Search
shop

Thomas Steger, Sarissa De Vries win Challenge Riccione

Contrasting fortunes for the British Pro athletes racing at Challenge Riccione, Italy, where Austria and The Netherlands would top the podiums
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Advertisement

Second place for India Lee in Italy

Another close finish – this time in Riccione

We didn’t have the benefit of the live coverage from last week’s epic Sanders-Long finale in Utah, but Sunday’s Challenge Riccione in Italy served up another quality field and exciting racing with moves late in the race determining the men’s winner.

After finishing second two weeks ago at Challenge Gran Canaria, Spain’s Pablo Dapena Gonzalez looked for much of the run as though he would be able to add another Challenge Family victory to his C.V. Well known for his speedy running, the former ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Champion would however have to give way to the fast feet of Austria’s Thomas Steger.

The Team Pewag athlete put together a superb 1:08:12 run split (against the 1:11’s of Gonzalez and third placed Sebastian Kienle), to take the title by and 80 second margin, passing the Team BMC Pro Triathlon team athlete late into the half marathon.

It was a rare off day for Great Britain’s Thomas Davis, who after crashing out in Gran Canaria was hoping to get his season back on track, after a COVID-test prevented him from even making the early season trip to Challenge Miami. Bad days happen, and he was refreshingly honest:

Not much to say about that @challengericcione They say bad things come in 3’s

I could make excuses, but quite simply I didn’t turn up. A flat tyre at 40 miles didn’t help, but on the day I wasn’t good enough. But #deathbeforeDNF. Not sure where I came, but i wasn’t troubling the top 10.

Back to the drawing board. I’ll come back stronger

By contrast, it was a much better day for India Lee. Consistent throughout with a second best swim and bike, followed by the third quickest run, she spent most of the day – and finished – in second place, to Sarissa De Vries. The Dutch athlete finished second in Gran Canaria to the all-conquering Nicola Spirig. Key to her race was a strong bike leg which allowed her to gap Lee by just over four minutes, eventually finishing with a comfortable six minute winning margin.

Challenge Riccione, Italy – Sunday 9th May 2021
1.9km / 90km / 21km

PRO MEN

1st – Thomas Steger (AUT) – 3:52:34
2nd – Pablo Dapena Gonzalez (ESP) – 3:53:54
3rd – Sebastian Kienle (GER) – 3:55:19
4th – Mattia Ceccarelli (ITA) – 3:55:59
5th – Andi Boecherer (GER) – 3:56:26

PRO WOMEN

1st – Sarissa De Vries (NED) – 4:23:16
2nd – India Lee (GBR) – 4:29:03
3rd – Marta Bernardi (ITA) – 4:33:29
4th – Carolin Lehrieder (GER) – 4:34:34
5th – Lena Berlinger (GER) – 4:35:26

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
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.
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Georgia Taylor Brown T100 London 2025 bike
Olympic superstar GTB looking to learn from London at T100 French Riviera
Hayden Wilde wins T100 London 2025
T100 French Riviera 2025: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Jeanne Lehair Georgia Taylor Brown Fanni Szalai Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 women’s results: Lehair holds off Olympic star Taylor-Brown
Alberto Gonzalez Garcia wins Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 men’s results: Speedy Gonzalez Garcia STUNS the big names
Jeanne Lehair Supertri Chicago 2025
WATCH AGAIN: Supertri Chicago 2025 as Lehair and Gonzalez Garcia take the wins
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...