Editor's Note: We recently received an email from Stefan Hornke reminding us that we failed to report on the inaugural Ironman in Regensburg, German this past weekend. He sent us a link to this Press Release. We officially apologize Stefan! It's good to see that Faris Al-Sultan still rocked the race in the "old school" swim shorts.
Over 1.800 athletes started into the first IRONMAN Regensburg at 7 AM at the lake Guggenberger See. The swim split of the new IRONMAN race takes place in the city of Neutraubling, the bike course leads through the county of Regensburg and the concluding marathon through the city of Regensburg. Neutraubling’s mayor Kiechle opened the race and sent the triathletes out on the 3,8 km long swim course.
No athlete was able clearly separate from the followers due to the demanding 180 km bike course through the county of Regensburg. Therefore the decision was made on the following marathon run. All athletes were supported by cheers and applause from thousands of spectators and volunteers along the river Donau and the historical city of Regensburg. The noise level at the World Heritage Site "Stadtamhof" reached its peak when Faris Al-Sultan (Munich), the world champion from 2005 crossed the finish line after 8:13:37 hours. He is the first winner of the IRONMAN Regensburg. Shortly after him,Andreas Böcherer (Freiburg) arrived after 8:18:28 hours. The podium was completed by Nils Goerke (Kiel) who finished in 8:22:57 hours.Kai Walter (Managing Director IRONMAN European Headquarters): “We have launched a major sports event in Bavaria. We appreciate the big support of all spectators and are looking forward to establishing the IRONMAN Regensburg in this region in the coming years.”
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