Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2009

Olympic champ Jan Frodeno takes the Laguna Phuket title

Games Gold Champ Rips to a Triathlon Record

Sunday, December 6, 2009

REIGNING Olympic gold medalist Jan Frodeno took first place in a new course record to earn $3500 at the 2009 Laguna Phuket Triathlon 'Race of Legends' in an electrifying pro competition.

The German athlete posted an overall finish time of 2:24:56, three minutes and 23 seconds faster than the previous record set by Richie Cunningham of Australia last year.

Frodeno was followed home some 12 minutes later by Canadian pro Matthieu O'Halloran with Hungarian Balazs Csoke completing the top three in 2:38:18.

Frodeno said after the race: ''The bike section was a challenge due to my inexperience of the course and knowing how to pace this particular race.

''I am amazed at the fantastic organisation and the welcoming people, I am so happy to finally be here, I have been trying to get to the race for the last three years. The event has got a great festival atmosphere.''

Radka Vodickova from Czechoslovakia won the 2009 Pro Women's championship in 2:46:15. She was pushed all the way by last year's defending champion, Belinda Granger. The Aussie finished second in 2:49:51. Another Aussie, Rachael Paxton, placed third in 2:52:16.

Vodickova completed the 1.8km swim in 25:02, with Granger just 14 seconds behind. Vodickova was also the first woman off the bike course, finishing in 1:30:52, followed by Granger, who gained time but could not outrun her opponent.

Some 1000 athletes competed in sizzling conditions. The race began at the beachfront of the Laguna Beach Resort, with the first group starting at 7am.

The swim leg crossed the Andaman Sea, followed by a lagoon.

Champions of the Team Relay race were Triathlon Travel, winning in 2:46:10. Second place went to Donald Legget Racing in 3:00:37 followed by the Sheraton On B team in 3:11:10.

The fastest Thai male finisher was Chadarak Chaikamjorn in 3:01:33, while the first Thai woman to finish was Natcha Pianprasobsuk in 03:23:52.

Ttemperatures topped 30 degrees Competitors represented more than 40 countries and ranged in age from 18 to over 70 years old.

For complete coverage:www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com.


The 2010 Laguna Phuket Triathlon is scheduled for 28 November.

race results