>>> Hawkins and Faux win Outlaw Half 2014

Karl Alexander completed the 1900m swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run in 4:15:19 to win by less than two minutes. Suzie Richards convincingly won the women’s event despite it being her first attempt at a middle distance triathlon.

Alexander, who is based in High Wycombe, finished third last year, but leapfrogged his rivals, Ian Turner and Paul Hawkins, to win the race this year.

He said: “Today was very tough. The head wind in places was brutal which meant you were working really hard. But it’s a great atmosphere here.

“Even on a day like today when the weather wasn’t great, people’s spirits were high and you just have to look around the lake to see that everyone is still up for it and enjoying it.” He added that he will definitely be back for the iron-distance Outlaw in July, and the half again next year. 

Defending winner and course record holder Paul Hawkins was the early leader, but was disappointed to have to withdraw after the first lap of the run. He will also be back for the Outlaw Triathlon on 26 July.

Women’s race

The women’s event was dominated by Leeds-based Suzie Richards. She said: “Stepping up the distance was hard and completely different. I had to keep a lid on it at the start and on the bike because compared to the short races you feel like you’re going really slow, when really you’ve got a long way to go.”

Suzie Richards takes a convincing win at the Outlaw Half 2015

Richards’ winning margin was fifteen minutes over Elaine Garvican. Olympic silver medal winning Modern Pentathlete Heather Fell finished fourth in her first ever triathlon, posting a strong finishing time of 5:13:55.

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“I’m surprised with my time, particularly when I was on the bike,” said Fell afterwards. “I’d like to try to get under five hours on another half, but the full would just be another ball game!

I did it! Finished/survived my 1st ever #triathlon @OutlawTriathlon 70.3 still smiling despite the gross weather☔️

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In the women’s Columbia Threadneedle Rankings, Gwen Jorgensen has built up 4000pts thanks to five wins in five races this season, her latest win being London just a few days ago.

Her nearest rivals are fellow American Katie Zaferes (3645pts) and New Zealand’s Andrea Hewitt (2910pts), while fast-rising US athlete Sarah True is fourth with 2632pts. In fact, the Stars and Stripes have now earned 12 of the 18 women’s medals awarded in WTS races so far this season.

Jorgensen isn’t expected to race at the next three WTS races in Hamburg, Stockholm or Edmonton, instead saving her strength for the final in Chicago this September. This means Zaferes could win the series if she were to win the Grand Final and Jorgensen finishes outside the top five.

The only Brit in the top-10 is Vicky Holland (1386pts), whose efforts earned her a win in Cape Town. Other Brits include 2013 world champ Non Stanford in 38th place with 567pts, Helen Jenkins in 43rd with 501pts, super swimmer Lucy Hall in 48th with 409pts, WTS debutante Emma Pallant in 49th with 397pts, and last year’s title contender Jodie Stimpson in 49th (230pts).

Special mention should go to Sophie Coldwell, who had a day to remember at her WTS initiation in London last weekend: she put in a strong swim and cycle to be among the lead group of seven going into T2, then blew through transition so fast she led all athletes onto the run, eventually finishing 27th. The final British lady is Jessica Learmonth, who’s in 81st position with 83pts.

1st – Gwen Jorgensen (USA) 4000
2nd – Katie Zaferes (USA) 3645
3rd – Andrea Hewitt (NZL) 2910
4th – Sarah True (USA) 2632
5th – Barbara Riveros (CHI) 2100
6th – Aileen Reid (IRL) 2078
7th – Emma Moffat (AUS) 1710
8th – Vendula Frintova (CZE) 1414
9th – Lindsey Jerdonek (USA) 1387
10th – Vicky Holland (GBR) 1386 

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Biggest rankings mover: Katrien Verstuyft (BEL) – from 81st to 56th (265 points)
Highest new entry to rankings: Sophie Corbridge (NZL) – 51st (367 points)

Men’s standings

After his antics in London last weekend, Alistair Brownlee now has 2340pts and sits in fifth place – despite only having raced three times so far this season. Younger brother Jonny is in seventh place with 2186pts, thanks to his two wins (Gold Coast and Auckland) in four races so far. Jonny also took fifth in season opener Abu Dhabi, while a puncture in London meant he finished a disappointing 42nd.

Series leader to date is 2014 champ Javier Gomez (ESP) who has amassed 3507pts from five races – though has only won one of them (Yokohama), an unusually low strike rate by his standards. Spain’s Mario Mola (2979pts) and Fernando Alarza (2961pts) round out the top three. South Africa’s Richard Murray is also enjoying a strong season, sitting in fourth with 2340pts thanks to three top-five finishes (Gold Coast, Cape Town and London).

