s competition was equally thrilling. In the morning gloom, the three favorites, Karin Thürig, Michelle Dillon and Clarika Csemar immediately broke away from the rest of the women. All were determined. All motivated. The places were decided based on self-confidence.
Like a bulldozer, Karin Thürig quickly overtook the others. Jaw clenched, body tense like a bow, she left the other winners far behind. Five minutes ahead of Michelle Dillon, eleven over Clarika Csemar.
The Swiss woman set a new personal record. Without knowing the course and in unfavorable weather conditions. “I was a bit surprised by the bike circuit. I didn’t think it was so steep. Plus, I was cold,” she admitted.
Much to the chagrin of the race’s biggest favorite. Clarika Csemar, third in the final, seriously lacked confidence during the run. “At one point, I couldn’t see the girls anymore. That really discouraged me,” she regretted.
Whether it was the gloomy weather or the early hour, but the spectators failed to show up. A few young people coming out of nightclubs, a handful of athletes, the relatives of the competitors… The grandstands at the finish line were deserted. The organization aimed too high for this race. The journalists were thus able to take advantage of the whistles and “bangers” distributed by the hostesses to cheer on the athletes.
IRONMAN MONACO 70.3 RANKINGS:
Monaco Ironman 70.3 MEN
1. Marcel Zamora-Perez (ESP) 4:12:14
2. Norbert Domnik (AUT) 4:14:10
3. Luc Van Lierde (BEL) 4:14:37
4. Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) 4:14:51
5. Kieran Doe (NZL) 4:15:21
Monaco Ironman 70.3 WOMEN
1. Karin Thürig (SUI) 4:41:37
2. Michelle Dillon (GBR) 4:47:03
3. Erika Csomor (HUN) 4:52:00
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