He is and remains the benchmark: Jan Frodeno.
It is no surprise that the three-time Hawaii champion has been voted Triathlete of the Year again.
But it is surprising that the master of all classes at the big Sailfish triathlon party, the highlight of the year of the scene, in the election of Europe's leading magazine Triathlon, only narrowly beat Frederic Funk, the European champion, with 36.2 to 35.8 percent on the middle distance, interspersed.
Ralf Weitbrecht
Sports editor.
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The two-time Hawaii winner Patrick Lange landed in third place.
The decisive factor for Frodeno's re-election was ultimately the so-called Tri Battle Royale in the Allgäu, a race that had never happened before: only two athletes were at the start.
Lionel Sanders - and Frodeno, who set a new world record at the time of 7:27:53 hours in adverse weather conditions over the Ironman distance of 3.8 kilometers of swimming, 180 kilometers of cycling and 42.195 kilometers of running.
Video message from South Africa
The 40-year-old Frodeno, who was switched on with a video message from South Africa, was also not present at the triathlon rendezvous in the Langen city hall, as was Anne Haug, who wintered on Lanzarote.
The 38-year-old German Hawaii winner sets course from the Canaries to defend her title in Kona.
Her success in being voted triathlete of the year was undisputed.
Those who know the scene will remember her fabulous success at the classic in Roth, which was once again chosen as the best race of the year.
In the summer of Franconia, Anne Haug shone with a splendid marathon time of 2:43 hours.
Brilliant and impressive - that's how the career of six-time Hawaii winner Natascha Badmann went.
The Swiss woman, who will soon be 55 years old, found her way to triathlon late and has become a legend of her sport through successes, setbacks and her cheerful, carefree manner, was in recognition of her services at the emotional climax of the Sailfish Night of the Year honored with the Lifetime Award.