Javier Gomez just added to his career the world title at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship held in Chattanooga. He was able to pass American Ben Kanute exactly eight miles to the finish line.
Yesterday’s win added to Spanish triathlete’s career the achievement of being the most decorated International Triathlon Union athlete in the history. He is currently a record holder, winning 5 ITU world titles. Gomez also has 13 ITU World Triathlon Series victories.
He is also the winner of 2014 Ironman 70.3 World Champion and won the silver medal in the 2012 Olympic games.
“It was a really tough race. Ben did a really amazing bike [leg], so I had to take some risks on the first lap. I went faster than I should have, probably, but I wanted to catch him. Then I just tried to survive.” – Gomez said.
Best American performance
On the other hand, Kanute had one of the best performances from the American ‘squad’ in an IROMAN world championship-level event during this past decade. The U.S. members dominated most of the age-group races. However, no American professional has won any world championship-level title since Andy Potts at the 2007 Ironman 70.3 World Championships.
“This is how I race. My racing plan is not much of a secret to anybody who steps on the line with me,” Kanute said. “They know I’m going to push the swim and the bike. That, to me, is an exciting way to race, and I think that plays to my strengths pretty well.”
Andrew Messick, Ironman CEO, said: “Seeing the emergence of American athletes and seeing them not just come in second but race to win is really exciting to see,” he said. “It’s exciting to see American athletes on the start line with intentions to become world champions.”
Gomez was able to finish the whole race in 3:49:45 while Kanute finished it in 3:51:07 followed by Don who finished it in 3:52:00.
