All Gustav Iden, ‘literally champion of the world’, again!
Gustav Iden, ‘literally champion of the world’, again! The last time we saw Iden on a IM70.3 World Championship podium was in Nice, France 2019. We questioned and wondered if his only option of a road bike would be any match for the time trial bikes and disc wheels of the rest of the pro field. How wrong were we, as we watch Iden fly up and down the Nice bike course and dominate the run, to stun the pro field in taking his first IM70.3 World Championship title.
Fast forward to 2021 and what was self-admitted a disappointing race at the Tokyo Olympics, Iden was the man rapidly coming into form as the autumn season of races started. The Collins Cup showed a little glimpse of what form he was working with, and it was impressive to say the least, posting the second fastest time of the day, behind German Jan Frodeno. Of course, this would make him a safe bet to defend his title.
An early start for the pro men, a 07:00 race start under the orange sunrise sky of St George, Utah. It was the usual suspects of Ben Kanute and Sam Appleton heading up the swim taking pulling away a small group including 70.3 Champion Eric Lagerstrom and the Olympic and World Triathlon Champion, Kristian Blummenfelt. Out the water and through T1, it would be Ben Kanute first on two wheels and to lead for the opening 20km of the ride.
The Chase was coming up the road and fast. German athlete Frederic Funk, leading the charge of the Danes; Daniel Baekkengard, Magnus Ditlev and Miki Taggholt to make a solid ‘group’ of 7-8 athletes at the front of the race. However, it wasn’t long until Iden was on the approach. Little after halfway into the bike and on the road to Snow Canyon, Iden was on the front not long before going off the front braking up the lead group behind. Blummenfelt gets a flat. Iden’s efforts opening a gap to Ditlev of 44 seconds into T2 but a couple of minutes to the best of the rest.
Shoes on and Iden was gone but a certain Sam Long had made up significant time from his swim deficit, having pushed an average of 332W. At over 3 minutes back off the bike, Long still had a challenging course ahead. Two of the best bike-runners in the field wanting that top spot. As the clouds drew in, the rain and hail fell. Iden not looking is normal perky self, someone’s biked a little too hard!
For Long it was not to be, as Gustav Iden is crowned 2021 IM70.3 World Champion for the second time. Sam Long claims 2nd place some nearly 4 minutes back and Daniel Baekkengard rounding out the podium in 3rd.
PRO Men Results
- Gustav Iden (NOR) 3:37:13
- Sam Long (USA) 3:41:09
- Daniel Baekkegard (DEN) 3:42:24
- Miki Taagholt (DEN) 3:43:08
- Jackson Laundry (CAN) 3:43:25
- Ben Kanute (USA) 3:43:48
- Eric Lagerstrom (USA) 3:44:42
- Magnus Ditlev (DEN) 3:45:10
- Sam Appleton (AUS) 3:45:18
- Felipe Azevedo (POR) 3:47:03
