Germany's Michael Raelert, title holder of the World Championship 70.3 Clearwater in 2009 who recently defended his title at Ironman 70.3 Miami, Florida, made an impressive comeback at Laguna Phuket today.
He finished first in the premier-destination distance 22nd annual Laguna Phuket Triathlon race (1.8K swim, 55K bike, 12K run.)
Laguna Phuket's title holder of the 70.3 race in 2011, Raelert came back today and finished in 2:30:14 (swim 23:55, bike 1:20:06, run 43:44).
Following home in second and third places were Switzerland's Ruedi Wild (2:32:57) and Stuart Hayes of Great Britain (2:36:17).
In the women's field it was Swiss pro Simone Braendli who took the tape first.
Recently the victor at the Challenge Triathlon Walchsee-Kaiserwinkl Walchsee, Austria, Braendli finished in 2:48:04 at Laguna Phuket Triathlon today.
Following Braendli in second was World Duathlon Champion Emma Pallant of Great Britain (2:52:43) who then saw Phuket-based Australian pro Dimity-Lee Duke finished in third in women's field (2:56:08).
The course was particularly hot under the Phuket sun today.
''My practice was to get a bit used to the heat for today was really hot. I am very happy I am concluding my season here this year because I love Thailand and I like Phuket,'' said Raelert.
''Next weekend I'm hoping that I'm doing fine as well. Right now I hope to get a little bit of rest.
''I get to stay at Banyan Tree, a really nice hotel, so I reckon there will be a lot of good rest for me so that I can do my best and win the race next week as well.''
Braendli also strategically planned her way to tackle the Phuket heat.
''I arrived last Sunday from Switzerland and had been trying to stay indoors. I did treadmill sessions and swam in an Olympic swimming pool, then I checked out the courses, and I tried the bike course three times before the race today.''
A field of over 1300 individual pro and age group athletes representing 44 nationalities, 66 relay teams and 6K Fun Runners crowded Asia's premier destination resort, Laguna Phuket..
Most of the pros who raced today's Laguna Phuket Triathlon will take a rest from training ready for the Challenge Laguna Phuket race (1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run) next Sunday (November 29).
He finished first in the premier-destination distance 22nd annual Laguna Phuket Triathlon race (1.8K swim, 55K bike, 12K run.)
Laguna Phuket's title holder of the 70.3 race in 2011, Raelert came back today and finished in 2:30:14 (swim 23:55, bike 1:20:06, run 43:44).
Following home in second and third places were Switzerland's Ruedi Wild (2:32:57) and Stuart Hayes of Great Britain (2:36:17).
In the women's field it was Swiss pro Simone Braendli who took the tape first.
Recently the victor at the Challenge Triathlon Walchsee-Kaiserwinkl Walchsee, Austria, Braendli finished in 2:48:04 at Laguna Phuket Triathlon today.
Following Braendli in second was World Duathlon Champion Emma Pallant of Great Britain (2:52:43) who then saw Phuket-based Australian pro Dimity-Lee Duke finished in third in women's field (2:56:08).
The course was particularly hot under the Phuket sun today.
''My practice was to get a bit used to the heat for today was really hot. I am very happy I am concluding my season here this year because I love Thailand and I like Phuket,'' said Raelert.
''Next weekend I'm hoping that I'm doing fine as well. Right now I hope to get a little bit of rest.
''I get to stay at Banyan Tree, a really nice hotel, so I reckon there will be a lot of good rest for me so that I can do my best and win the race next week as well.''
Braendli also strategically planned her way to tackle the Phuket heat.
''I arrived last Sunday from Switzerland and had been trying to stay indoors. I did treadmill sessions and swam in an Olympic swimming pool, then I checked out the courses, and I tried the bike course three times before the race today.''
A field of over 1300 individual pro and age group athletes representing 44 nationalities, 66 relay teams and 6K Fun Runners crowded Asia's premier destination resort, Laguna Phuket..
Most of the pros who raced today's Laguna Phuket Triathlon will take a rest from training ready for the Challenge Laguna Phuket race (1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run) next Sunday (November 29).
