After a complete performance in all three disciplines and a perfectly executed marathon, Patrik Nilsson took a fantastic 2nd place in the Ironman European Championship in Frankurt. The BMC-Vifit Sport athlete crossed the finish line in a time of 8:08:15. Jan Frodeno (GER; 8:00:58) led the world-class field and reigning World Champion Patrick Lange (GER; 8:09:26) completed the pro men’s podium.
Strong in all three disciplines
Patrik started his race very strong wrapping up the swim in the first chase group of four (Swim: 48:46) trailing leader Amberger by 1’53. With Jan Frodeno and Patrik Lange as companions in the chase group there was some real horse power to chase down the lead. The foursome immediately put the rest of the field under pressure extending the advantage on the next athletes down the road. In the early parts of the race the gap to the lead gradually extended but in the second half the deficit to the leader started coming down. Patrik had a very strong ride throughout and entered T2 in 3rd place, 37” down from the lead. After finishing 3rd last year, Patrik drew on his experience to pace himself very well during the closing marathon. Halfway through the run Patrik was running in 3rd place, 2’20 behind second place. But Nilsson kept his momentum and pace and a perfectly executed marathon saw him closing down the gap to second. With 3k to go the BMC-Vifit Sport athlete made his move and overtook the reigning World Champion for second place. Jan Frodeno took the top step in 8:00:58 with Patrik Nilsson taking silver after a fantstastic closing marathon of 2:46:02
Over the moon
An elated, Patrik Nilsson looked back on a big day in Frankfurt: “I am over the moon with my performance today. We worked so hard on the swim and the bike and for it to come off in one the biggest races of the year is really satisfying. I felt very good in the swim. I pushed really hard at the start of the swim and was able to look for the right company throughout. Once on the bike I was well aware we had to keep putting the rest of the field under pressure. I felt really good and strong on the bike today. Only in the final 10k I had a brief moment of cramps but I managed to bike up to chase group again just before entering T2. I really had last year's race in my mind when I started the marathon. I focused on my own pace and was able to overtake Patrick Lange in the final km’s of the marathon to claim second. Such an amazing feeling and so pleased with both the performance and the result. I know the shape was really good in training, but you want to deliver on the day and I am very happy with my race today. I really feel I have taken a step forward on both the bike and the run and look forward to building on this leading up to Kona.
