2005 World Championship gold medalist Chip Peterson (Pine Knoll Shores, N.C) finished seventh with a time of 2:01.10.
Russia's Evgeny Drattsev placed second in 2:01:00.60 and Vladimir Dyatchin of Russia earned third place in 2:01:03.00.
Peterson had the early lead in the race, leading at the 2.5k mark with a 30:35 split. Crippen was in third and in the lead pack at that time. At the 5K split, Peterson was in second with 1:00.50 and Crippen was fifth in 1:00.53. A total of 16 swimmers were all within the 1:00 time period at the halfway mark. Cleri made his move at the final sprint to get ahead of the pack and claim victory.
The men’s and women’s Open Water 5K World Championship race will take place Tuesday, July 20. Live timing and results are available at www.powerhousetiming.com.
