Cigana – champion in 2008, 2010, and 2011 – also gave LPT its first four-time champion, and once again carved his name into the race’s history books of victory.
Both Cigana (swim 29:25, bike 1:18:44, run 43:46) and Casadei (swim 25:03, bike 1:22:05, run 44:43) finished in 2:33:57, and were followed home in third place by Australia’s Mitchell Robins (age 26) in 2:34:14.
In the women’s field it was multiple world championship titles holder Parys Edwards of Great Britain, newly-crowned 2013 ITU World Championships in London, who finished the first place.
Edwards finished in 2:54:53 (swim 34:24; bike 1:29:16, and run 48:37), followed in second by Australia Belinda Granger who’s made her 12th LPT appearance and bid farewell to her pro career at this year Tri-Fest, at 2:58:51.
Finished in third in women’s field was Germany’s Katja Rabe at 2:59:35.
Both Cigana and Casadei are proud of their wins, representing Venice, Italy together.
“We ran together the last lap, so we decided to cross the finish line together. The weather is sweltering today so it was difficult especially on the run leg but it’s great to win together representing Venice, Italy, the same city we are from,” said Cigana,
“We think we are in a good shape, and we will fight for the best results possible at the Challenge Laguna Phuket next week” he concluded.
Casadei agreed and hoped to win together again next week.
“It’s amazing to run together and race together here in Phuket. Massimo is absolutely the King here. I am very proud to win with him and represent Italy” said Casadei, “It’d be really great if we could win CLP together next week!”