Taylor Knibb and Jelle Geens dominate the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand
Vojtěch Novák
New Zealand, specifically the picturesque town of Taupo, hosted this year's IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, where the world's triathlon elite competed over two days. The race offered not only a great spectacle, but also some dramatic moments and surprises.
Women's race: Knibb completes championship hat-trick
In the women's race, which took place on Saturday, American Taylor Knibb confirmed her dominance. The two-time defending champion did not give her rivals a chance and ran away with her third title in a row. Already in the cycling section, where she is considered the world leader, she built up a lead of more than four minutes, which she safely protected in the run. Britain's Kat Matthews finished second and tried to catch Knibb during the final run, but her aggressive pace was not enough. Third place went to Australia's Ashleigh Gentle, who gradually worked her way up from deep in the field during the race.
Karolína Skalka was the best among the Czech competitors, finishing 105th in the F35-39 category. Kateřina Krátká was 159th in the F40-44 category, and Martina Jezdíková finished 270th in the same category.
Men's race: Geens triumphs in a landslide
Sunday's men's race offered a thrilling spectacle, with Belgian winner Jelle Geens producing a crushing finish. Although home crowd favourite Hayden Wilde was within striking distance of victory for a long time, Geens managed to turn the tide in the final kilometres of the race and took the lead. Wilde, visibly exhausted, eventually finished second. Third place went to Frenchman Leo Bergere.
Ideal racing conditions, with temperatures around 16 degrees and a slight breeze, allowed for a high pace right from the start. American Greg Harper dominated the swim leg, but the bike leg produced an eight-man lead group that eventually produced the medal winners.
Czech colours were defended especially by Jan Tomanek, who won a fantastic silver in the handicapped category. Daniel Machek finished among the top ten in his age category up to 69 years.
Results: top 10 men and women
Men
Jelle Geens (BEL)
Hayden Wilde (NZL)
Leo Bergere (FRA)
Kyle Smith (NZL)
Justus Nieschlag (GER)
Henri Schoeman (RSA)
Rico Bogen (GER)
Harry Palmer (GBR)
Gregory Barnaby (ITA)
Marc Dubrick (USA)
Women
Taylor Knibb (USA)
Kat Matthews (GBR)
Ashleigh Gentle (AUS)
Imogen Simmonds (SUI)
Julie Derron (CHE)
Paula Findlay (CAN)
Ellie Salthouse (AUS)
Caroline Pohle (DEU)
Tamara Jewett (CAN)
Grace Thek (AUS)
List of Czech competitors and their placements at the IRONMAN 70.3 2024 World Championship
Men:
2. Jan Tomanek (HC)
9. Daniel Machek (M65-69)
38. Michal Zolcer (M35-39)
39. Petr Lukosz (M40-44)
76. Miroslav Burianek (M50-54)
201. Michal Špelda (M55-59)
273. Jiří Štěrba (M30-34)
Women:
105. Karolina Skalka (F35-39)
159. Katerina Kratka (F40-44)
270. Martina Jezdíková (F40-44)