Tim Don Third in Hamburg
Tim Don laid down a marker for his battle with World Champion Alistair Brownlee next week when he finished an impressive third place at the Dextro Energy ITU Triathlon World Championship Series Hamburg, on 17 July
Tim Don laid down a marker for his battle with World Champion Alistair Brownlee next week when he finished an impressive third place at the Dextro Energy ITU Triathlon World Championship Series Hamburg, on 17 July.
The 32 year old Londoner had a strong swim, rode with the front pack and ran well to win bronze in front of one of the biggest crowds on the triathlon circuit. His time of 1:43.57 was just half a minute back from the race winner, Javier Gomez of Spain.
He said: “This is the first time I’ve finished on the podium in a World Championships Series race so I’m very pleased.
“I had a great swim. The lead group wasn’t really committed on the bike but I knew the last 2-3km would be important so I got into my rhythm ready for the run. Jan [Frodeno] and Gomez had a good start and I realised I was racing for third. It’s not the way I like to race but I couldn’t go with them today. I used my speed well and got onto the podium.
“It’s such a great crowd here in Hamburg, racing here is unreal, and really hard to describe. It shows how big triathlon has become in Europe and I’m happy to be a part of it at the front, racing for the medals.”
“London is the one I really want. I will fly home tomorrow, rest up and try to enjoy it. I know I am in great shape.”
In finishing second, home favourite Jan Frodeno won enough points to take himself to the world number one ranking, ahead of the Dextro Energy ITU Triathlon World Championship Series London, presented by Tata Steel next weekend.
He said: “I am 100% happy with what I achieved today. Being the Series leader is fantastic, I’m over the moon. I found the way to the finish line by instinct. I closed my eyes and just wanted to get to the finish. The crowd amazing, I’m proud that this is my home race.”
Gomez ran an incredibly fast 29.38 split for the final 10km run, signalling a return to form after injury prevented him from running between March and May. With Tim Don clearly in great shape and Alistair Brownlee set to race in Hyde Park, next week’s race is now shaping up to be one of the most exciting of the season.
Brownlee opted not to race in Humburg today, instead opting to sharpen his speed over the sprint distance at the French Grand Prix in Paris tomorrow morning.
Britain’s other athlete in today’s race was Scotland’s 22 year old David McNamee. He finished less than two minutes back from Don in 29th place.
Results:
1. Javier Gomez (ESP) 1:43.07
2. Jan Frondeno (GER) 1:43.23
3. Tim Don (GBR) 1:43.57
29. David McNamee (GBR) 1:45.23
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
