The fog might have limited vision, but men’s winner Alistair Brownlee sent a clear message that he is in compelling form for the upcoming IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. Brownlee demolished the field to win IRONMAN 70.3 Dun Laoghaire in 4 hours flat, more than 10 minutes clear of the closest rival, and defending champion Elliot Smales.
The former Olympic champion, runner-up in his IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship debut last year, was first out of the swim in 23:20, fastest on the bike with a 2:21 where he opened a six-minute buffer. And he cruised to a stunning 1:11 half marathon for a quite brilliant victory.
Former ITU athlete Lucy Hall set the pace in her pro debut over the distance, with a 1:12 lead out of the water leading to a five minute advantage into the run. The wheels fell off with her 1:38 run giving way to Britain's Nikki Bartlett’s 1:25 effort that earned victory.
Men's Podium
1 Brownlee, Alistair GBR 4:00:34
2 Smales, Elliot GBR 4:10:58
3 Bowden, Adam GBR 4:13:47
Women's Podium
1 Bartlett, Nikki GBR 4:46:44
2 Lucy Hall GBR 4:54:26
3 Roberts, Lisa USA 4:55:12