Ryf wins historic third Ironman 70.3 world championship

Switzerland’s Daniela Ryf made it look easy over a brutal Chattanooga (Tenn.) course seemingly carved out for her as she captured her fifth Ironman world title and a historic third 70.3 crown in a time of 4 hours 11 minutes 59 seconds on Saturday — a full 6:36 over her nearest competitor Emma Pallant (GBR) and 7:41 on Laura Philipp (GBR), who rounded out the podium in third.

“It’s very special, it was not an easy year,” admitted Ryf referring to reoccurring back issues. “To come back like this means a lot. It was definitely one of these races you wished to have on a world championship.”

However, an unexpected abandonment from defending champion Holly Lawrence (GBR) mid-race and a dominant performance from Ryf ultimately changed the dynamics of the race, thus leaving the remaining contenders simply vying for second and third.

It was evident from the start, it might not be a good day for Lawrence. The 27-year-old from Wales exited the swim 2 minutes 17 seconds behind the race leaders, which included Ryf, and had to motor to stay in contention over a brutal 56-mile (90.1km) bike leg featuring a leg-smashing 3,408 feet (1,039m) in elevation gain.

However, in a rather shocking move as reported by Triathlete.com, the second-placed Lawrence, who trailed Ryf by 3:29, called it quits at the 23-mile mark (37km) to end her bid to defend her crown.

“I just didn’t have it right from the swim, from the get-go,” admitted an exhausted Lawrence awaiting pickup on the course. “I just was exhausted and I just didn’t have the fight today. 

“I was just hoping that I’d be able to push something on the bike, and even on the bike my legs were just dead.”

Now Ryf turns her attention to Kona, but not before celebrating her monumental win.

“Today was a very good test [for Kona],” she said. “I’m just very happy with this performance for now. [Then] it’s about getting ready for heat fitness. I go to Maui in a few days and will train there for four weeks, and the focus will be for Kona as well.

“But first, I will try to enjoy this race.”

1.2 mile (1.93km) Swim / 56 mile (90.1km) Bike / 13.1 (21km) mile Run 

Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

Saturday, October 9, 2017

1. Daniela Ryf, SUI, 4:11:59

2. Emma Pallant, GBR, 4:18:36 (+6:36)

3. Laura Philipp, GER, 4:19:40 (+7:41)

4. Sarah True, USA, 4:21:40 (+9:41)

5. Helle Frederiksen, DEN, 4:22:12 (+10:12)