Austria Ironman 70.3 2008: Sprint finish

Massimo Cigana wins race in the last 100 meters

Italian Massimo Cigana finally took the lead over the last 100 meters of the race, putting long-term leader Bjorn Andersson (SWE) in second place. Last years winner, Michael Göhner (GER), finished third. Daniel Niederreiter, the top Austrian, finished 11th. Yvonne Van Vlerken, from the Netherlands, claimed the women's title.

With the weather cooperating, there were a number of spectators on the course to enjoy the unique Austria Ironman 70.3 course, which includes a swim course that stretches over two lakes.

During the run, though, Cigana steadily gained time on Andersson, finally passing him in the finishing chute in front of the 11,000 spectators watching the dramatic sprint to the line. Anderson finished second while last years winner, Michael Göhner, claimed third.

Germany’s Sandra Wallenhorst took the lead at the 70 km point of the bike, followed by Erika Csomor (HUN), but by 11 km into the run Van-Vlerken had a healthy lead of 2:40 on the women chasing behind. Csomor would pass Sandra Wallenhorst to move into second, which is where she would finish. Wallenhorst held on for third.