Two-time IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion, Craig Alexander broke the course record in his win at the SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton in 3:42:59.
It marked his third consecutive IRONMAN 70.3 win in as many months.
In the women's race, Australian Annabel Luxford prevailed in her first race after her IRONMAN debut in South Africa.
Alexander enjoys the conditions
In cold, but otherwise perfect conditions, Alexander was tested on all fronts by a world-class field where former ITU performer Pete Kerr (AUS) led the way in the swim, breaking the Funky Trunks swim-course record with a time of 21:34.
A minute back out of the water, Alexander had some time to make up, but was in good company heading onto the bike course with New Zealand’s Guy Crawford.
On the run it was the Philippines-based Australian, Mitch Robins who set the pace, with Alexander only able to break away late in the run to claim the victory, following on from his wins in the Philippines and Malaysia.
“I couldn’t ask for better conditions,” said Alexander. “As an athlete you want to take your opportunities when conditions like that present.”
Known for its flat and fast conditions, the Busselton course presents its own challenges.
“Flat courses are the hardest because there’s no opportunity for your heart rate to come down – you’re on the gas the whole time, whether it be on the bike or the run,” said Alexander.
Continuing the theme of the day, powerhouse Matt Burton went on to break the bike-course record, shaking things up with a lightning fast 2:00:34.
“It’s nice to see the races break up and it takes a bike rider of Matt’s calibre to do that,” said Alexander.
“It was a world-class field that was assembled, particularly Mitch Robins on that run – he pushed me the whole way and Matty Burton made it a good, honest bike ride,” said Alexander.
At almost 43 years, Alexander doesn’t look to be slowing down, but another IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion campaign isn’t on the cards – though it’s not completely out of the question.
“It’s funny, I’ve spent 15 years travelling the world to race World Champs and we finally get one in our backyard – it’d be nice to do.
“I’d need to make a decision one way or another by July, and then that’d have to be the priority for next three months because when you’re racing the likes of Gomez and Fredeno it can’t be an afterthought – it has to be a main priority,” said Alexander.
The men’s podium was rounded out by Mitch Robins (3:44:35) and Callum Millward (3:45:28).
Luxford joins in the records
In the women’s race it was Annabel Luxford who stood atop the dais after leading the charge from the onset and finishing in a record-breaking time of 4:12:34.
“Backing up three weeks following an Ironman – I’ve never done that before, so I was glad to get around and feel okay,” said Luxford.
She also broke the women's swim-course record with a 23:59, exiting the water with Alise Selsmark (AUS) on her toes, although that record was short-lived, when it was broken by Age-Group competitor, Kate Shyrock.
Once on the bike Selsmark couldn’t stay with Luxford, who broke away and created a gap of more than three minutes over the chase pack of Selsmark, Katey Gibb, Kate Bevilaqua and Leah Lassche.
It was Lassche (NZL) who lit up the run course, running herself into second place (4:14:25) ahead of Katey Gibb (4:15:03).
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