The 2025 edition of Lotto Challenge Gdańsk powered by PGE delivered competitive racing in both the men’s and women’s professional fields, with Marcel Bolbat (GER) and Nina Derron (SUI) crossing the line first.
The men’s race at Lotto Challenge Gdańsk began with Louis Woodgate (GRE) setting the pace, exiting the 1.9 km swim in 24:35, closely followed by Tomasz Brembor (POL) and Thomas Davis (GBR). Woodgate extended his lead during the bike leg, opening up a 50-second advantage, which grew to over two minutes. He entered the run with a 2:26 lead, but Marcel Bolbat (GER) steadily closed the gap. By the 15 km mark, Bolbat had caught Woodgate and moved into the lead in the final kilometres. Bolbat set a new race record, claiming victory in 3:44:03, with Woodgate finishing second in 3:46:46, and Marius Bjerkeset (NOR) rounding out the podium in 3:47:56.
“The bike was so hard that I didn’t think when I started the run that I could hold the pace, but luckily, it worked.” said Bolbat.
In the women’s race, Julie Iemmolo (FRA) led out of the water in 27:00, holding a 13-second advantage over Rosie Weston (GBR) and Clair Hann (GBR). As the bike unfolded, Nina Derron (SUI) surged to the front and began building her lead. Iemmolo, despite losing her chip signal early on the bike, maintained second place throughout the 90km. While, Agnieszka Gadomska (POL) had a strong start to the bike, riding in third position during the early stages. However, she was overtaken midway through the bike course by Lara Rajteric (SLO) and Julia Skala (GER), who moved into third and fourth, pushing Gadomska to fifth. Derron maintained control through the run, taking the win in 4:15:41. Iemmolo held her position and finished second in 4:18:45. Skala closed the gap late in the run, finishing just five seconds behind Iemmolo in 4:18:50 to secure third.
“It’s been a while since I won a race so I am very very happy,” said Derron. “On the bike I had a lot of fun, I was trying to catch up and just keep pushing the power.”
The event featured a swim at the city beach, a bike course passing the Energa Stadion, and a run through Ronald Reagan Park, finishing at the city pier. Conditions were calm and sunny, with temperatures rising during the day.
For full results, visit https://live.sts-timing.pl/challenge-gdansk2025/day2/
For further information, visit www.challenge-poland.com
Finish Line Interviews
Marcel Bolbat – https://youtu.be/jK5e6Gn9vh0
Nina Derron – https://youtu.be/dR01QxFe3_M
