Australian Joe Gambles and Great Britain’s Liz Blatchford posted sizzling fast times to lead a host of international pros racing the 2012 edition of Ironman 70.3 Boulder. Although the course is by now recognized as a fast layout because it bypasses Boulder’s famous hills and mountain climbs, it holds plenty of the Boulder magic that attracts pros and age group triathletes alike from all points of the compass.
All photos © Timothy Carlson
Age grouper rides past the Big W barn at Mile 8 of the two loop, 28-mile bike course.
Joe Umphenour posted a 2nd-fastest 1:16:47 run on his way to a 4th place overall finish. Not bad for a 43-year-old!
Three time XTERRA World champ Melanie McQuaid of Canada has won a few Ironman 70.3s lately.
Leanda Cave gets a hug from the very large Ironman Fan mascot before the start.
The men’s pro swim start.
Swim exit.
Current Ironman 70.3 World Champion Melissa Hauschildt chased hard after emerging from the swim 4 minutes down. She finished 2nd behind recent ITU-émigré Liz Blatchford.
Leanda Cave of Great Britain finished 3rd overall woman.
Leanda Cave at speed on Highway 36 North.
Joe Gambles posted a dazzling 2:00:21 bike split which led him to a course record 3:44:04 finish.
Ben Hoffman posted the 2nd fastest bike split – 2:03:02 – on his way to 3rd place overall.
Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand.
Course worker Mile 20.
Joe Gambles heads for home past age groupers who were just wrapping up their first lap of the 56-mile bike.
Joe Gambles ran 1:17:33.
Josh Rix of Australia finished 9th.
Santiago Ascenco of Brazil and Ben Hoffman of the U.S. duel on the run. At the end, Hoffman was 3rd, Ascenco was 5th.
Joe Umphenour posted 2nd-fastest 1:16:47 run.
Melissa Hauschildt has a beautiful stride.
Leon Griffin cools off after his 5th place finish.
