Despite a bike crash and losing his nutrition, Kristian Høgenhaug has claimed 5th place at IM70.3 Mallorca. The BMC athlete took over the lead on the bike, suffered from a crash in the final kilometers, but kept in contention for the podium spots on the run. He eventually crossed the finish line in a time of 3:52:15. Nicolas Mann broke the tape (GER; 3:49:19) inching out Jan Stratmann (GER; 3:49:27) and Gregory Barnaby (ITA; 3:49:42).
Three weeks after his 2nd place finish in Challenge Gran Canaria, Kristian Høgenhaug toed the line on another Spanish island for IM70.3 Mallorca.
The out-and-back sea swim didn't cause any trouble for Kristian as he exited the water in 10th place, only 30 seconds behind the leaders. After 5k on the bike, the Danish athlete, very unfortunately, lost his nutrition. Kristian kept his focus and used the the first flat kilometers to gain ground on the athletes in front of him. At the 20k mark, the biggest climb of the day started and Høgenhaug used it to his advantage. Pushing the pace on the uphill, he moved his way up to the front of the race and opened up a gap of 30 seconds after 35k. Kristian continued to extend his lead until he suffered an unfortunate crash. The BMC athlete was able to recover, but lost valuable time and got caught by 4 other athletes. Coming in to T2, he racked his bike as part of a group of four, battling for 2nd place, one minute back from Margirier who had opened up a gap in the closing stages of the bike. Høgenhaug was able to tag along in the first 5k of the run, but then had to settle for his own pace. He kept giving his all towards the line and was rewarded with 5th place, gaining some solid Ironman Pro Series points. Battered and bruised, he crossed the line in a time of 3:52:15. A fantastic effort of perseverance after going down on the deck and losing his nutrition very early on the bike.
Fifth place but feels like a win
After the race, Kristian Høgenhaug reflected on his performance. "5th place today. But it feels like a win. I woke up with a fever and sore throat yesterday, and a completely soaked bed this morning. Unfortunately, I lost all my nutriton early on and didn't get any carbs until 50km on the bike. A crash at 70km to top it off. That made for at brutal run. In then end I am really happy with the outcome and how I handled the bad luck. The fitness is definitely on point. Congrats to all finishers and the guys in the front, who made it a day where you had to fight for every second. 8 days to lick the wounds before it’s go time again. I love racing even on days like this."
