Men’s Day in Marbella: The IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Comes Down to the Line

Good morning Marbella! Photos: Kevin Mackinnon

With the women putting on a dramatic show here at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain yesterday, it was the men’s turn today, and things didn’t get any less exciting. As you can read in our race recap, it came down to the wire with Jelle Geens and Kristian Blummenfelt sprinting for the win.

As I was yesterday, I was out on a motorcycle today covering the men’s race, so once again we hope you enjoy today’s gallery:

Thumbs up before go time.

They’re off …

With all the competitors knowing just how critical it was to stay near the front, things remained tight in the water …

… And onto the bike.

Jamie Riddle was at or near the front of the race for much of the bike.

Vincent Luis didn’t stay with the first group on the bike, but would eventually run himself to ninth.

Riding with a 60-tooth chainring, Magnus Ditlev was also towards the front for much of the bike.

Reigning IRONMAN world champion Casper Stornes “wasn’t feeling good,” but remained in the mix and would eventually take third.

Kristian Blummerfelt powers up the climb from the turnaround.

Once the group hit the last descent there was really no chance to switch positions, so the long line cruised into T2.

Meanwhile, roughly 3,400 age group athletes were working their way through the course.

Part of the run course went along the jetty.

Jason West on the run.

Ben Kanute rounds the tower on the jetty.

Geens and Blummenfelt would push each other right to the finish chute …

Where Geens was able to sprint to a second title.

Ever the class act, Blummenfelt was first to congratulate the champ on his title defence.

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