Two-time IRONMAN World Champion happy with first podium of the season at IRONMAN Texas
Patrick Lange bounced back from a tough day out at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside earlier in the month with a strong showing at IRONMAN Texas, the site of his first full distance victory in 2016.
The German, a two-time winner in Kona, finished second behind Tomas Rodriguez Hernandez in a close fought run race, having come off the bike with a substantial deficit to the front.
Looking back on his race, the 37-year-old admitted that the race had been hard going at times, but that he was pleased with the outcome and happy to put on a show for the crowd.
“Texas is a great place for me”
Reflecting on his history at IRONMAN Texas, Lange spoke fondly of the Lone Star State after lining up at the iconic race for the first time in nine years.
“Texas is a great place for me, it’s where I took my first victory, in my first IRONMAN race in 2016 and I really love to come back here and it was my first time back racing Texas since that win.”
Candid in his assessment of the race, he added that despite struggling at times, he was happy to say he got the most out of himself on the day.
“I had a really rough day to be honest, but I am happy with the outcome, second place is more than I can ask for and I extracted the most that I could out of this day.”
“I am more than happy with my result”
On a day with difficult conditions across the board, the PTO World #5 was able to call on his trusty run speed to reel back a podium position off the bike.
“I had an okay swim, but really struggled on the bike as it was so windy, and for a lighter athlete like me that makes it more difficult, but after that run I am more than happy with my result.
“I’m used to it [being down on the run] and I think it is also cool for the spectators, because they know that when I am in the race, it won’t be won until the finish line and I have the foot power to run myself up into a great position. In the end, it’s the total time that counts and that’s always my tactic.”
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
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