Challenge Gran Canaria 2022 results: Peréz Sala runs to glory

A scintillating half marathon from Spanish favourite Sara Peréz Sala saw her take a commanding victory at Anfi Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria on Saturday.

The 34-year-old controlled the race from start to finish – sharing the lead with Great Britain’s Lucy Buckingham through the swim and bike stages.

But it was on the run where Peréz Sala took command, running away from the field to break the tape in a time of 4:10:38. Buckingham was eventually passed on the final lap by Dutchwomen Els Visser who took second.


Swim – Peréz Sala, Buckingham shine

It was Peréz Sala and Buckingham who took command on the swim as the duo were first out of the water on the first loop.

The pair further cemented their lead on the second swim circuit, exiting the water together before making their way through the lengthy transition zone on to the first of four bike loops.

Nicola Spirig was third out of the Atlantic Ocean waters, followed closely by Visser.

Bike – front two work together

Peréz Sala and Buckingham continued to lead – and worked together to establish a formidable lead on their nearest adversaries.

Visser joined Spirig as the duo attempted to close the gap on the front two, which had increased to five minutes. Visser soon bypassed the 2021 Challenge Gran Canaria winner, taking third position as her own.

As the leaders entered T2, Visser had dropped back even further and started the run 6:12 behind Peréz Sala and Buckingham.

Advertisements

Run – scintillating Sara

Peréz Sala soon ran away from her British rival – gradually at first before Buckingham fell back quickly into the grasp of Visser.

The Dutchwoman made the pass in the final stages of the race, taking second in a time of 4:16:35, just under six minutes behind the winner.

Buckingham was a further 20 seconds back, claiming her first podium of the season after a fourth-place finish at IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote in March.

Challenge Gran Canaria 2022 Results

PRO Women

Saturday April 23, 2022

  • 1. Sara Peréz Sala (ESP) – 4:10:38
  • 2. Els Visser (NED) – 4:16:35
  • 3. Lucy Buckingham (GBR) – 4:16:55
  • 4. Nicola Spirig (SUI) – 4:21:07
  • 5. Julia Skala (GER) – 4:37:38
Stuart Dick
Written by
Stuart Dick
Stuart is a graduate of the University of Sunderland with a masters' degree in Sports Journalism. He spends a lot of his time running and cycling around West Yorkshire, England.
Latest News
Cassandre Beaugrand Beth Potter Laura Lindemann Paris Test Event podium 2023 [Photo credit: World Triathlon / Wagner Araujo]
WTCS Pontevedra predictions: Will it be Potter or Beaugrand for World Championship glory?
Lionel Sanders at the press conference ahead of 70.3 World Championship 2023
Lionel Sanders filled with chocolate milk and ‘vengeance’ for Jackson Laundry rematch
Kristian Blummenfelt running at Malibu SLT in 2021 photo credit: Super League Triathlon
Malibu Triathlon and Super League race both at risk from ENDANGERED FISH
WTCS Hamburg podium 2023 Vasco Vilaca Hayden Wilde Alex Yee photo credit Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon
Can Alex Yee make it third time lucky in the bid for world triathlon title glory in Pontevedra?
Lionel Sanders Jackson Laundry Trevor Foley podium celebrations Michigan photo credit IRONMAN
Seconds out for Sanders, Laundry and Jewett as Michigan stars face swift Augusta rematch