Cunnama conquers mountains

Manama : James Cunnama from Bahrain Endurance 13 team took the title at the Embrunman long-distance triathlon on Monday, showing his mastery of the hilly French races following a runner-up finish at Ironman Nice and the win at the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon.

“It was important for me to win Embrun, the toughest in the world before the end of my career. I did not know who was in the lead, so I gave everything on the bike course to join the race lead and tackle the marathon,” said Cunnama.

The South African was in striking distance of the lead after the swim and cycling leg. With only two minutes separating him and race leader Etienne Diemunsch off the bike, Cunnama took the lead at 10 kilometres into the marathon and outran the rest of the men’s field. After placing second once and third three times in previous attempts, he finally secured his first victory on this notoriously tough course in 9 hours, 35 minutes, 45 seconds.

Fredrik Croneborg’s second appearance in the race, saw him finish seventh.

“I had hoped for just a few places better but still had a great trip and experience and I’m just proud to have finished Embrunman two times now. Happy for my Bahrain Endurance 13 team mate James Cunnama who took the win after several podiums the years before. I predict a good race in Kona for him, watch out! And Embrunman, I will be back,” The Swede said.

Jodie Swallow took the silver at Ironman 70.3 Wiesbaden, Germany, a race she had picked to get out of a training weekend. After a classic blistering swim that put her in the lead on the bike, the Ironman Cairns champion hopped off the bike in third place behind eventual champion Melissa Hauschildt. Swallow in the run chased down Anja Beranek for a runner-up finish.

“I’m really happy with second place and think Melissa is totally underrated. I have been here in 2012, and it’s good to be back here in Europe,” he said.