Kicking off the season with flair, PTO World #2 Magnus Ditlev proved his mettle in Florida by clinching victory at the Miami T100.
The Danish athlete, who secured third place at the PTO Tour European Open last season and second at the PTO US Open in 2022, finally claimed the top spot with a flawless performance.
In second position, American Sam Long surged through the ranks from a considerable distance behind, while French competitor Mathis Margirier, who finished fourth in Milwaukee last year, secured his inaugural 100km podium.
“I am absolutely thrilled,” Ditlev expressed in response to his triumph after the race. “I am super stoked to secure my first T100 win,” he added, despite grappling with challenging conditions, which posed significant hurdles during his pre-race training.
“I wasn’t feeling great during the training week leading up to the event,” Ditlev admitted. “So, we devised a conservative strategy to cope with the heat and maintain optimal cooling throughout the race.”
Throughout the event, Ditlev carefully managed his exertion level, ensuring he operated just below the threshold to contend with the intense heat. He emphasized the crucial role of hydration and staying cool amidst the scorching temperatures experienced from start to finish.
“The heat became apparent even during the swim, and although I initially kept pace with the front group, I eventually had to let them go,” Ditlev recounted. “On the bike, I seized every opportunity to cool down, and during the run, with the sun beating down, it was exceptionally hot.”
When asked about his composed demeanor and control during the race, Ditlev attributed it to his personal approach, stating, “Remaining calm and focusing on my tasks is simply how I operate.”
Long, buoyed by the enthusiastic crowd support, credited the spectators for energizing him throughout the run, enabling him to overtake competitors as the race progressed. He admitted that his position remained uncertain until the final kilometers.
Margirier, reflecting on his performance, revealed that he had pushed himself to the limit early in the race, leading to a struggle during the latter stages. However, his persistence paid off as he secured a podium finish despite initial doubts.
Each athlete brought their own unique approach to the race, showcasing determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, setting the stage for an exhilarating start to the season.
