Daniil Sapunov wins Langkawi Ironman race on first attempt

LANGKAWI: It was a case of first time lucky for Daniil Sapunov and third time’s the charm for Mareen Hufe in this year’s edition of the Langkawi Ironman Triathlon.

The win all the more sweeter for Sapunov, 36, as he had to overcome some unique challenges in his maiden outing in Langkawi.

“Although the route was very hilly and the weather was hot, I am glad I managed to overcome the challenges,” the Ukrainian told reporters after receiving his medal from Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.

Supanov completed the three disciplines – swimming ( 3.8km), cycling ( 180km) and running ( 42.2km) – in eight hours, 33 minutes and 36 seconds to take home the US$ 5,000 prize money.

Japan’s Kaito Tohara clocked eight hours, 55 minutes and 13 seconds to fi nish second and earn US$ 2,750, while Switzerland’s Urs Muller came in third in nine hours, nine minutes and 11 seconds to pocket US$ 1,750.

Forty- year- old Hufe, who finished second in 2016 and last year, fi nally got it right this time by clocking nine hours, 25 minutes and 21 seconds to take the women’s crown.

“I never thought I would win. This proves the German adage ‘Alle guten, Dinge sind drei’ (all good things come in threes) is true,” said the German, who also received US$ 5,000.

Czech Republ ic’s Simona Krivankova, 35, was second in nine hours, 55 minutes and 35 seconds to receive US$ 2,750, while Italian Federica De Nicola, 25, took home US$ 1,750 after coming in third in nine hours, 57 minutes and 28 seconds.

This year’s triathlon offered US$ 25,000 in total prize money and the top 50 fi nishers qualified to compete in next year’s World Ironman Championships in Kona, Hawaii. — Bernama