Belgium triathlete Frederik Van Lierde was first out of the water at Ironman France today, and first to cross the finish line in a time of 8:28:30.
But before he got to the finish, and out on the bike, it didn't take long until he was caught by Frenchman Francois Chabaud.
The two triathletes stayed together for the rest of bike coming into T2 just seconds apart. Once on the run Van Lierde made quick work of Chabaud to take the French IM title with well over 10 minutes to spare.
Third place on the podium belonged to Spanish triathlete Marcel Zamora Perezand in a time of 8:40:55.
On the women's side of the the race it was German Silvia Felt who won the day with a race best 5:14:06 bike split in a total time of 9:34:31.
Italian Martina Dogana finished second and German Britta Martin rounded out the podium in Nice france.
2011 Ironman France
Top 5 professional men
1. Federik Van Lierde (BEL) 8:28:30
2. Francois Chabaud (FRA) 8:37:18
3. Marcel Zamora Perez (ESP) 8:40:55
4. Paul Amey (GBR) 8:47:03
5. Sergio Marques (POR) 8:59:55
Top 5 professional women
1. Silvia Felt (GER) 9:34:31
2. Martina Dogana (ITA) 9:45:26
3. Britta Martin (GER) 9:48:56
4. Kim Loeffler (USA) 9:53:08
5. Johanna Daumas (FRA) 9:53:29
Click HERE for complete Amateur and Professional results.
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