Search
shop

Noodt lauds ‘perfect race’ at Challenge Gran Canaria 2022

We spoke to the young German after his win to get the inside track on his impressive performance
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

21-year-old German Mika Noodt took top honours at Anfi Challenge Mogán-Gran Canaria on Saturday afternoon with a breathtaking display across all three disciplines.

In the the lead group from start to finish, Noodt took victory by 80 seconds from his nearest rival, Clement Mignon of France, courtesy of a stunning late surge on the run.

“The race went perfect from the start,” Noodt explained after the race, I was right on Jonny’s [Brownlee] feet on the swim.

“I wasn’t really expecting it, but I felt super comfortable – I actually led it on the second loop for a short time then I let Jonny do a bit more work, and then Andreas [Salivsberg] had a spell.

“The pace was on, but I felt pretty comfortable.”

Advertisement

Decisive move

Challenge Gran Canaria 2022 Men podium

Noodt, who competed in just his fourth race as a professional over the middle distance in Gran Canaria – having previously won on debut at IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables D’Olonne in 2021 – was in the lead quartet of riders at the start of the bike including Brownlee, Salvisberg and Mignon.

“I was behind Jonny in third place for the first 5k and then I really struggled with the group dynamics because I came close to others – once when the climb started – and I was like yeah, let’s just not risk a penalty and overtake them.

“So I went to the front after 5k and stayed there the whole race – I led the whole bike, I didn’t care about the others too much, I just tried to focus on navigating through the age groupers and the motorbikes – sometimes it was a bit close but I expected it to be a lot worse.”

Noodt entered T2 first and managed to head onto the five-loop run course ahead of his rivals.

“I felt decent, I managed to take on a decent amount of nutrition, but after the first half lap I really felt the heat, and I was hopeful it doesn’t get too hot.”

All out on the fourth loop

A worry for Noodt was the fast running Frenchman behind, as Mignon appeared to be closing on the German at a steady rate, reducing the deficit to just five metres on the third loop.

“I had 15 seconds to Clement, and I quickly realised that Jonny and Andrea would not be contenders today and it was like 15 seconds after the first loop, 10 seconds after the second, and just five seconds after the third loop.

“I was like oh man, I think it’s going to be sprint finish just like the one we saw at Oceanside, but then I went all out in the first half of the fourth loop and suddenly I had 15 seconds so I was so happy because I could back off a tiny bit, knowing I had more in the tank if he challenged again.”

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.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
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

Share to...