While Aussie Brad Kahlefeldt coped with life in the front lane, women’s winner Radka Vodickova had to run angry from way back as the pair claimed victories at IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya which sizzled into life in Malaysia today.
The administrative centre for the Malaysian government provided a superbly scenic course and blistering conditions for the 1250 participants in today’s 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run in temperatures in the mid 30C Deg.
Two-time Olympian Kahlefeldt led from the front, out of the swim first in 24:52 – although pipped out of transition by Denis Chevrot (FRA). Fellow Australian John Polson was close behind as the trio worked together on the bike with Kahlefeldt then turning up the heat on the run. He ran away to win in 3:55:36 on the back of a 1:15 run to claim the honours by two minutes from Chevrot with Polson drifting 11 minutes back but holding third.
The unique two-lap course around the waterfront footpaths of the inner-city wetlands meant that runners did not cross-over at all during the run.
So it proved a case of running blind for Kahlefeldt which spooked the winner.
“It’s a great run course, but from an athlete’s point of view (if you are at the front) it was really hard not seeing anyone out there.
“It definitely requires a different style of racing in such humid conditions. The closing stages I really started to feel it. Hydrating early on the run was key and I am very happy to be able to take this win.”
Fifth placed Swede Frederik Croneborg, who frequently races in Asia, was a fan of the new course at Putrajaya.
“This course gets my thumbs up for the best IRONMAN 70.3 course in Asia. The wide smooth fast roads and scenic run is great. It did get a bit lonely out there though.”
Vodickova (CZE) had to run angry to claim her first IRONMAN 70.3 win after falling more than seven minutes behind leader Liz Batchford (GBR), the bronze medallist at the IRONMAN World Championship last year. She was forced to stop twice on the bike to sort mechanical issues.
“I was angry and I used that anger to run hard. I am used to the heat and know that I can cope with the heat.”
It was Blatchford’s first race in Malaysia, falling away badly in the hot and humid conditions with a 1:30.13 run.
“I didn’t race smart today and I paid the price.”
Two-time IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Craig Alexander was the swimmer in Team Crowie, with two teammates winning the chance to race with the champion today.
However he had to be content with second out of the swim to a local swimmer.
“That girl took off like a rocket. And I didn't take it easy.”
Men………………….................Women
1. Brad Kahlefeldt 3:55:30…......1. Radka Vodicková 4:23:09
2. Denis Chevrot +2:12…...........2. Liz Blatchford +1:08
3. John Polson +11:07….............3. Dimity-Lee Duke +15:26
4. Stuart Marais +13:08…...........4. Katja Rabe +28:58
5. Fredrik Croneborg +13:43.......5.Matilda Raynolds +30:12