Magnus Ditlev demonstrated considerable running improvement as he picked up a well-deserved podium finish at IRONMAN 70.3 St. George.
Ranked at #12 for Team Europe ahead of the rescheduled Collins Cup, Ditlev is already well known for his tremendous ability on the bike. But he has made a real effort to enhance his speed in the other disciplines.
The Dane exited the waters of Sand Hollow Reservoir in St. George amongst the leading pack, clocking a 23:24 for the 1.9km leg, just 16 seconds behind leader Sam Appleton.
Ditlev then took to the bike and was frighteningly quick as ever, battling hard with USA #1 Rudy von Berg before dropping the American in the closing stages of the leg.
Ditlev recorded the fastest split of any athlete over the 90km leg, stopping the clock at 2:01:25, just over 20 seconds quicker than next best Paul Ruttmann.
Team Internationals #1 Lionel Sanders and Team USA #5 Sam Long produced incredible displays on the run as they claimed first and second overall, but Ditlev was rightly proud of the effort which took him to third.
He held off the resurgent von Berg over the final kilometres as he crossed the line 17 seconds clear of his rival in a total time of 3:45:10.
“This is probably the most epic thing I’ve ever experienced!” he wrote on social media after the race.
“3rd place at @ironmantri 70.3 St George North American Championships and what a battle out there on a tough and honest course.
“Stuck to the game plan all way through and executed to the absolute best of my ability on all three disciplines. Super stoked and honored to share the podium with @lsanderstri and @samgolong.”
Ditlev will look to continue his development over the coming months with the goal of securing a place on Team Europe for the Collins Cup in August.
Here are his ‘Weapons of Choice’:
Swim
Goggles: Magic5
Wetsuit: Sailfish Ultimate IPS Plus
Trisuit: FUSION SLi High Speed Suit
Sports Watch: Garmin 945
Bike
Bike frame: FELT IA FRD
Frame size: L
Aerobars: Custom
Front Wheel: FastForward Falcon Two Spoke
Rear Wheel: FastForward Disc
Tyres: Veloflex Record 23mm
Component Groupset: SRAM Red eTap
Power meter: Quarq dZero
Head unit: Garmin 520 plus
Crank Length: 172.5mm
Helmet: Uvex Race 8
Cycling Shoes: Giro Empire SLX
Saddle: Fizik Mistica
Gearing: 60, 11-28
Run
Shoes: Nike Vaporfly Next%
Heart Rate Monitor: Garmin HRM Tri
Eyewear: Oakley
Headwear: Sailfish Cap
