Daniel Bækkegård blitzed the field at IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai to claim a sensational triumph as the 2021 elite triathlon season really kicked into top gear.

The PTO World-Ranked #26 set a blistering time of 3:33:02 to take home the title from Portugal’s Filipe Azevedo by just over a minute. Swede Rasmus Svenningsson was a further second behind to complete the podium.

A 23:21 swim from Daniel had the Dane in control early in the race, although he did have Switzerland’s Andrea Salvisberg – who would eventually finish fourth – for close company.

On a super-fast flat course, Bækkegård dropped back slightly during the bike leg, but came on strong during the run to reclaim his position at the head of affairs.

His 1:10:01 run split was only bettered by runner-up Azevedo as Daniel posted a course-record winning time.

“Season opener couldn’t have gone any better. Happy to execute on race day and just be able to race again,” exclaimed a victorious Bækkegård.

“Thank you to my whole team! I could not have done this without you.”

With The Road To Šamorín very much in the forefront of minds, Daniel will have no doubt boosted his chances of lining up for the inaugural Collins Cup in August.

The top four in the PTO World Rankings – including CHALLENGEMIAMI® winner and current #1 Jan Frodeno – occupy the four men’s automatic qualification spots for Team Europe right now. The battle for the two Captains’ Picks meanwhile is sure to be a thrilling storyline during the coming months.

As he looks to claim a spot for Slovakia, these are Daniel’s ‘Weapons of Choice’:

Swim

Goggles: Magic 5
Wetsuit: Zone 3 Vanquish
Speedsuit: Zone 3
Trisuit: FUSION High Speed
Sports Watch: Garmin

Bike

Bike frame: Canyon Speedmax
Frame size: L
Aero Bars: Canyon
Wheels: DT-Swiss ARC
Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Speed
Tyre and Tube type: Tubeless
Component Groupset: Shimano
Power meter: Quarq
Bike Computer: Garmin 1030
Crank length: 170mm
Pedals and Cleats: Speedplay Aero
Cycling Shoes: Bont Zero+
Helmet: Giro Aerohead
Gearing: 58 11-25
Saddle: Fizik
Hydration System: Canyon Internal

Run

Shoes: Nike
Eyewear: Oakley Sutro
Heart Rate Monitor: Garmin
Headwear: FUSION Headband
Socks: Incylence