August 22, 2005

Riederer third in Lausanne

Sven Riederer takes third place at the European Triathlon Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland

After a decent swimming leg, Sven Riederer left the water just 22.2 seconds behind the leader of an accomplished field. From the beginning of the bike leg, he integrated himself into the lead group. From there, he rode a very tactical race, keeping his position at the front without leading the field, able to react to every attack. During the seven laps, two small leading groups formed: one with Axel Zeebroek (Bel) and Andrea d’Aquino (ITA) and the other with Didier Brocard (SUI), Andrew Johns (GBR) and Jan Frodeno (GER). The first group opened up a one minute lead on the main field.
In the run, the leaders pretty much got absorbed back into the main field and a new lead group formed. Sven Riederer was able to follow the two French racers, Frédéric Belaubre (FRA) and Cédric Fleureton (FRA), but shortly before the finish he had to let them go. Nevertheless he kept his position and easily finished third.
For Riederer, it was very special and an outstanding achievement to win a medal in his own country.