Ironman UK 2011 Race
The 2011 race was immediately interesting to observers in as much as the ‘usual’ faces weren’t present racing at pro level. The Bayliss dynasty were taking a break following the birth of their child and Philip Graves (not racing Ironman in 2011) and Fraser Cartmell (pulled out with an injury last minute) were not in attendance.
Aaron Farlow turned up at short notice and was installed as pre-race favourite whilst last years Brit winner Yvette Grice was looking to add title number 2 to her CV. Kirsten Moeller, an ex-track running star, was many peoples tip to put Grice under pressure and an exciting run was predicted… and how right they were.
Farlow and Oliver Simon (GB pro who won the Long Course Weekend 2011 title) led the swim and Farlow was the class act heading out on the bike. Frenchman Romaine Guillaume set a blistering pace putting minutes into Farlow and by halfway, despite a crash, he was well ahead. However, Guillaume had overcooked it and by the run Farlow was in front and on his way to a course record. GB pro Nick Saunders came third in what was arguably the best position of his career on home territory.
In the ladies race Moeller reeled in Grice and Diana Riessler on the third leg on her way to a course record and Ironman run world record. An outstanding performance and there are promises of big things in the future. Grive herself put in an excellent performance, taking of 20 minutes from her time in 2010 but it wasn’t enough against the competition here this time – silver to Grice.
Age group performances of the day came from Miguel Platero (25-29) who finished 8:57:29 and 6th overall. Claudia Johnston was first lady AG home in 10:07:56 which was good enough for 5th lady and 64th overall.
Mens Podium
| Aaron Farlow | 8:24:33 | 00:45:01 | 4:53:47 | 2:41:46 |
| Romain Guillaume | 8:41:25 | 00:45:04 | 4:57:59 | 2:54:17 |
| Nick Saunders (GB) | 8:51:31 | 00:48:09 | 5:15:52 | 2:45:46 |
Women’s Podium
| Kristin Moeller | 9:19:04 | 00:56:17 | 5:37:01 | 2:41:57 |
| Diana Riesler | 9:25:41 | 00:53:24 | 5:25:57 | 3:02:28 |
| Yvette Grice | 9:37:32 | 00:50:32 | 5:39:33 | 3:02:46 |
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