Considering recent performances by both Craig Alexander and fellow Australian Paul Ambrose as they head into Ironman Racine 70.3 it was really shaping up to be a two-man race.
I have to admit that I really did not think that Craig Alexander had rounded into form in time to be a threat to win and Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2011 but he did that and more.
Despite dealing with some health issues early on in the season, Craig set three records in Ironman CDA. He had a record bike, run, and winning time in a dominating performance.
So obviously he is in great form as the second running of Ironman Racine 70.3 gets set to go.
However I would not discount his fellow Australian Paul Ambrose who has also had an exceptional year and is all set to win a race. Paul comes off strong second place finishes in Ironman Mooseman 70.3 and Ironman Rhode Island 70.3
He was second in the Mooseman by a mere 7 seconds and was 32 seconds behind David Kahn in Rhode Island.
Paul is my pick to top the Ironman Racine 70.3 results 2011 for the men and one way or another will most likely be sharing the podium with Craig Alexander.
PRO MEN REGISTERED FOR THE RACE tentative
Paul AmbroseTim BerkelBryan RhodesStephen HackettRyan RauZach RubleNick WaningerDaniel BretscherJeff PaulChris WichertPatrick EvoeJeff TarkowskiCesar ValeraBrandon JessopRyan BatesBilly EdwardsRobert WadeFraser CartmellJames HadleyCraig AlexanderIn the women's race it was pretty much a given that Jessica Jacobs would be the favorite going in.
If she is on form, Jessica should have the lead coming off the bike as it seems to be her strongest event and she is a strong, capable runner as well.
However it has been a tumultuous year for the 2010 Ironman Florida champion. She has had to move a few times this year. The first time was to El paso, Texas and the second time to Green Bay.
It seems that there is always an Australian woman in an Ironman race just about anywhere who is capable of providing an upset. This race is no different.
Christie Sym has been on or near the podium in her last few races. As strong as Jessica is, my pick to come out on top of the Ironman Racine 70.3 results 2011 is Christie.
PRO WOMEN REGISTERED FOR THE RACEtentative
Jessica JacobsMorgan ChaffinKelzie BeebeChristie SymJessica ChongKristin AndrewsTerra CastroNatasha YaremczukMichelle WuDonna PhelanTHE COURSE
The swim is a bit of a change from most Ironman races these days. It is a point-to-point swim and takes place on North Beach.
The water temperatures are historically on the colder side and it's pretty certain it will be a wetsuit swim.
The 56-mile bike course has something for everyone with it's flat stages, rolling hills, and a few more difficult climbs thrown into the mix.
The course is a double loop and is fast and flat. Not only will it take the triathletes along the shores of Lake Michigan, but they get to run through the Racine Zoo as well.
IT'S RACE DAY
Paul Ambrose, Fraser Carmell, Byan Rhodes, and Craig Alexander all came out of the water close together.
The bike would probably tell the story of this race for the pro men.
THE TOP FIVE MEN IN THE SWIMBryan Rhodes............24:20Paul Ambrose............24:26Stephen Hackett.........24:28Fraser Cartmell.........24:32Craig Alexander.........24:46
THE BIKE
It was all Paul Ambrose on the bike and by the time he left the bike/run transition he had almost a five minute lead on Bryan Rhodes.
Craig Alexander was far back and it was sort of expected as he comes off an Ironman win in Ironman Coeur d'Alene and there did not seem to be much recovery time.
That's the main reason I could not pick his to win this race and went with Paul Ambrose instead who is in great form.
THE RUN
Paul Ambrose was never really challenged in this race and won by around six minutes ove Tim Berkel who had a great race to finish in second place.
Craig Alexander was well back, but will most likely have a good rest now and come back strong in his next race.
Patrick Evoe also raced well and won a close battle over Fraser Carmell for the final podium spot.
FINAL RESULTS-TOP TEN PRO MEN
Paul Ambrose............3:51:50Tim Berkel..............3:57:32Patrick Evoe............4:03:14Fraser Cartmell.........4:04:58Bryan Rhodes............4:06:28Jeff Paul...............4:07:45Tom Francis.............4:08:05Craig alexander.........4:09:52Robert Wade.............4:13:40Zach Ruble..............4:14:22
For the pro women, Donna Phelan had the lead by just 8 seconds over Michell Wu coming out of the water.
Christie Sym was third coming out of the water and stayed close to the leaders with a 2:26:33 bike.
It was a great run that made the difference as Christie Sym end up on top of the Ironam Racince 70.3 results 2011 for the pro women.
Surprisingly Jessica Jacobs was still out on the course and was holding down fourth place at last report.
It was a great race for second place that came down to the last few hundred meters of the run.
THE TOP THREE PRO WOMENChristie Sym...........4:28:54Kristin Andrews........4:33:26Michelle Wu............4:33:48
Ironman Racine 70.3 Results 2011 Back To Race Results Page
Ironman Racine 70.3 Results 2011 Back To Ironstruck Home Page
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