Other Brits include Adam Bowden in 20th position with 865pts, Mark Buckingham in 26th with 710pts, Gordon Benson in 47th with 374pts, Tom Bishop (who fought valiantly in London to tow Jonny Brownlee back into contention after his puncture) in 53rd place with 314pts, and Grant Sheldon in 98th position with 45pts.

1st – Javier Gomez Noya (ESP) 3507
2nd – Mario Mola (ESP) 2979
3rd – Fernando Alarza (ESP) 2961
4th – Richard Murray (RSA) 2490
5th – Alistair Brownlee (GBR) 2340
6th – Ryan Bailie (AUS) 2305
7th – Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) 2186
8th – Vincent Luis (FRA) 2110
9th – Crisanto Grajales (MEX) 2015
10th – Sven Riederer (SUI) 1750

Biggest rankings mover: Dorian Coninx (FRA) – from 57th to 25th (739 points)
Highest new entry to rankings: Ryan Fisher (AUS) – 73rd (133 points)

The next stop on the World Triathlon Series is Hamburg, Germany on July 18th over the sprint distance, where Jodie Stimpson is expected to make her long-awaited return to the WTS circuit after injury. The full WTS calendar can be found here.

The full Columbia Threadneedle Rankings can be accessed here. 

(Images: Ross Grieve / Dirty Green Trainers)

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Who do you think will win this year’s series? Let us know in the comments below!

6x Ironman world champ Dave Scott will be visiting the UK next week on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th June 2015 and here at 220 Triathlon we have a limited number of places in the sessions below, arranged thanks to HUUB and Royles with Total Fitness.

Demand will be high, so if you are interested email [email protected] with your name, contact details and a list of the events you are interested in. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and are free of charge.

Session 1: Dave Scott, The Legend
Thursday 11th June, 8pm-10:30pm
The Great Northern, Station Road, Mickleover, Derby DE3 9FB
Every wondered how Dave Scott got started as a triathlete? Or what it really took to achive those six Ironman world titles? This your chance to find out… HUUB and 220 Triathlon will be hosting an informal evening with the triathlon legend as he talks you through his career as an athlete and a coach, with time to chat and ask him your questions over drinks afterwards!

Session 2: Swim Coaching with Dave Scott
Friday 12th June, 11am-12:30pm
Royles at Total Fitness, Wilmslow Way, Wilmslow SK9 3PE
Hone your swim technique in a coached session with Dave Scott at one of the UK’s premier fitness complexes. Hosted by Royles, one of the UK’s leading multisport retailers, we’ll have lanes available for a limited number of 220 readers to have group tuition from Dave in which he’ll help you work on your technique and answer questions on all things open-water related, from how to draft effectively to how to adapt your stroke for the rigours of Ironman. Bring your swim kit!

Session 3: Strength and Conditioning for Tri, with Dave Scott
Friday 12th June, 2pm-4pm
Royles at Total Fitness, Wilmslow Way, Wilmslow SK9 3PE
Do you make the best of your time in the gym, or are you guilty of focussing on swim, bike and run and not gaining the performance benefits of regular strength and conditioning? One of the first athletes to truly understand the link between regular, targeted gym work and endurance racing, here Dave Scott shares his years of experience and takes you through the session he would recommend to triathletes. You’ll need to bring gym kit and trainers.

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Session 4: Dave Scott, The Legend
Friday 12th June, 6:30-8:30pm
Royles at Total Fitness, Wilmslow Way, Wilmslow SK9 3PE
For those who missed out the previous evening, or weren’t able to make it to Derby, this is a second chance to hear Dave talk about his career as one of the world’s finest triathletes and coaches. Again, there’ll be time afterwards to ask Dave your questions about Ironman, how he trained to be the best in the world and what age-group athletes can learn from his advice.

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>>> Olympians dominate Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon 2014

This year, 2,000 participants will embark on a 2.4km open-water swim from the infamous penitentiary of Alcatraz Island to the shoreline of Marina Green followed by a 29km hilly bike ride through the Presidio, finishing with a 12.8km trail run out to Baker Beach and up the infamous Sand Ladder.

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“This race is near and dear to my heart and I am really excited to return and compete this year,” said USAT Hall of Famer and 1989 Escape from Alcatraz Champion Scott Tinley. “The 35-year history of this gritty, fun course is fascinating. I remember when it originally included a bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge to Mill Valley and a Double Dipsea trail run. It was amazing then and still is today.”

