Raelert, Watkinson emerge champions
Germany’s Michael Raelert retained his title while Amelia Rose Watkinson of New Zealand claimed the honours in the women’s event, stunning reigning champion Radka Vodickova of Czech Republic in the 23rd Laguna Phuket Triathlon yesterday.
Raelert was first in the 1.8km swim with a time of 22.54 minutes but was relegated to second by Frenchman Antony Costes in the 50km bike course after clocking 1:11.35 hour.
Raelert ran superbly to come second in 42.39 minutes in the 12km run. However, his performances in the three disciplines were taken into consideration for ranking and he was awarded the title. Raelert had an aggregate of 2:19.13 compared to last year’s 2:30.14.
France’s Antony Costes picked up silver with a combined timing of 2:21.18, while Aussie Brad Kahlefeldt had to be content with the third place in 2:23.21.
“It was my best race. I was comfortable at the start, but at the end it was quite tough as the weather was quite hot and humid,” Raelert said.
Watkinson has won 9 out of 10 races this year and yesterday she was her dominant self, clocking 2:36:29 to take the title.
Finishing second in 2:42.30 was World Duathlon champion Emma Pallant of Great Britain while triple winner Vodickova came third in 2:43.22.
A field of over 1,100 athletes representing more than 40 nations
participated in the event. Jaray Jearanai was once again the first Thai finisher (02:38:48) in the men’s category while Nichakarn Ruttanaporn came first (03:12:43) in the women’s field.
