In an astonishing return to competitive racing following a serious bike crash which left her in a coma just six months ago, Denmark's Camilla Pedersen took gold at Challenge Fuerteventura last weekend – her first race since the accident.
Pedersen took just over 25mins to complete the 1.9km swim, then posted the fastest split (2:36:39) for the 90km bike leg. Her run was around 7mins slower than second-placed Eimear Mullan (IRE) but was enough to give her a convincing win, nearly 6mins ahead of the Irish athlete. Daniela Sämmler (GER) took bronze.
"I have worked so hard for this comeback, and I am so happy, that I've come this far," said Pedersen after the race. "You have to fight for your dreams and goals, even when it is hard, and it has been hard, but I am on my way."
In the men's race, Germany's Andreas Dreitz took gold after posting the fastest bike split of the day (2:19:42) and the fastest half marathon (1:16:43), followed by Sylvain Sudrie (FRA) who had a close battle with strong runner Horst Reichel (GER).
Women's results
1 - Camilla Pedersen (DEN)
04:30:13
2 - Eimear Maria Mullan (IRE)
04:36:08
3 – Daniela Sämmler (DER)
04:36:56
ArrayMen's results
1 - Andreas Dreitz (GER)
04:01:47
2 - Sylvain Sudrie (FRA)
04:03:21
3 - Horst Reichel (GER)
04:03:50
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