Daniela Ryf makes a big statement at IRONMAN 70.3 Switzerland

Even by her own incredibly lofty standards, Daniela Ryf (SUI) – the reigning (and three times each) IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion – produced a performance of note on Sunday at IRONMAN 70.3 Switzerland.

That she won is not news – that’s her fifth consecutive win at the event in Rapperswil-Jona.

That she won by well over 15 minutes is not news either – Daniela is one of the best ever, plus the depth of the women’s Pro field was not extensive.

Even finishing seventh overall, including the Male Pro athletes, isn’t really important – we’ve seen Chrissie Wellington (and others) in years past, do similar.

JONA, SWITZERLAND - JUNE 10: Daniela Ryf (L) of Switzerland competes in the bike section of Ironman 70.3 Switzerland Rapperswil-Jona on June 10, 2018 in Jona, Switzerland. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — *Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN*

What does jump out – to me at least – is that she was only 11 minutes slower than men’s winner, Josh Amberger (AUS). That is truly exceptional, in terms of a relative time difference to a top tier Pro Male.

Josh Amberger is widely regarded as the best swimmer in the sport (he lead the swim, solo, in Kona last year). Amberger swam 22:30 on Sunday, while Daniela lead the way for the women with a 24:31.

JONA, SWITZERLAND - JUNE 10: Daniela Ryf of Switzerland competes in the run section of Ironman 70.3 Switzerland Rapperswil-Jona on June 10, 2018 in Jona, Switzerland. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — *Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN*

There is no question that Lucy Charles has improved even further in 2018, having already taken second place to Daniela at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona last October. The challenge of youth looks set to improve further – but based on this result, Daniela will be arriving in Hawaii well prepared.

Crushing return to racing for the Bird @danielaryf Pro men hoping punishment would end after the bike shown no mercy. #birdisback https://t.co/Q8rjUiJz4P

— Brett Sutton (@trisutto) June 10, 2018

If anyone wants to take the crown away from the ‘Angry Bird’, they are certainly going to need to bring their A-game.

IRONMAN 70.3 Switzerland, Sunday 10th June 2018
1.9km / 90km / 21.1km

Pro Men:

1st – Josh Amberger (AUS) -03:49:46
2nd – Manuel Küng (SUI) – 03:50:58
3rd – Boris Stein (GER) 03:51:31
4th – Ruedi Wild (SUI) 03:57:18
5th – Etienne Diemunsch (FRA) 03:59:00

JONA, SWITZERLAND - JUNE 10: Josh Amberger of Australia (C) 1st, Manuel Kueng of Switzerland (L) 2nd and Boris Stein of Germany 3rd celebrate on the podium of Ironman 70.3 Switzerland Rapperswil-Jona on June 10, 2018 in Jona, Switzerland. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN) — Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

Pro Women:

1st – Daniela Ryf (SUI) – 04:00:54
2nd – Imogen Simmonds (SUI) – 04:16:01
3rd – Skye Moench (USA) – 04:19:06
4th – Corina Hengartner (SUI) – 04:30:05
5th – Sonja Tajsich (GER) 04:36:28