A start to finish domination, his fourth victory this year for Panagiotis Bitados (GRE), and a perfectly executed race by Daniela Kleiser (GER) marked today’s Challenge Sanremo on the Italian Riviera.
It was an ideal day for racing, with a calm sea, no wind, and moderate temperatures. The men’s race began with Jonas Schomburg (GER) and Bitados taking an early lead, completing the first swim lap with an Australian-style exit. The German and Greek athletes were the first to get on the bike, maintaining a significant lead over Michele Sarzilla (ITA) and a pack of strong competitors, including German athletes David Breinlinger, Maximilian Sperl, Thomas Ott, Arne Leiss, Malte Kreibich, and the Frenchman Simon Viain.
On the challenging bike course, with over 1,500 meters of altitude gain, Bitados set a strong pace, extending his lead over Schomburg to over one-and-a-half-minute midway through. He dominated the bike section, reaching the top of the Vignai – Passo Ghimbegna climb with a four-and-a-half-minute lead over Schomburg and six-and-a-half minutes over Jannik Stoll and Breinlinger. By T2, Bitados extended his advantage over a long line of German chasers.
Bitados continued his dominance during the run, leading unchallenged to secure his first Challenge Sanremo victory in 3:54:36. Schomburg finished second in 4:01:28, while Stoll rounded out the podium in third in 4:06:23.
“It was my first time on this course,” said Bitados. I am happy with my result, but I want to improve even more. Next year, I am going to beat this time!”
Text continues below pictureAmong the women, the swim segment featured a solo performance by Austrian Therese Feuersinger, who dominated the swim, finishing 3 minutes and 35 seconds ahead of her pursuers: Margareta Bicanova (SVK), Justine Guerard (FRA), Rebecca Robisch (GER), Barbara Riveros (CHI), and Marta Bernardi (ITA).
Feuersinger maintained a considerable lead during the first half of the bike segment, riding solo. However, the 16 km climb reshuffled the positions, with the Austrian still in the lead while Robisch trailed seven minutes behind and Schönfelder over nine minutes back, both vying for the podium. Feuersinger arrived at T2 first and alone, followed by the Germans, Robisch (four minutes behind) and Kleiser (five minutes behind).
Robisch and Kleiser increased their pace, gradually reducing their gap. The crucial moment came at the 15 km mark when Kleiser showcased her running strength, overtaking Feuersinger and sprinting towards victory with a time of 4:37:41. Feuersinger held onto second place, finishing in 4:42:39, while Robisch secured the bronze medal with a time of 4:44:06.
“I am feeling great, it was a special race” said Kleiser. “Running is my best discipline, and I know I am a pretty strong runner, so I just do my thing, and it turns out well most of the time”.
