With $60,000 prize money and big Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifying points on the line, Ironman 70.3 California in Oceanside draws a very strong international pro field and excellent performances.

When the action was over, Jan Frodeno outran Andy Potts and Lionel Sanders to defend his title and Heather Jackson outran Heather Wurtele to take the women's crown.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Jan Frodeno said he wasn't in top shape after a recent training crash, but he ran a race- best 1:10:48 half marathon to win his second straight Ironman 70.3 California.

Frodeno prepares for the swim.

Magali Tisseyre came to Oceanside after a dominating win at Monterrey 70.3, but mechanical problems doomed her race at Oceanside.

Water safety volunteers head out to work before dawn.

Heather Wurtele prepares to defend her 2014 victory.

Andy Potts led the swim in 22:44.

Jennifer Spieldenner of the U.S. and Holly Lawrence of Great Britain led the women's swim.

Rachel McBride rode a women's 7th-fastest 2:26:28 bike split on her way to 6th place.

Heather Jackson rode a women's 3rd-fastest 20:51 bike split on her way to victory.

Defending champion Heather Wurtele rode a women's 4th-fastest 2:21:14 bike split on her way to a runner-up finish.

Angela Naeth crests the big hill ahead of Heather Jackson halfway through the 56-mile bike leg. Naeth rode 2:20:41 on her way to 5th place.

Maik Twelsiek rode a 3rd-fastest 2:07:20 bike leg on his way to 10th place.

Lionel Sanders took the lead with a race-best 2:04:46 bike split, then finished 3rd after a 3rd-best 1:13:12 run.

Lionel Sanders and Jan Frodeno duel in the early miles of the run.

Andy Potts left Brent McMahon behind on his way to a 2nd-fastest 1:12:25 run and a runner-up finish, McMahon ran 1:14:51 and finished 4th.

Taylor Reid of Canada ran 1:14:01 and finished 6th.

Andy Potts displays a beautiful stride on a sunny Southern California morning.

Liz Lyles ran a women's 4th-fastest 1:23:38 on her way to 9th place.

The two Heather congratulate one another after another 1-2 Oceanside finish.

This sea lion appeared to be a bit miffed when forced to leave its accustomed place on the swim start dock. He is probably back on deck the morning after the big triathlon.