Pieter Heemeryck wins first Ironman triathlon in Knokke-Heist

The German Magnus Männer proves to be the fastest swimmer in Knokke-Heist. After almost 2 kilometers he is the first to step out of the water ahead of his compatriot Wilhelm Hirsch and the New Zealander Smith. Pieter Heemeryck starts sixth in the 90 kilometer cycle.

Kyle Smith takes over the lead position, Männer drops away. Pieter Heemeryck moves up to second place. Smith and Heemeryck start the final half marathon almost together. Hirsch is also not yet finished with victory.

New Zealander Smith is the first to crack while running and quickly loses positions. Hirsch is still Pieter Heemeryck’s main opponent. But he is able to hold off the German and increases his lead to over a minute. Pieter Heemeryck wins in Knokke-Heist, a nice victory after a disappointing World Cup in Nice last week. Hirsch is second, Britain’s Harry Palmer third.

For the men it is an exciting battle for a long time, but for the women we get a one-woman show. The British Lucy Buckingham immediately takes the lead and never relinquishes it. Even though it is still exciting at the end with a strong Lizzie Rayner. France’s Emilie Morier is third. The first compatriot is Katrien Verstuyft in seventh place.