EUROPEAN CHAMPION - Castelli Cycling

EUROPEAN CHAMPION

MASTER PERFORMANCE BY LAURA PHILIPP IN FINLAND

The race scene has picked up speed during the last few weeks and the annual highlight for long distance athletes in October is getting closer.

This year's Ironman European Championship was split between Finland for women and Frankfurt for men.

When toeing the line in Kuopio-Tahko this past weekend, German Laura Philipp's primary goals were to see where she's at after a break from racing, to gain self-assurance when competing at the highest level and - last but not least - to secure a slot for the Worlds in Kona.

The way she was racing, it's fair to say that Laura surprised herself and her team by a dominant performance.

Starting with a very strong swim in the front group, followed by a powerful performance on the bike and a phenomenal concluding marathon on a difficult course, Laura was able to tick all boxes.

Laura's finishing time is the fastest female Ironman time in 2021 so far.

There could be no stronger way to become the 2021 Ironman European Champion.

PR SPEED SUIT

Laura and Manon were dressed in Castelli's fastest triathlon race suit: PR Speed Suit.

This suit was designed to offer real time savings on the bike leg while providing cooling and comfort on the run.

It has been optimized for high speeds — top age groupers or pro athletes, or anyone looking to set a new PR.

RESULTS - WOMEN'S PODIUM

1. LAURA PHILIPP (GER) 8:38:29 0:53:47 4:48:12 2:52:45

2. JOCELYN MCCAULEY (USA) 8:59:26 0:53:40 4:48:21 3:13:01

3. IMOGEN SIMMONDS (SUI) 9:02:52 0:53:41 4:48:16 3:16:01

Follow Laura & Manon on Instagram.

FOOTNOTES
Photos | Carla Nagel & Marcel Hilger

KUOPIO TAHKO