Jan Frodeno, Skye Moench Earn Victories on Sweltering Day at Ironman Frankfurt
Germany's Jan Frodeno and the United States' Skye Moench claimed the Ironman European Championship wins on Sunday in Frankfurt in the midst of a heat wave.
Skye Moench came off of the bike in first place, but was quickly overtaken by fellow American Sarah True. True led for the majority of the marathon, but had to be carried off of the course with less than a mile to go. Moench inherited the lead and went onto her first Ironman victory. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for Ironman
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Germany’s Jan Frodeno and the United States’ Skye Moench claimed the Ironman European Championship wins on Sunday in Frankfurt in the midst of a heat wave where race-day temperatures exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Frodeno battled back and forth with fellow German Sebastian Kienle through much of the day, but ultimately put together a 47:12 swim, a 4:20:14 bike, and a 2:43:57 marathon to take the victory in an impressive 7:56:02 finish. Moench came off of the bike with fellow American Sarah True, but quickly fell behind with a slightly slower pace. True led for most of the marathon, but was struggling with the conditions and had to be pulled off the course with less than a mile to go. Moench inherited the lead and earned the victory in 9:15:31.
Ironman European Championships Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany – July 2, 2019
2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run
Men
1. Jan Frodeno (GER) 7:56:02
2. Sebastian Kienle (GER) 8:00:01
3. Franz Loeschke (GER) 8:17:24
Women
1. Skye Moench (USA) 9:15:31
2. Imogen Simmonds (SUI) 9:26:01
3. Jen Annett (CAN) 9:36:25
Enjoy images from the exciting day of racing below.
Athletes kick off the day with a 2.4-mile swim off of the Strandbad Langener Waldsee. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
The athletes get through the swim. Jan Frodeno and Dylan McNeice led the men out of the water. For the women, it was Sarah True with a narrow lead over Amelia Watkinson and Imogen Simmonds. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
The age-group athletes stream into the swim finish. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
An athlete makes his way through the iconic Ironman Frankfurt bike course. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for Ironman
Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
The Ironman Frankfurt course is known for its enthusiastic crowds. Despite the heat wave, supporters were still out in full force. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
Andreas Langer of Germany on the bike. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
Jan Frodeno on the bike. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for Ironman
Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for Ironman
Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
Jan Frodeno and Sebastian Kienle came off of the bike together but Frodeno quickly found the lead. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
Sebastian Kienle makes his way through the hot run course. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
Jan Frodeno on his way to an amazing 2:43:57 marathon in the heat. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
Sarah True led for a good majority of the marathon, but struggled with the heat and eventually had to be carried off my the medical team. Photo: Nigel Roddis/ Getty Images for Ironman
Skye Moench came off of the bike in first place, but was quickly overtaken by fellow American Sarah True. True led for the majority of the marathon, but had to be carried off of the course with less than a mile to go. Moench inherited the lead and went onto her first Ironman victory. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for Ironman
Frodeno celebrates with his home country crowd. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
Frodeno crossed the finish line in an amazing 7:56:02. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
Frodeno celebrates with his family. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
The men’s podium: Sebastian Kienle (second), Jan Frodeno (first), and Franz Loeschke (third). Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for Ironman
Skye Moench of USA crosses the finish line at 9:15:31. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
The victory also came with a Kona qualification. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
The women’s podium: Jen Annett of Canada (third), Skye Moench of USA (first), and Imogen Simmonds of Switzerland (second) celebrate on the podium. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
An athlete tries to cool down in 100-degree-plus temps in Frankfurt. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
The crowds welcome the finishers. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
Athletes had to work extra hard to earn one of these medals on Sunday. Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Ironman
An athlete celebrates finishing a tough day. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for Ironman