Pro athlete line-up
Men

Josh Amberger (AUS)
Kevin Collington (USA)
Cameron Dye (USA)
Ben Hoffman (USA)
Andy Potts (USA)
Matt Reed (USA)
Drew Scott (USA)
Scott Tinley (USA)

Women

Mirinda Carfrae (AUS)
Leanda Cave (GBR)
Ashleigh Gentle (AUS)
Lauren Goss (USA)

Key info

Live streaming coverage will be available on EscapeFromAlcatrazTriathlon.com, and will include expert commentary and insight from nine locations along the race course, along with new tracking technology and live camera angles that allow fans the ability to see exactly where their favourite pros are during all three legs of the event.

The race will take place on Sunday 7 June at 7:30am local time (3.30pm UK time) – for more info head to www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com or follow the Twitter hashtag #escapealcatraztri.

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Will you be racing Escape from Alcatraz? Let us know in the comments below!

>>> Javier Gomez to race Ironman 70.3 Staffs

Men’s race

Pros

The star of the show will undoubtedly be reigning 70.3 world champ Javier Gomez (ESP), who’s also currently leading the World Triathlon Series points race.

His rivals on Sunday 14 June will include Wimbleball champ Will Clarke (GBR) and Estonion triathlete Marko Albert, a veteran of two Olympic games (Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008).

Age-groupers

In the men’s 30-34 category, our 2014 Coach of the Year and two-time age-group world champion Nick Dunn will be a tough nut to crack. His rivals will include Will Usher, a former national level swimmer and runner who’s been coaching chef Gordon Ramsay (M45-49) for this same race.

The men’s 35-39 grouping includes Jason Walkley, ranked as a Gold All-World Ironman athlete and 2015 World 70.3 age-group qualifier, and Oliver Simon, who won the Ocean Lava Triathlon Wales last year and also finished 11th overall at Ironman Sweden with a time of 8:58hrs.

Women’s race
Pros

A number of top British women will be lining up on Sunday 14th: recent Ironman South Africa medallists Lucy Gossage and Susie Cheetham; Nikki Bartlett, who came second at Challenge Weymouth Half last year, and Eleanor Haresign, who won the full Challenge Weymouth race; Team Dassi athlete Georgie Rutherford; top Xterra racer Jacqui Slack; and last year’s Bastion winner Alice Hector.

Alice Hector wins The Bastion

Age-groupers

Out of the age-groupers, we’re expecting a strong performance from Claire Hann (F30-34), who came second in the World Age-Group Champs in London in 2013, and won the European AG Champs in Alanya, Turkey in 2013.

Claire Hann

Pushing hard for victory in the F35-39 category meanwhile will be Bethan Hughes, who came second in last year’s British Standard Distance Championships.

Ironman 70.3 Staffs will be taking place on Sunday 14 June through the four districts and boroughs of Cannock Chase, Lichfield, East Staffordshire and Stafford. It consists of a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycle and a 22.1km run, finishing at Shugborough country estate. For the full start lists head here.

220 Triathlon will be on the ground throughout the race, covering all the action on Twitter and sharing the results on 220triathlon.com.

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Are you racing Ironman 70.3 Staffs? Let us know in the comments below!

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The women’s pro race was also won by a debutante – Australia’s Ashleigh Gentle, more often seen racing the ITU World Triathlon Series, who won silver at WTS Yokohama last month behind Gwen Jorgensen (USA) in one of her career-best performances.

More than 2,000 athletes took part in this year’s race, starting with a 2.4km open-water swim from the infamous penitentiary of Alcatraz Island to the shoreline of Marina Green, followed by a 29km hilly bike ride through the Presidio, and finishing with a 12.8km trail run out to Baker Beach and up the infamous Sand Ladder.

It’s getting real on the Hornblower! 25 min until everyone abandons ship! @EscapeAlcatraz pic.twitter.com/iW1UeRoqYA

— Timothy O’Donnell (@TOinTRI) June 7, 2015

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Both winners were pushed hard right to the end though: Lagerstrom managed to pull ahead of 2013 winner Andy Potts (USA) just before the finish line and winning by just two seconds, while Gentle crossed the line just 15secs ahead of second-placed Lauren Goss (USA). 

“I have been racing since I was 12 years old and this race has always been a bucket list race for me,” said Lagerstrom, 25. “This is a dream come true to win the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon my first time competing. 

