It may be part of the American Clash race calendar as of this year, still Clash Daytona marks the final race of the Challenge Family World Bonus. Chances are small that much will change in the top of the ranking, though. In both the men’s and women’s ranking, the first place is already decided on. Anne Haug (GER) and Patrick Lange (GER) have no need to fear anyone getting in between them and the win of the 30.000 dollar bonus. While in the women’s race, the entire podium is already decided on, in the men’s race the battle for second place is still on. Denmark’s Magnus Ditlev will give it his all this weekend to try and move up in the ranking. Meanwhile, Frederic Funk – who had to withdraw from racing – will keep his fingers crossed that Ditlev doesn’t kick him off his second place.
The second place in the ranking is good for 20,000 US dollars and thus worth a fight for Ditlev. Ditlev is currently in eight’ position with 880 points, but unlike in the women’s race, the battle between the first ten men is tight. That means that if Ditlev were to win (250 points) or finish second (200 points) in Daytona, he would move to a second place in the ranking, passing Funk (1050 points). If Ditlev were to finish in third place the upcoming Saturday (150 points), he would also make it to the podium of the Challenge Family World Bonus. With a third place, an athlete earns a bonus of 14,000 US dollar.
Ditlev would need to have a stellar race to try and beat current Ironman World Record holder Kristian Blummenfelt, though. The Norwegian star athlete will give Middle Distance racing another go only two weeks after his extremely successful Long Distance debut.
In the women’s race, it’s up to Britain’s Laura Siddall to try and shake up the top five of the ranking this weekend. If Siddall pulls off a strong race – finishing top three – she will pass Swiss’ Nicola Spirig, who is currently in fourth place. The bonus for athletes finishing in fourth place is 8000 US dollar, while fifth place is good for 3000 US dollar.
The current standings of the Challenge Family World Bonus:
