Daniela Ryf struggles in Oceanside

Tough day in the office for Daniela at the Ironman 70.3 in Oceanside, USA. Arriving in California only three days prior, the four-time Ironman World Champion came in in 10^th place after rough outings in legs two and three of the race. Following the race, Daniela was ultimately disqualified due to a rule violation during a fast descent on the bike.

«Naturally, I am not satisfied with my performance today, » Daniela explained following her second competitive start this season. «I had a bad day, felt tired throughout the race and never had the power to really rise to the challenge. But I also understand why that was the case. I arrived in California later than usual, because it was important to me to complete a hard training block back home in light of the Ironman World Championships in St. George (Utah), which are five weeks out. That was and is the priority and I knew ahead of time that my planning could make things difficult for Oceanside. But I feel good in principle and look forward to rounding off my form in the weeks to come,»  the Solothurn native concluded.

Daniela will now spend the next three weeks and a half in Sedona, Arizona, where she will set up a temporary training base in preparation for the Ironman World Championships. The town’s hilly surroundings and climate make it an ideal training ground to prepare for the conditions in St. George. Nine days before the World Championship race, the 34-year-old will then relocate to Utah.

The winner of the Ironman 70.3 in Oceanside was American Taylor Knibb.

Fotocredit: Justin Luau