Sebastian Kienle validates for Kona, crushes IM Frankfurt in 7:41:42
Kienle's 7:41 time is now the second-fastest Ironman-branded time in history.
Germany’s Sebastian Kienle won the Ironman European Championship at Frankfurt yesterday in a blistering fast time of 7:41:42 yesterday, securing his spot to Kona this October and clocking the second fastest Ironman-branded time in history. Had this race taken place before Ironman Brazil this year, his time would have set the world record — it was three minutes faster than Lionel Sanders’ world record set at Ironman Arizona last November (7:44:38) but just a minute shy of Tim Don’s record set this May in Florianapolis. His time is also the fourth fastest full distance record in history (all brands).
For the 2014 Ironman world champion, this race was his third win at Ironman Frankfurt. After exiting the water with over a four minute deficit, he posted a race best bike split and the third fastest marathon split of the day. The incredible effort of the day was clear on Kienle’s face as he crossed the finish line, and promptly collapsed in the 31C conditions.
Kienle heads into Kona this year as one of the favourites, as always, especially after his impressive second place on an all-German men’s podium last year.
