Posted: May 28, 2006

Triathlon: Vansteelant and Van Vlerken win gold in Fredericia

Benny Vansteelant defends his world title - Photo: ITU

ITU World Championship Duathlon 2006 Long Distance

It was a total Belgian triumph at today’s World Championship Duathlon Long Distance in Fredericia, Denmark.

Benny Vansteelant defended his world title, followed by no less than 3 of his countrymen. Koen Maris took the silver followed by Benny’s younger brother Joerie in 3rd and Rob Woestenborghs in 4th place. Benny Vansteelant finished the 15k run, 90k bike, 7.5k run in 3:34:15 in windy and rainy conditions in Denmark.

Benny Van Steelant proved that he is the man to beat in world duathlon leading the race from start to finish and always looking in control.

Yvonne Van Vlerken from Holland took the womens gold in 4:04:00. Great Britains Catriona Morrison won silver followed by Andrea Ratkovic, USA in 3rd. Defending world champion Erika Csomor from Hungary came 4th.

Having come 5th last year and 2nd in 2004 the smiling dutch women finally made to the top of the podium. Her strong bike ride made the difference, and she never looked challenged on the last 7.5k run in the streets of Fredericia.

Elite Men
1. Benny Vansteelant              Belgium    3:34:15
2. Koen Maris                         Belgium    3:35:31
3. Joerie Vansteelant              Belgium    3:39:44
4. Rob Woestenborghs            Belgium    3:40:36
5. Javier Garcia                       Spain       3:41:19

Elite Women
1. Yvonne Van Vlerken             Holland    4:04:00
2. Catriona Morrison                GBR         4:06:24
3. Andrea Ratkovic                  USA         4:07:21
4. Erika Csomor                      Hungary   4:11:27
5. Jess Draskau Peterson         GBP         4:11:40

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