Today’s Anfi Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria race was nothing short of spectacular. The race, featuring over 40 elite triathletes, witnessed intense competition from start to finish in both the men’s and women’s races with Iestyn Harrett (GBR) and Marta Lagownik (POL) both taking maiden professional wins in 3:44:45 and 4:15:36 respectively.
All eyes were on seasoned contenders like Kristian Høgenhaug (DEN) and Dieter Comhair (BEL). However, it was Harrett's strategic and powerful performance that stole the spotlight.
The men’s race began with a first group of 10 emerging from the first swim lap, but as the athletes transitioned onto their bikes, the event started to unfold with unexpected twists. Early swim leader Fabian Alessandro sadly withdrew due to mechanical issues, leaving the race for Luke Pollard (GBR), Tom Vaelen (BEL), and eventually, the strongly dominating Kristian Høgenhaug (DEN).
Despite a challenging 1,400m elevation gain on the bike course, the former Long-Distance World Champion, Høgenhaug, returning from injury, surged ahead in the final lap, setting the stage for an intense run.
As the race transitioned into the five-lap run within the Anfi del Mar Resort, Høgenhaug initially appeared quite strong. However, Iestyn Harrett closed the gap and overtook Høgenhaug in a nail-biting chase, eventually stretching a 20-second lead to secure his victory. Høgenhaug finished second with a time of 3:45:29, while Mikel Ramos Ugarte (ESP) completed the podium in 3:46:36.
In the after-race interview, Harrett said he struggled a little bit on the bike, but he knew he had good chances on the run. ´I just chipped off bit by bit and when I did catch, I caught quick and made a big gap straight away´.
The women's race was equally exciting, with a close group leading out of the swim. Chloe Sparrow (GBR) exited the water first, but it was Lagownik who took control on the technical bike course and maintained her lead. As the run commenced, Lagownik stayed in control with the pack jostling for position behind her. Lagownik, Robisch, Santimaria, and Guerard were the first ones to reach T2, while Lehrieder had to drop out due to a flat tire. A minute later, Thoes, who is renowned for her exceptional running skills, recorded the fastest bike split and started the run in the sixth position.
During the final half marathon, Lagownik took a commanding lead over her competitors from the start and continued to widen the gap.
Lagownik, with a phenomenal race, secured her first professional victory at the Anfi Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria in time of 4:15:36. Behind her, German athletes Rebecca Robisch claimed the second position, crossing the finish line in 4:19:21, while Leonie Konczalla clinched the third spot with atime of 4:20:26.
MALE PRO:
1 Iestyn Harrett GBR 3:44:54
2 Kristian Hogenhaug DEN +0:35
3 Ugarte Ramos ESP +1:32
4 Casimir Moine FRA +3:07
5 Luke Pollard GBR +3:24
FEMALE PRO:
1 Marta Lagownik POL 4:15:36
2 Rebecca Robisch GER +3:45
3 Leonie Konczalla GER +4:50
4 Justine Guerard FRA +6:42
5 Margie Santimaria ITA +8:12