“This course with the swim from Alcatraz Island and the deep sand run with sand steps was like nothing I have ever experienced before. Running down the finish line neck and neck with six-time champion Andy Potts and the thousands of spectators cheering was so cool.”

.@EscapeAlcatraz …certainly a race like no other!! Honoured to take the win at the 35th Anniversary event 🙂 pic.twitter.com/Jp3iT7ySfh

— Ashleigh Gentle (@AshleighGentle) June 8, 2015

Men’s race

1. Eric Lagerstrom (USA) 2:02:06
2. Andy Potts (USA) 2:02:08
3. Kevin Collington (USA) 2:02:40

Women’s race

1. Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) 2:13:43
2. Lauren Goss (USA) 2:13:58
3. Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) 2:15:32

For the full results head here.

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Did you race this year’s Escape from Alcatraz? Let us know in the comments below!

German Jens Roth exited the water at the Lake Hardtsee in 24:05mins, nine seconds ahead of the strong swimmer Andreas Boecherer. Kienle was in 10th place and left the water in 24:27mins, lost some time in transition, but then hammered his way back to the front on the hilly bike course.

Boecherer made an early and decisive move but struggled a bit on the run, while Kienle managed to ignore the high temperatures and hard bike ride. After an impressive bike split of 2:08:45 he ran a 1:15:26 half marathon to take a superb win ahead of Boecherer and strong runner McNamee.

Men’s podium (left to right): Andy Boecherer, Sebastian Kienle, David McNamee

Women

The women’s race was also decided on the bike: Camilla Pedersen (DEN) and Anja Beranek (GER) escaped from a group of four leaders after the swim to nail down a gap for the run, knowing that Germany’s Julia Gajer is always a superb runner.

Beranek had the best bike split in 2:30:07 and reached T2 together with Pedersen, but the race was still very close when it came down to run. Gajer was only 2:06mins behind starting into the run, but she could already feel the heat.

She was able to pass Beranek for second place, but Pedersen had a steady run pace and kept the advantage on her side to take a great win. Through 18km, Beranek got passed by her fellow countrywoman Svenja Bazlen.

Julia Gajer on the bike at Ironman 70.3 Kraichgau

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Top 5 men

1. Kienle, Sebastian (GER): 3:51:56
2. Boecherer, Andy (GER): 3:58:06
3. McNamee, David (GBR): 4:00:25
4. Costes, Antony (FRA): 4:01:18
5. Lange, Patrick (GER): 4:02:42

Top 5 women

1. Pedersen, Camilla (DEN): 4:24:56
2. Gajer, Julia (GER): 4:27:16
3. Bazlen, Svenja (GER): 4:29:14
4. Beranek, Anja (GER): 4:30:40
5. Philipp, Laura (GER): 4:32:40 

For full results head here.

(Images: Ironman Europe)

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>>> Six questions to ask yourself before going ultra-long

Gerundini, 46, has won some famously tough races in the past few years including the Double Brutal in north Wales last year and the Deca-Enduroman back in 2012. He managed sixth at The Bastion last year, crossing the line in 11:44:09.

“If all goes to plan, I hope to get to 100 at The Bastion triathlon,” he says. “I have currently done 91 so have eight to do between now and the 12th July but will be competing in an event where I will do five in five days, plus three others, so I should get there.

“I loved The Bastion, it is just ace and would recommend it to anyone. I did it in 2014 and loved the course, the atmosphere and the personal attention that everyone receives.”

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The Bastion starts with a 3.8km swim from the Italianate loggia down the length of the main lake before passing the Japanese tea house and heading into the scenic river section.

Athletes then tackle a 180km three-loop bike course with around 2,000 metres of ascent, finishing with a four-lap run route which is mainly off-road and finishes in front of the Hever Castle drawbridge.

For more info on this year’s race and to enter, head here.

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Challenge Galway will take place on 24-26 June in a UNESCO Global Geopark, and two-time Ironman world champion Chris ‘Macca’ McCormack has already signed up. Sound good? You can pre-register from today (8 June) 2015, and entries will open on 21 June 2015.

Challenge Family CEO Zibi Szlufcik says the new race “captures the true essence of Ireland, and the bike course in particular is absolutely spectacular”.

McCormack added: ““It’s exciting we finally have one there [Challenge event] in Galway in June 2016. I’ve never raced a triathlon in Ireland, so this is a great excuse for me to head up there and have a race!”

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For more info head to www.challenge-galway.eu

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