Italy’s Marta Bernardi placed an attack during the run and then didn’t get back in sight anymore for her chasers. Bernardi ended up winning Ironman 70.3 Cascais, sharing the podium with Britain’s Nikki Bartlett, and South Africa’s Jade Nicole Roberts (+4:24).
After the swim, there was work to do for Bernardi. Bernardi clocked a time of 25:04 minutes and exited the water in 10th position, 2:01 minute behind the first woman. That was Spain’s Helene Alberdi. She was followed, right in the feet, by two more women.
Halfway through the bike part, Bernardi had moved up four places and shrunk her deficit to 51 seconds. Meanwhile, Portugal’s Raquel Rocha and Alberdi were in charge in front. Just before T2, Bernardi ended up joining the lead group of six women. Other women in that group – besides Alberdi and Rocha – were Bartlett, Roberts, and Swiss’ Nina Derron.
On the run, Bernardi took the lead straight away. After 4 km she was leading with 20 seconds. With 9 km in her legs, Bernardi was already a minute ahead of Bartlett, who was her fastest chaser. There was nobody who could get in between the Italian and the victory anymore. After 4:18:51 hours, Bernardi took the win, 1:24 minute ahead of Bartlett who took second. Roberts brought home the bronze medal.
