2023 Ironman European Championships Hamburg: Denis Chevrot retains title in race marred by tragic accident

Denis Chevrot of France retained his men’s title at the triathlon’s 2023 Ironman European Championship in Hamburg, Germany, on Sunday (4 June).

The 34-year-old clocked an impressive 2:31:39 in the final marathon leg finishing with a time of 7 hours, 26 minutes and 21 seconds.

That time was over 26 minutes faster that his mark at last year’s event held in Frankfurt (7:52:54).

Belgium’s Pieter Heemeryck finished 4 minutes and 41 seconds off the pace after overtaking Denmark’s Kristian Hogenhaug, who crossed the line 11 seconds later.

Local hero and Beijing 2008 gold medallist Jan Frodeno narrowly missed the podium, finishing in fourth place in his retirement season as a pro-athlete. Double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee pulled out from the entry list on Thursday.

Frodeno, who emerged as the leader after the 3.8km swim, took control from Hogenhaug at the 10km mark of the run section, but then Chevrot surged past him with less than 12km to go.

The Frenchman claimed his third career win over the IRONMAN distance after Klagenfurt in 2021 and Frankfurt last year.

Tragedy at IRONMAN Hamburg race

Early in the race, there was a temporary interruption after an incident resulted in the death of a motorcycle rider and severe injury to a 26-year-old triathlete.

The incident occurred at approximately 08:40 local time while the leaders of the men-only professional race were riding in the opposite direction to the age-group athletes on the two-lap bike course.

“At 36km of the IRONMAN Hamburg bike course, a motorcycle race vehicle, carrying an official race photographer, was involved in a collision with a race participant,” according to statement released by IRONMAN.

“It is with our deepest regret to confirm the passing of the motorcycle operator from a significant medical event. Our thoughts and care are with the family whom we will support as we are able while they go through this difficult time.”