Jan Frodeno and Patrick Lange duel in Kraichgau

While Lionel Sanders and Sebastian Kienle were going head-to-head at THECHAMPIONSHIPS, Frodeno and Lange were doing battle at Ironman 70.3 Kraichgau. It is disappointing that we can’t get the top triathletes all at one race more often, but it does build the tension for the big showdown at Kona in October.

Kraichgau is hilly region in southwestern Germany. The race atmosphere here in Kraichgau is electric, always drawing big crowds from the surrounding area and the rest of Europe. The Kraichgau course is no slouch. The bike is very challenging, with a highlight being the big climb up Schindelberg. The climb, though painful, offers a great view of Krachigau and the surrounding area. Much of the course is variable, forcing the triathletes to manage their efforts so they have enough left in the tank for the run off the bike. The run is a three loop course in the town centre. With the large crowds and energetic atmosphere, triathletes feel the full support of the fans as they make their way to the finish line.

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Obligatory post race pic after a big day at the office. And a second one of gratitude to share the journey with a mate. Kraichgau you are well worth the visit- epic course and crowds to make sure the goosebumps are at an all time high. Thanks for having me. Well done to @patricklange1 for coming 2nd but also everyone else who made this brutal course today! ? @fx_makesapicture #Frodissimo

A post shared by Jan Frodeno (@janfrodeno) on Jun 3, 2018 at 5:55am PDT

In the pro division, Jan Frodeno continued his dominance this season with a convincing victory over Patrick Lange and the rest of the field. Jan came out of the water with training partner Nicholas Kastelein, putting 2 minutes into Lange. Then on the bike Jan rode away from everyone else, while Lange worked his way through the field. On the run Jan continued to steamroll the competition, running the fastest split on the day, taking a six minute victory over Lange. Like in Oceanside earlier this season, Jan seems to be on a mission to remove any doubt from his skeptics following his 2017 Ironman World Championship. Much of the sport has Sanders and Lange as the next big duel, but lets not forget Jan just yet.

The women’s pro field was won by Laura Phillip (GER), followed by Daniela Saemmler (GER) and Yvonne Van Vlerken (NLD).

It’s only June, but we can’t wait for the showdown come October!