Gurutze Frades third in Ironman Brazil, qualified for Kona

Gurutze finished third in the Ironman in Florianópolis (Brazil) after an epic race, with rain at the start and a lot of humidity in the marathon.

The competition started at the 6: 45 local time, with the first rays of the sun, the XV edition of the most important Ironman in South America began. Shortly after starting to swim, it began to rain with great force, which made it difficult for the triathletes to swim and see the buoys, with a very busy sea.

The Czech Luvie Zelenkova was the first to cover the 3800m swim, with a time of 54'10 '', then 2'30 '' made it a group of 4 triathletes with the American Elizabeth Lyles among them. For its part Guru Frades y Helena Herrero they came out of the water together, 7 'from the head, in the 12 and 13 positions.

The first kilometers of cycling are marked by heavy rain, Lyles takes the lead and gradually opens up differences until reaching T2 leader, after which the German Marren Hufe does it at 8 '. For his part, Gurutze made a great comeback, following a conservative tactic in the first kilometers, but gradually climbing positions, to cover the 180km in exactly 5 hours, arriving 3rd at T2. Helena Herrero is forced to leave the sector in the middle.

Finally the marathon was developed with very harsh conditions of humidity and embarrassment, in addition to including some slope in its route that made the triathletes suffer a lot.

During the first kilometers Guru maintained a constant rhythm around 4'30 '' / km, maintaining the 3ª position, although behind it the Brazilian Monticeli was getting closer to stabilize the difference in 5 '.

Finally the victory for the American Elizabeth Lyles with 8h59 '. After her second is the German Marren Hufe and third one HISTORICAL Guru Frades, certifying its classification to Kona. His time 9h25 ', one of the best (if not the best) brand of a Spanish Ironman distance.

You have to take off your hat with the deeds of Gurutze, who with this third position becomes the first Spanish to qualify for Kona in professionals since the implementation of the KPR points system. Frades, follow the steps of Maribel Blanco, the first PRO to run in Hawaii makes 14 years and Virginia Berasategui.

And it also means a record for the women's triathlon, because for the first time there will be 6 women (1 PRO and 5 GGEE) in the Hawaii World Cup ... and all Ironmans of Continental Europe still have to play. 

Photo: ironman.com