Bahrain Endurance 13 racers global triumphs continue

Manama, June 11 (BNA): Following the constant directives and patronage of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, Bahrain Endurance 13 "Elite" Team members bagged the first spots in different international endurance and triathlon championships last week. With Ironman Cairns on his mind, James Cunnama pushed the pace hard at the Coral Coast 5150 Triathlon in Australia last week. The race organisers canceled the swim 10 minutes before race started due to high winds, but Cunnama dominated the 2.5-kilometer run, 40-kilometer bike, 10-kilometer run format, winning in 1:33:21. Meanwhile, his teammate Sebastian Kienle took the Ironman 70.3 Kraichgau title and middle-distance German championship in 3:51:56. After surprising his opponents by exiting the non-wetsuit swim in 10th place, Kienle powered to the front in the latter half of the bike leg. He increased his lead even further on the run, with a 6-minute gap between him and the runner-up at the tape. Bahrain Endurance 13 Team Star Daniela Ryf was unchallenged from start to finish defending her title at Ironman 70.3 Switzerland. Finishing in 4:08:43, Ryf gad a comfortable lead from the swim and bike to finish a full 18 minutes ahead of her nearest competitor. With these confidence-boosting wins in their back pockets, Kienle and Ryf now begin preparations in earnest for next month’s Ironman Frankfurt. Competing all the way in the United States, Josh Amberger took the lead in the swim at the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, navigating San Francisco Bay’s currents to exit the water a minute ahead of the main pack. He recorded the fastest bike split and led most of the run, making the other competitors earn their top-three podium spots by overtaking him after the leg-sapping Sand Ladder. His fellow team member Ben Hoffman finished in seventh with a smile. Amberger and Hoffman will use their performances at the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon as tune-ups for their respective races this month. Hoffman has his sights set on Ironman 70.3 Boulder next weekend, while Josh will have a few more weeks to prepare for the ITU Long Course World Triathlon Championships.