Sebastian Kienle overcame three-time Heilbronn champion Andreas Böcherer’s lead on the bike with a come from behind run to complete his own Challenge Heilbronn three-peat Sunday. Kienle finished in 3:49:59 to edge Böcherer by 59 seconds and top 3rd-place finisher Sven Riederer of Switzerland by 1:50.

Kienle earned earn his first win of 2018 after taking 2nd to Lionel Sanders at St. George 70.3 and at Challenge the Championship.

After emerging fifth from the swim, Daniela Sämmler had no such battle as she cruised to the women's title in 4:21:44 with a 7:44 margin of victory over Yvonne Van Vlerken of the Netherlands and 8:19 over 3rd place finisher Gabriela Zelinka of Hungary.

Sämmler thus improved on her runner-up finish to fellow German Laura Philipp at Kraichgau 70.3 earlier this month.

Sparkassen Challenge Heilbronn
Heilbronn Germany
June 17, 2018
S 1.2 mi. / B 56 mi. / R 13.1

Results

Men

1. Sebastian Kienle (GER) 3:49:59
2. Andi Böcherer (GER) 3:50:58
3. Sven Riederer (SUI) 3:51:49
4. Jesse Thomas (USA) 3:52:02
5. Markus Rolli (GER) 3:53:53

Women

1. Daniela Sämmler (GER) 4:21:44
2. Yvonne Van Vlerken (NED) 4:29:28
3. Gabriella Zelinka (HUN 4:30:03
4. Chantal Chumming (GBR) 4:32:55
5. Simona Krivankova (CZE) 4:35:47