Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR) and Laura Madsen (DEN) secured decisive victories in the men’s and women’s pro races. Perfect conditions and the historic Silk Road greeted the world class field at the second edition of Challenge Samarkand.
The race began with the 1.9km swim in the pristine, purpose-built rowing canal, where conditions were perfect for fast swimming. Rico Bogen (GER) led out of the swim in 21:37 with Ruben Zepuntke (GER) hot in his heels three seconds down with Gustav Iden (NOR), Bogdan Kovalenko (KAZ) and Kristian Blummenfelt. These five dominated the bike, and the competition was fast and furious, racing at up to 70kph while maintaining the Challenge Family 20m drafting rule. Bogen took control of the race, but the ever-determined Kovalenko boldly took the lead as the men began the second lap, having the ride of his life, leading the three world champions for parts of the 90km. While the lead switched between the five throughout, it wasn’t until the final 5km that Bogen moved, quickly putting over 200m between him and the rest of the group. Bogen reclaimed the front position in the closing kilometres of the bike, posting a 1:50:46 split. He entered T2 with a 51-second lead over Kovalenko, with Zepuntke. Out on the run, Bogen held the lead for the first 10km until Blummenfelt surged past him, with Bogen unable to respond. Blummefelt the finish line as the champion with a new course record time of 3:31:52. Iden overtook Bogen in the final lap to claim second place, with Bogen holding on for third.
“I really enjoyed this race,” said Blummenfelt. “The first hour on the bike was quite steady, then Rico attacked and I felt quite flat. Next up is Kona, I will go on altitude and hopefully I will keep this form until Hawaii.”
Watch Kristian’s full finish line interview here
In the women’s race, Laura Madsen dominated from the outset, exiting the water first in 26:35, followed by Marta Lagownik and Justine Guerard, a standing that wasn’t to change throughout the duration of the race. Madsen extended her lead on the bike despite headwinds, clocking an impressive 2:04:16. Her powerful performance continued the run. With an 11:29 lead at the halfway mark, she secured the victory in 3:58:34. Lagownik and Guerard rounded out the women’s podium, in 4:08:37 and 4:17:44 respectively.
“I managed to get out of the water first, that’s a first time for me,” said Madsen. “There was a lot of wind out there on the bike and run but it was great race and the completely closed roads were amazing.”
Watch Laura’s full finish line interview here.
Challenge Samarkand has set a new standard for triathlon in the region. Blummenfelt’s record-setting win, and Madsen’s dominant performance will be remembered as highlights of this 2024 event.
For further information, visit www.challenge-samarkand.com and for full results visit https://my.raceresult.com/302037/results#0_F61BFE
