Spencer Smith Second in Ironman Arizona

Sunday, 9th April 2006

Former World Champion, Spencer Smith (GBR) finished second in today's Ironman Arizona race. The race was won by Michael Lovato (USA) who had to work hard in the closing stages of the run to hold off a challenge by Spencer. Smith had strong swim (6th) and cycle (5th) legs, and was up with the leaders on the cycle, leading at one stage and coming in with the leaders to transition 2. On the run, Lovato had an early lead of about 3 minutes which Spencer closed in the finishing miles to around a minute and a half. Lovato came good in the finishing stages and eventually finished in 8:20:56 exactly two minutes ahead of Spencer who finished in 2:22:56. Spencer's marathon run split was 2:52:35. Stephen Bayliss finished 14th having exited 7th on the swim and 11th out of transition 2. His time was 9:00:38.

More: http://www.trisportnews.com/articles/2006/04/000462.html