The 2011 Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship proved to be a spectacular race.   More than 2,200 athletes started the day and fought tough weather condition throughout  the course.  While unusually cool temperatures provided a bit of relief from Frankfurt’s typical July heat and humidity, intermittent rain showers added to the drama of the day.

The Professional men’s race was won by German Faris Al-Sultan, posting a 8:13:50.  The women’s professional race went to Caroline Steffen of Switzerland, who completed the course in 9:12:13.  Also among the field were twelve Ironman Executive Challenge (XC) athletes representing six different counties: Canada, Germany, Panama, Romania, United Kingdom, and United States.

XC 45 and Under

Germany’s  Thomas Fox finished first within the grouping.  He posted the fastest bike (5:11) and run (3:30) of all the Ironman XC competitors.  The 3:30 run was a new Ironman XC course record by 5 minutes, previously set last year.

Andrew Mentor of Austin, Texas was the winner of the Kona PR challenge slot, besting his previous PR by more than 59 minutes.  A 3:42 marathon help secure his spot at the Ford Ironman World Championship this October.

Matthew Wong from New York, New York posted a new PR of 10:38:15, despite the challenging conditions.  Wong, who returned to race the European Championship from a very uncharacteristic performance in 2010, fared much better this year with family in attendance, cheering him on.

Holger Pollmeier of Germany completed the 240k in 10:59:05.  Pollmeier, who also raced at the Powerbar Switzerland Ironman 70.3 in June, will compete next in the Marines Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Las Vegas later this year.

Canada’s Anthony Giuffre, posted an Ironman Personal Best marathon time of 4:24 just 28 days after competing at the Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene.  Giuffre is a five time Ironman Finisher.

Michael Morales of Panama, racing in his third full distance race, completed the course in 13:36:07.

XC 46 and Over

Bill Beyer of Reston, Virginia posted a new PR of 10:32.  His 1:06 swim (fastest among the XC group), along with solid bike (5:29) and run (3:49) splits, helped to secure his third straight trip to the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kalilua-Kona, Hawaii this October.

Scott Henrikson from Andover, Kansas completed the course in 11:17, a new PR.  Henrikson, who completed at Oschner Ironman 70.3 New Orleans, will race this fall in the inaugural Marines Ironman 70.3 World Championship event.

Steve Conner of Longwood, Florida as well posted a new PR (11:23) despite the challenging race-day conditions.  He bested his 2010 Ford Ironman Florida time by more the 19 minutes.

After a three year hiatus from the full distance Ironman, Romania’s Steven van Groningen returned and completed the 240k course with an impressive 11:44.  Van Groningen competed earlier this year at the Thomas Cook Ironman 70.3 Mallorca.

Ironman journeyman Jim Favreau of Brunswick, Maine posted a new PR of 13:33, despite a crash on the bike.  The Ironman European Championship is Jim’s eleventh Ironman finish.

Peter Harding of the United Kingdom returned to the Frankfurter Sparkassee European Championship after winning the XC race there in 2009.  After a strong 1:08 swim, Harding had to withdraw from the race after a bike mechanical.

The World Triathlon Corporation and Ironman XC would like to graciously thank Michael Gohner (3^rd Pro male),Kevin Mackinnon, Amanda McKenzie, Luke McKenzie (5^th Pro Male), Dave Orlowski, Caroline Steffen (1^st Pro Female), and Uber Widman (12^th Pro Male)  for their involvement at the 2011 Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship.

For more information on Ironman XC Executive Challenge, contact Troy Ford at Troy@ironman.com.  Athletes interested in purchasing race photos should contact www.finisherpix.com.