World Champion Takes the Title in Geelong

Saturday, 9th February 2008

The inaugural Snap Ironman 70.3 Geelong saw a world champion reaffirm her dominance and a new face rise to take a breakthrough Ironman 70.3 win.

Defending Ironman 70.3 World Champion Mirinda Carfrae dominated the women's event, taking a clear lead early on the bike. In a show of form that earned her the title in Clearwater last November, Carfrae held off strong challenges from fellow Australians Rebekah Keat and Kate Major.

In the men's race, Australia's Leon Griffin powered home to take the Snap Ironman 70.3 Geelong title. Griffin made his move late in the bike leg to take a two-minute lead into the run. In an exciting conclusion, Mitch Anderson put the pressure on the eventual winner, but couldn't make up the time.

Griffin, a former world duathlon champion, expressed his surprise at the win, revealing injuries had hampered his race preparations over the last few months.

It was a great day for racing Down Under, with Geelong turning on near perfect weather and plenty of locals turning out around the venue to see Ironman 70.3 in action.

In a big show of support from local authorities and residents, four lanes of highway were closed down to traffic to accommodate the 1,200 athletes on the bike course.

IMGs Director of Triathlon, Dallas O'Brien, was ecstatic at the success of the first year event, praising the Geelong venue and commenting on positive feedback which he believes will lead to further growth in the coming years.

Athletes competed at the Snap Ironman 70.3 Geelong for the chance to claim one of seventy-five qualifying slots to the 2008 Ironman World Championship 70.3, to be held in Clearwater, Fla. on Saturday, November 8.

Source:  Press Release

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