Fast racing at Ironman 70.3 Switzerland

The inaugural event features a competitive day of racing

Swiss athletes Ronnie Schildknecht and Nicola Spirig won the first Ironman 70.3 Switzerland in Rapperswil-Jona. The favorite for the women, Karin Thuerig (SUI) - the cycling world time trial champion in 2004 and 2005 - finished second in her only triathlon before the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008.

After the swim, Thuerig was behind Spirig by 7:30, but moved to the lead during the bike and started the run 1:43 in the lead. Spirig caught up to Thuerig during the first lap of the three-lap run course. Spirig would eventually win by 4:23.

“The ambiance throughout the race was amazing,” claimed Thuerig after arriving at the finish. Spirig deemed the Ironman 70.3 Switzerland to be a hard training day: “From now on I will be concentrating on the Olympic Distance for the World Cup Competitions.”  

Among the men, Ronnie Schildknecht lived up to his position as the race’s favorite in front of 30,000 spectators. He laid the base for his victory on the bike, which he started two minutes behind. “Everything was just perfect on the bike,” Schildknecht rejoiced.

Swiss triathlon-veteran Christoph Mauch was able to move up to second during the run, leading to a Swiss double victory. He crossed the finish line 4:43 after Schildknecht. Schildknecht and Mauch will face each other again in three weeks at Ironman Switzerland in Zurich. Third placed women’s finisher Sibylle Matter (SUI) will also compete in Zurich later this month. 

1,200 athletes from 29 nations participated in the successful introduction of Ironman 70.3 racing to Switzerland.

Top Ten Men:
1. Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI): 3:46:39
2. Christoph Mauch (SUI): 3:51:23
3. Jimmy Johnsen (DEN): 3:52:16
4. Andrew Johns (GBR): 3:52:53

5. Konstantin Bachor (GER): 3:53:37
6. Mike Aigroz (SUI): 3:55:36
7. Christophe Bastie (FRA): 3:58:48
8. Daniel Wienbreier (GER): 4:00:22
9. Matthew Clarke (AUS): 4:01:28
10. Tim Berkel (AUS): 4:01:40