Sunday’s Challenge Salou (www.challengesalou.com) triathlon took place on the Costa Duarada in North East Spain. The race represented the start of a busy European season of Challenge Family races.
As it did in 2018, two British athletes were on the podium again – both in third place – Emma Pallant and Thomas Davis. The race saw Judith Corachan Vaquera (ESP) defend her title, while the ever-consistent and improving Pieter Heemeryck (BEL) ensured that it was second again for the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Champion, Pablo Dapena Gonzalez (ESP).
José Luis Hourcade (www.joseluishourcade.com) was once again on hand at the race to capture some great images for us, his first event of what we are sure will be many through the 2019 season.
Pre-race nervesHelle Frederiksen (DEN) in thought ahead of the swim startMen’s Pro race startAnd the Women’s Pro start quickly followedA big Age-Group entry in Salou tooITU LD World Champion, Pablo Dapena Gonzalez
Pieter Heemeryck (BEL)Great Britain’s Kimberley Morrison looking aeroITU LD World Champ, Helle Frederiksen, had to withdraw during the bike sectionJudith Corachan Vaquera would win again in SalouDaniela Bleymehl GER)The distinctive style of Antony Costes (FRA)Pablo Dapena Gonzalez heads to T2Out on the run courseThomas Davis wanted a podium finish – and he would get it tooRunning to another Challenge Salou victory2018 Challenge Roth winner, Daniela Bleymehl, would take SilverEmma Pallant took third thanks to a swift runA great day for Pieter HeemeryckGreat views on the run coursePieter Heemeryck is the men’s championThe Men’s podium: 1st Heemeryck (BEL), 2nd Dapena Gonzalez (ESP), 3rd Davis (GBR)A home win (again) for Judith Corachan VaqueraThe Women’s podium: 1st Corachan Vaquera (ESP), 2nd Bleymehl (GER), 3rd Pallant (GBR)
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
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