Camilla Pedersen’s comeback continues with victory at Challenge Fuerteventura

In an astonishing return to competitive racing following a serious bike crash which left her in a coma just six months ago, Denmark’s Camilla Pedersen took gold at Challenge Fuerteventura last weekend – her first race since the accident.

Pedersen took just over 25mins to complete the 1.9km swim, then posted the fastest split (2:36:39) for the 90km bike leg. Her run was around 7mins slower than second-placed Eimear Mullan (IRE) but was enough to give her a convincing win, nearly 6mins ahead of the Irish athlete. Daniela Sämmler (GER) took bronze.

“I have worked so hard for this comeback, and I am so happy, that I’ve come this far,” said Pedersen after the race. “You have to fight for your dreams and goals, even when it is hard, and it has been hard, but I am on my way.”

In the men’s race, Germany’s Andreas Dreitz took gold after posting the fastest bike split of the day (2:19:42) and the fastest half marathon (1:16:43), followed by Sylvain Sudrie (FRA) who had a close battle with strong runner Horst Reichel (GER).

Women’s results

1 – Camilla Pedersen (DEN)

04:30:13

2 – Eimear Maria Mullan (IRE)

04:36:08

3 – Daniela Sämmler (DER)

04:36:56

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Men’s results

1 – Andreas Dreitz (GER)

04:01:47

2 – Sylvain Sudrie (FRA)

04:03:21

3 – Horst Reichel (GER)

04:03:50

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