Stein, Van Vlerken take Kraichgau
Boris Stein took the win at the 2013 Challenge Kraichgau triathlon and is thus the new German Pro middle distance champion. Yvonne Van Vlerken took the win in the women's race, and runner-up and defending champion Challenge Kraichgau Julia Gajer earned the German middle distance crown.
Defending men's champion Andreas Raelert finished outside the top ten and it was reported that he was still suffering from a recent dental operation. Sebastian Kienle was also meant to race but he announced a few days ago that he could not start because of a bacterial infection.
Boris Stein had finished 3rd at the European 70.3 Championships behind Michael Raelert and Bart Aernouts, so this win today wasn't a complete surprise. Some insiders actually felt that he was someone to watch with Kienle not racing. Stein also won the German middle distance championships last year while still racing as an amateur, and when the event was held in Immenstadt, Germany during the Allgäu Triathlon.
"I really managed a super day in the swim today, and then it almost worked by itself," said Stein. "Today that was really a dream."
Yvonne Van Vlerken also had a strong swim and took over the lead halfway during the bike. Julia Gajer fought very hard and it was a close event until the very end, but Van Vlerken came out on top in 4:26:34. Gajer finished second in 4:27:12, but was rewarded for her effort with the German Middle Distance Triathon title. Jenny Schulz rounded out the podium in 4:28:21.
"Yvonne was so fast during the swim that I was worried about my chances for the overall," said Gajer. "I managed to gain time back during the run, and with 5 more kilometers I might have caught her. But I am very happy about the German Middle Distance title."
Sparkasse Challenge Kraichgau
Kraichgau, Germany / June 9, 2013
1.9km swim / 90km bike / 21km run
Top men
1. Boris Stein (GER) 3:53:07
2. Maik Petzold (GER) 3:56:26
3. Timo Bracht (GER) 3:58:43
4. Andreas Hirsch (GER) 4:09:12 * AG M30-34
5. Sebastian Neef (GER) 4:09:23
Top women
1. Yvonne Van Vlerken (AUT) 4:26:35
2. Julia Gajer (GER) 4:27:!2
3. Jenny Schulz (GER) 4:28:21
4. Natascha Schmitt (GER) 4:34:32
5. Laura Philipp (GER) 4:38:49
