Ryf, Ciavattella On Top At Challenge Fuerteventura

Italy’s Jonathan Ciavattella surprised a strong field in the men’s race, while Switzerland’s Daniela Ryf dominated the women’s race at Saturday’s Challenge Fuerteventura.

Men’s Race
Coming out of the water in second place in 24:06, just 12 seconds behind Douglas Roberts (GBR) and a minute ahead of Germany’s Timo Bracht, Ciavattella was soon in the lead on the bike, a position he maintained for the rest of the day, taking the win in 4:02:52. Ritchie Nicholls (GBR) came off the bike in eighth place, running up to second by the midway point and continued to gain on Ciavattella, but ran out of track, crossing the line just 18 seconds down in second place. Patrik Nilsson (SWE) rounded out the podium in third place.

“I am excited to take this win,” said Ciavatella on crossing the line. “The tough slopes of the Subida a El Cardón, were certainly testing although the effort required was made slightly easier by the absence of Fuerteventura’s infamous wind.”

Women’s Race
Ryf exited the water in second behind Catherine Jameson (GBR) and, after a brief spell in third when Anja Beranek (GER) took the lead, she soon claimed back second and then rode into the lead where she stayed for the remainder of the race. Ryf crossed the finish line at 4:20:33 to take the dominant victory. Baranek finished second at 4:33:08, with Ireland’s Eimar Mullan claiming third.

Challenge Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain – April 25, 2015
1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run

Men
1. Jonathan Ciavattella (ITA) 4:02:52
2. Ritchie Nicholls (GBR) 4:03:10
3. Patrik Nilsson (SWE) 4:04:08
4. Timo Bracht (GER) 4:05:18
5. Ruedi Wild (SUI) 4:06:56

Women
1. Daniela Ryf (SUI) 4:20:33
2. Anja Beranek (GER) 4:33:08
3. Eimear Mullan (IRE) 4:36:03
4. Corinne Abraham (GBR) 4:36:49
5. Daniela Sämmler (GER) 4:39:48

Complete results.