Challenge Gdansk results: German star smashes record as Derron claims big win

Marcel Bolbat and Nina Derron roared to impressive Pro race victories at Challenge Gdansk 2025 on Sunday.

German star Bolbat smashed the race record time to lead home the men’s Pro field, while Swiss ace Derron claimed a comfortable success in the showdown for Pro women.

We have all the detail for you on how both races took shape, and the times for all of the podium finishers.

Pro Men – Bolbat sets a new standard

The men’s race began with Louis Woodgate (GRE) setting the pace, exiting the 1.9 km swim in 24:35, closely followed by Tomasz Brembor (POL) and Thomas Davis (GBR).

Woodgate extended his lead during the bike leg, opening up a 50-second advantage, which grew to over two minutes as the field approached T2. He entered the run with a 2:26 lead, but Bolbat steadily closed the gap.

By the 15 km mark, Bolbat had caught Woodgate and moved into the lead in the final kilometres. Bolbat set a new race record, claiming victory in 3:44:03, with Woodgate finishing second in 3:46:46, and Marius Bjerkeset (NOR) completing the podium in 3:47:56.

“The bike was so hard that I didn’t think when I started the run that I could hold the pace, but luckily, it worked.” said a delighted Bolbat afterwards.

Marcel Bolbat Challenge Gdansk 2025 Finish Line — Marcel Bolbat wins Challenge Gdansk 2025 in a new course record time (Photo – Przemek Świderski).

Pro Women – Nina bikes rivals into submission

In the women’s race, Julie Iemmolo (FRA) led out of the water in 27:00, holding a 13-second advantage over Rosie Weston (GBR) and Clair Hann (GBR).

As the bike unfolded, Derron surged to the front and began building her lead. Iemmolo, despite losing her chip signal early on the bike, maintained second place throughout the 90km.

Agnieszka Gadomska (POL) had a strong start to the bike, riding in third position during the early stages. However, she was overtaken midway through the bike course by Lara Rajteric (SLO) and Julia Skala (GER), who moved into third and fourth, pushing Gadomska to fifth.

Derron maintained control through the run, taking the win in 4:15:41. Iemmolo held her position and finished second in 4:18:45. Skala closed the gap late in the run, finishing just five seconds behind Iemmolo in 4:18:50 to secure third.

“It’s been a while since I won a race so I am very very happy,” said Derron afterwards.

“On the bike I had a lot of fun, I was trying to catch up and just keep pushing the power.”