The weather was perfect for this year’s Israman Triathlon in Eilat, an Israeli resort town on the Red Sea. Bart Candel, 25, of the Netherlands stole the show and the 1st place finish in the January 30, 2015 Israman Eilat 226 Kilometer Triathlon. Candel finished in 9:42:24, more than 33 minutes faster than defending two time champion, Petr Vabrousek (CZE), 42, who was ill with fever and finished in 10:51:31. Candel finished second to Vabrousek in 2013, but had the ride of his life today finishing the bike segment in 6:42:53. Israman arguably has the most difficult iron-distance bike course on the triathlon circuit.
The Israman silver medal went to Sergio Marques, 35, of Portugal. Marques commented that the swim was difficult for him, despite a fast swim of 55:18 for the 4K two lap course; and the downhill run proved tough on his legs after 10,000 feet of steep climbs on the bike course.
Israeli Irena Mazin, 43, took first place in the women’s race, finishing in 11:56:42. Mazin finished second last year to Nina Pekerman, who placed second in the 113 KM race this year. Second place went to fellow Israeli Inbar Zahavi, 30, whose official finish time was not confirmed at press time. Zsuzsanna Harsanyi (HUN), 39, finished third in 12:08:45.
Winner Images courtesy of Larry Rosa Photography