Three New Zealand triathletes, led by Cameron Brown, have finished on the podium across the Tasman today at Ironman Cairns.

Brown finished second in the men’s race behind Australian David Dellow, while fellow Aucklander Belinda Harper led for much of the day but had to settle for second in the women’s ahead of Candice Hammond from Cambridge.

It marked a strong run of form for the 10-time Ironman New Zealand champion Brown, who continues to defy his years, turning 40 later this month. He was third at the weather-shortened Ironman New Zealand in March and runner-up at the inaugural Ironman Melbourne in April, which doubled as the Asian Pacific Championship.

After working with a bunch to catch swim leaders Dellow and fellow Australian Luke Bell on the bike today, Brown made his move early on the run. Bell and the kiwi emerged from a five-strong group before Brown pushed clear at the 8km mark, opening up a one minute lead. However Dellow, the former Australian Olympic distance triathlete, moved slowly to close the gap on Brown, who had been suffering from a heavy cold this week.

Dellow made the pass at the 24km mark on the run and went on to record his rookie victory over the Ironman distance in 8:15.04 in the humid conditions, with Brown grabbing second place seven minutes behind.

"I had a cold last week and am still coughing which got me on the run,” Brown said. "Still I am very happy with second place today and I will definitely be back next year.”

Harper, the 2010 age group Ironman world champion, enjoyed a strong 53.00 swim and excellent bike of 5:00.37 to find herself pushing clear of the pack but five minutes down on former Ironman Australia champion Rebekah Keat after the 180km ride. She had a margin of nine minutes over the closest chasers, Australians Carrie Lester and the experienced Belinda Granger, with Hammond a further six minutes back.

Harper found herself in the lead after Keat withdrew with a calf strain at the 5km mark. Harper began to tire in the heat as Lester began to close the gap, eventually passing the New Zealander with 11kms remaining.

Lester won in a 9:21.00 with Harper holding on strongly in 9:22.34 while Hammond produced the best marathon of the day, with her impressive 3hr10min effort in the heat meaning both kiwis enjoyed their first Ironman podium placings.

Earlier seven-time Ironman New Zealand champion Joanna Lawn finished third in the Ironman 70.3 race.

Results, Cairns Airport Ironman:

Men: David Dellow (AUS) 8:15.04, 1; Cameron Brown (NZL) 8:22.21, 2; Jimmy Johnson (AUS) 8:29.36, 3. Also: Simon Cochrane (NZL) 9:02.01, 8;

Women: Carrie Lester (AUS) 9:21.00, 1; Belinda Harper (NZL) 9:22.42, 2; Candice Hammond (NZL) 9:24.45, 3.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Shimano MTB Grand Prix draws out endurance racing talent
The U23 Australian National 24H Solo Champion Mark Tupalski won round three of the SHIMANO MTB Grand Prix endurance racing series at Ourimbah MTB Park near Wyong on the weekend.

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

CYCLING
Vink finishes commendable fifth in prestigious tour in Germany
Christchurch cyclist Michael Vink has finished a commendable fifth place in the week-long International Thuringen Rundfahrt in Germany.

Monday, 17 June 2013

TRIATHLON
Companies invited to rise to the Challenge
Challenge Wanaka, New Zealand's largest annual triathlon festival, has launched the Challenge Wanaka Corporate Trophy – a brand new race category for corporate teams complete with a host of motivational, team building and promotional benefits.

Friday, 14 June 2013

TRACK CYCLING
Dawkins claims keirin victory in Paris
Southland's Eddie Dawkins has continued his strong form with victory in the Grand Prix cycling meet in Paris today.

Friday, 14 June 2013

BMX
Red Bull Framed Reactions 2013
For the first time in history a BMX competition took place at a course with moving elements and course-rider-interaction.

Friday, 14 June 2013

CYCLING
A new study reveals rampant doping on The Tour from 1994 onwards
A decade of systemic doping on the Tour De France begun in the mid 90s according to a controversial new French cycling magazine released today.

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

CYCLING
More cycling success for New Zealand riders
New Zealand cyclists have enjoyed podium success on both sides of the Atlantic over the weekend.

Monday, 10 June 2013

TRIATHLON
Crawford runner-up in Ironman Cairns
Wanaka’s Gina Crawford finished runner-up at Ironman Cairns today after a major battle with Olympic-distance convert Liz Blatchford today.

Sunday, 9 June 2013

TRIATHLON
Warriner and Docherty atop the podium in busy triathlon weekend
Sam Warriner has returned to the winners circle, taking out today’s Ironman 70.3 race in Cairns, Australia.

Sunday, 9 June 2013

TRIATHLON
Docherty Wins 70.3 Boise USA
Olympic Silver medallist Bevan Docherty has proven the move from ITU triathlon to the longer form of racing has paid dividends, winning Ironman NZ in March and today claiming victory at 70.3 Boise USA.

Sunday, 9 June 2013

TRIATHLON
Sam Warriner takes out Ironman 70.3 Cairns in style
Near perfect conditions set the day in Cairns early on today.

Sunday, 9 June 2013

CYCLING
In-form Vink on cycling podium in Germany
Christchurch cyclist Michael Vink has made a strong start to the latest tour race for the BikeNZ squad in Germany today.

Sunday, 9 June 2013

Endurance Sport news is powered by infonews.co.nz