Short-course specialist Justus Nieschlag made a rare appearance at a half-distance race on the weekend, dominating Ironman 70.3 Kraichgau, while fellow German Laura Philipp bounced back from COVID (which forced her out of the Ironman World Championship St. George) in style with her own dominant win.
We look back at the weekend’s racing through these photos from Ingo Kutsche:
Laura Philipp is all smiles before the race start, obviously over COVID. Photo: Ingo KutscheThe men are ready to go. Photo: Ingo KutscheJustus Nieschlag was second out of the water and quickly moved ahead on the bike and never looked back. Photo: Ingo KutscheGermany’s Frederic Funk, who flatted a week ago at The Championship, made up some time on the bike, but couldn’t catch Nieschlag. Photo: Ingo KutscheFrance’s Julie Iemmolo led out of the water, but it was just a matter of time before Laura Philipp would take charge of the race. Photo: Ingo KutscheSuper-mom Daniela Bleymehl powered her way through the bike, coming into T2 just six seconds behind the lead. Photo: Ingo KutscheLaura Philipp looked strong on the bike. Photo: Ingo KutscheA 1:12:07 half marathon was more than enough for Nieschlag to take the win. Photo: Ingo KutscheIemmolo was third off the bike and third to the finish line. Photo: Ingo KutscheEven though he won in style, Nieschlag says he won’t be doing any long-distance racing for a while. Photo: Ingo KutscheAn all-German podium – from left to right: Frederic Funk, Justus Niescchlag and Ruben Zepuntke. Photo: Ingo KutscheIt’s not quite the world championship, but Philipp is all smiles none the less as she takes the win. Photo: Ingo KutscheThe women’s podium: from left to right – Daniela Bleymehl, Laura Philipp and Julie Iemmolo. Photo: Ingo Kutsche
