What an excellent result for the Uplace-BMC Pro Triathlon Team, Helle Frederiksen won in spectacular style Challenge Bahrain. In a world-class field, Helle won in an amazing time of 03:55:50, Rachel Joyce (GER) came second 2:25 behind, while Jodie Swallow (GBR), who was leading most of the race, came third 2:49 back.
In the men's race, it became a German duel to battle for the win on the flat and fast roads of Bahrain. After a great run, Michael Raelert (GER) won in 03:36:04, Andreas Dreitz (GER) who was outstanding on the bike came second 02:19 back, Tim Reed (AUS) completed the podium 03:22 behind Raelert.
Dirk Bockel from the Uplace-BMC Pro Triathlon Team had to withdraw halfway through the bike leg due to a recurring hip injury.
Helle Frederiksen wins Challenge Bahrain, Dirk Bockel withdrew
Helle raced very smart and fast today. She came out of the water 25" behind Jodie Swallow in a small group. During the bike leg, Swallow pushed hard until the 60K point, where Frederiksen and Joyce joined Swallow. Just before T2 Annabel Luxford also joined them. With 4 women all within ten seconds at the start of the run, Helle decided to set the pace and increased her lead up to 2:25 on Jodie Swallow at the finish line. Helle’s split times today were impressive: swim: 00:23:04; bike: 02:12:32; run: 01:17:00 with a total time of 03:55:50.
Helle Frederiksen: My World Championship
Helle is obviously very satisfied with her outstanding performance: "I'm simply amazed that this has happened. I sacrificed so much for this day. After the disappointment of the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships, Mont-Tremblant, I was hungry to redeem myself here in Bahrain against a world-class field that resembled, if not bettered, Mont-Tremblant. We as a team invested in this and I am truly thankful it paid off.
The race itself was so tough, Jodie Swallow is simply hardcore and if you don't have your A-Game she will exploit it, Rachel Joyce rode incredibly hard to get to Jodie coming from behind, although I was able to go with her attacks she was relentless and really had me digging deep and putting out some tremendous power to stay in touch. Thankfully my run legs made it to Bahrain. We put the work in and it paid off, a small adjustment to nutrition meant my back end of the 21.1km was solid.
So incredibly happy and now I will enjoy the off-season."
Results and pictures
Complete results of the Challenge Bahrain:
http://raceresults.sportstats.ca/display-results.xhtml?raceid=20744
