Melbourne, Austrailia (March 25, 2012)
The inaugural Asia-Pacific Ironman Championship in Melbourne wrapped up earlier close to midnight North America-time with convincing wins from Aussie Craig Alexander in 7:57:44 and an 8:34:51 from Swiss phenom Caroline Steffen, who now trains down under.
Throughout the day, Ironman reported that the course, which wound from Frankston to St. Kilda Beach could be a fast one and Craig, "Crowie", didn't dissappoint, crossing the line with a sub 8-hour time. Close on his heels, Kiwi Cameron Brown almost came 12 seconds short of a sub 8-hour finish (8:00:12)
Women's champion Steffan told Ironman after the race, "I love Australia, and I'm so happy to be here. It feels like a home race for me." Her homefield advantage showed in her performance as Steffan was toying with a record pace during the race, but fell short at the end, missing Chrissie Welington's 2011 South Africa record of 8:33:56.
All in all a great day for the pros living and training down under and, if the finishing times are any indication, Melbourne's tri course will become a popular destination for triathletes looking for fast times.
Official results of the 2012 Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship in Melbourne, Australia:
For the men:
1. ALEXANDER, Craig 07:57:44
2. BROWN, Cameron 08:00:12
3. VAN LIERDE, Frederik 08:01:26
4. LLANOS, Eneko 08:02:23
5. DELLOW, David 08:04:19
6. MATTHEWS, Paul 08:05:58
7. BELL, Luke 08:10:38
8. GAMBLES, Joe 08:12:46
9. ALBERT, Marko 08:18:04
10. AERNOUTS, Bart 08:18:17
On the women's side
2. JOYCE, Rachel 08:46:09
3. , Mirinda 09:04:00
4. LAWN, Joanna 09:06:53
5. CRAWFORD, Gina 09:11:16
6. KEAT, Rebekah 09:13:43
7. JACOBS, Jessica 09:13:57
8. VESTERBY, Michelle 09:19:05
9. GRANGER, Belinda 09:26:21
10. HUFE, Mareen 09:42:47
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