Brilliant Pooley secures a fourth consecutive Powerman Zofingen victory

Published:

Emma Pooley retains ITU Long Distance Duathlon World Championship title in Switzerland

A former World Time Trial Cycling Champion and Olympic Games Silver medallist, Emma Pooley proved to be unstoppable once again at the legendary Powerman Zofingen Duathlon.

Hosting the ITU Long Distance Duathlon World Championships for the tenth time, the Swiss-based athlete was always the hot favourite to continue her run of success, as both course record holder and winner for the past three years. Her performance proved she was more than worthy of that status.

The opening 10km run is, relatively speaking, a warm up for what is to come for the athletes in Zofingen, with a hilly 150km cycle leg and a closing 30km run capable of reducing even the best to a painful walk before reaching the finish line. Now in its 29th year, the Zofingen event is one of the iconic races in the sport.

One of six athletes who would start the bike leg within one minute of each other, Pooley’s trump card on this type of course is her incredible cycling. Regarded as one of the best climbers of her generation during her cycling career, Emma put this to good use once again to build a huge of well over 15 minutes during the 150km, before returning to her running shoes for the second time. With such a significant lead, she paced the second run well, but still produced the second fastest split of the day over that discipline too. A complete performance, her domination was reflected with a winning margin of more than 27 minutes. Miriam Van Reijen (NED) just pipped Katrin Esefeld (GER) for the Silver medal.

The men’s event saw a first Russian winner of Powerman Zofingen, with Maxim Kuzmin earning a narrow victory over defending champion, Seppe Odeyn (BEL). Bronze went to Soren Bystrup (DEN), who has finished in the same position in five of the last six Zofingen races.

The Great Britain Age-Group team collected five medals in Switzerland, with Gold going to Flora Colledge (30-34) and Melanie Hayes (50-54). Melanie had previously won Silver at the same event two years ago.

 

Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships
10km run - 150km bike - 30km run
Sunday 3
September 2017

 

Elite Women:

1st – Emma Pooley (GBR) – 7:21:04

2nd – Miriam Van Reijen (NED) – 7:48:19

3rd – Katrin Esefeld (GER) – 7:49:05

4th – Nina Zoller (SUI) 7:59:16

5th – Sabrina Monmarteau (FRA) – 8:09:07

 

Elite Men:

1st – Maxim Kuzmin (RUS) – 6:31:04

2nd – Seppe Odeyn (BEL) – 6:32:20

3rd – Soren Bystrup (DEN) – 6:34:52

4th – Gael Le Bellec (FRA) – 6:36:55

5th – Yannick Cadelen (FRA) – 6:39:10

19th – Julian Lings (GBR) – 7:04:37

23th – Peter Ellis (GBR) – 7:30:25

 

Great Britain Age Group Team Medals

  • Gold – Flora Colledge, F30-34
  • Gold – Melanie Hayes, F50-54
  • Silver – Lise Soerensen, F35-39
  • Silver – Louise Goddard, F50-54
  • Bronze – Liam Walker, M25-29

Full Results

Thanks to our Partners

Join Us

And enjoy insurance benefits, race licensing and more...