Santiago Ascenco wasted little time once the lead group of swimmers exchanged their swim caps for helmets and headed out on the two-lap bike course in the Patagonia region of Argentina. There was little time for sightseeing from the roads in the picturesque Nahuel Huapi National Park as the Brazilian immediately opened gaps on the field. By the conclusion of the 90 km ride, Ascenco managed to bump his advantages to 3:57 over Kennett Peterson (USA), 6:45 over Tim Rea (AUS) and 9:38 over Justin Metzler (USA). Once on the run, Ascenco was untouchable as he cruised towards another IRONMAN 70.3 win in South America by a winning margin of 6:45 on his closest rival.
There was no surprise in the women’s race at the end of the swim as Haley Chura (USA) headed into T1 with over a minute lead on the field. Throughout the open half of the bike Chura, Romina Palacio (ARG), Kesley Withrow (USA) and Pamella Oliveira (BRA) swapped the lead. Early in the second of two laps of the bike, Chura poured it on and split up the field behind her and managed to carry a 45 second lead off the bike. Chura proceeded to lay down a blistering run pace that resulted in the huge gaps developing behind her. The American would eventually hoist the finish line banner over her head, recording a 4:34:32 winning time.
Top 5 Pro Men
1 Ascenco, Santiago BRA 4:02:20
2 Rea, Tim AUS 4:09:14
3 Metzler, Justin USA 4:10:20
4 Peterson, Kennett USA 4:14:46
5 Lopes, Andre BRA 8:45:00
Top 5 Pro Women
1 Chura, Haley USA 4:34:32
2 Palacio, Romina ARG 4:41:27
3 Withrow, Kelsey USA 4:45:22
4 Cravo, Luíza BRA 4:47:31
5 Coble, Caroline USA 4:56:50