The international triathlon returns to Cozumel with participants from all over the world competing in this grueling event
On Sunday, November 27th, 2016, Cozumel hosted their 8th Ironman event. Two thousand athletes from 57 countries gathered at 7 a.m. to swim 3.8 kilometers, ride 180 kilometers and run 42.2 kilometers.
It was a competition in which there was no wind, 30-degree temperatures and high humidity, with clear skies allowing the sun rays to heat things up.
The two-transition course, taking place within the protected waters of the Reefs of Cozumel National Park at Chankanaab Park Beach, began with a single-loop swim in water that was teeming with tropical fish. The 180-kilometer, three-lap bike course in Cozumel is pancake-flat, and takes competitors along the spectacular coastline of beaches and resorts and through the town of San Miguel de Cozumel. The three-loop run was lined with local supporters and bands playing traditional Mexican music, creating a festival-like atmosphere. The finish line is at the city hall square in San Miguel de Cozumel, where residents support all the finishers.
The five areas that had the most representatives were: the U.S., with 538 triathletes, followed by Mexico with 490, Canada 67, Argentina 44 and England with 31.
Frederick Van Lierde (Belgian Ironman World Champion in Kona in 2013) won the Ironman of Cozumel 2016 when he crossed the finish line at 08:03:09. Van Lierde had spectacular breaks with swimming, 04:22:37 in cycling and 02:52:42 in the walking race, leaving Matt Russell second with 08:04:24. Third place went Chris Leiferman who timed 08:09:11; both are from the USA.
In the women’s section, the Dane, Michelle Vesterby, was the first to cross the finish line with a cumulative of 9:08:06; swimming in 00:50:30, riding in 04:54:14 and running in 03:19:18.
Second place was for Lauren Brandon from the USA with 09:12:43 (00:45:43 – 04:58:52 -03: 23:53). The Danish dancer, Camila Petersen was third with 09:14:11 (00:45:43 – 04:58:52 -03: 23:53).
The best Mexicans in the elite category were Alan Carrillo who finished in 15th place with a record of 08:54:46 and Palmira Álvarez in 12th place with a time of 09:58:13.
See you in 2017 at Ironman Cozumel! www.ironmancozumel.com
