Spain's Clemente Alonso McKernan was the winner of the inaugural Challenge Barcelona-Maresme on Sunday, 24 May in a time of 4:01:49 in a race that came down to a battle on the run. Germany's Timo Bracht crossed the line two minutes later to finish second with Australian Paul Ambrose third another minute back.
Some 2000 athletes from 30 countries stepped up to the start line for the first-year race, which started with a plunge into the Mediterranean and finished with a spectacular run along the Maresme coastline over a course that covered a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run.
"I would have really liked to win, but Clemente was simply stronger on the run," Bracht said. "It was a beautiful race here in Spain."
In the women's race, Germany's Katja Schumacher was the winner in 4:22:46, with 2008 Quelle Challenge Roth champion Yvonne van Vlerken second less than two minutes back. Finland's Merja Kiviranta was third in 4:29:13. Spain's Virginia Berasategui, first across the line, was disqualified for a cycling penalty.
Athletes will have the chance to return to the coastal racecourse in October, when Challenge Barcelona-Maresme stretches to a full long-distance race on 4 October. That event will cover a 2.4km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run. To learn more visit the race website at www.challenge-barcelona.com.
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
