Published July 8, 2019 08:49AM
Baekkegard, Ryf Earn the Wins on a Stormy Day at 2019 Ironman Austria
Danish Daniel Baekkegard was over the moon after crossing the finish line on a tough day in Klagenfurt.
Photo: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for Ironman
Danish Daniel Baekkegard was over the moon after crossing the finish line on a tough, stormy day in Klagenfurt. Only eight days after winning his first Ironman 70.3 in Lahti, he took over the lead early on the run and made his way straight to a rookie win. Baekkegard worked hard on the bike together with top swimmer Lukasz Wojt (GER) who struggled with cramps on a very windy and rainy day.
Daniela Ryf celebrated a great win in 8:52:20, although the three-time Ironman world champ didn’t have her best day. She was strong on the bike – nailing a new course record in 4:43:35 – but had a tougher run and finished with a marathon split of 3:08:34. The 32-year-old started the marathon with a lead of almost 30 minutes and kept that distance to Austria’s Bianca Steurer until she crossed the line.
2019 Ironman Austria Men’s Podium
1. Daniel Baekkegard (DEN) 8:14:26
2. Stenn Goetstouwers (BEL) 8:25:53
3. David Plese (SLO) 8:25:59
2019 Ironman Austria Women’s Podium
1. Daniela Ryf (SUI) 8:52:20
2. Bianca Steurer (AUT) 9:18:55
3. Heini Hartikainen (FIN) 9:44:48
Enjoy images of the race from Getty Images below.