The new Xiwuqi Route 99 Marathon has been won by local Inner Mongolian runner Mengke Wuleji in the men’s in 2h50’08”. He took command at km 31 as yesterday’s sprint duathlon winner Zhang Sipeng suffered from stomach cramps and faded away in the most difficult long uphill section. Mengke Wuleji was second in his duathlon MTB category yesterday and therefore takes over the leader’s jerseys in the KOG competition. Yang Zhaoning claimed second place after a brave run. In the early stages he seemed to be overpacing himself as well, but he got himself back in order and in the end was still five minutes clear of third-placed Zheng Changlei. Wang Lidong was a great fourth in 3h03′.
The same thing happened in the women’s KOG competition. Yinchuan’s Lu Fangfang was second in the sprint duathlon, and won the marathon! Her finishing time was 3h 22’26”. Almost four minutes ahead of Cui Qian. Chen Yixuan took third just ahead of Austria’s Joelly Ines. All four are also competing for the KOG crown, so that will also be an exciting competition ahead in the two cycling races.
