In 2014, the relative value of the bike leg versus the run leg in the year’s biggest races was an ongoing debate without a decision. At Ironman 70.3 Worlds in Mt. Tremblant, the current überbiker über alles Sebastian Kienle fell off the back while super runner Lionel Sanders set the fastest bike split to finish 4th. On the women's side, Daniela Ryf’s race-best 2:16:46 bike split provided her with the margin of victory over runner-up Jodie Swallow. At Kona, Mirinda Carfrae’s usual swim and 8th-best 5:05:48 bike split left her with 14 minutes to make up – which she did with an otherworldly 2:50:25 run. On the other hand, Sebastian Kienle won it on the bike with a killer 4:20:46 split which was 11 minutes better than his fellow podium finishers.

Meanwhile, a good time was had by everyone chasing these super performers.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Age grouper emulates the 4-time Wildflower winning form of Paula Newby-Fraser (seen in the icon in the background).

Heather Jackson rides up Beach Hill in pursuit of her 3rd straight Wildflower long course title.

Pros observing the speed limit at the bottom of a steep hill at Oceanside 70.3.

Riders climbing the heights above Lake Nacimiento on the Wildflower long course.

Crowded lanes on the Ironman 70.3 World Championship course in Mt. Tremblant.

Amanda Stevens rides Nelson Road at dusk in Boulder.

Some daunting hills on the Israman bike course near the border with Egypt.

The men’s chase pack approaching T2 at Boulder 70.3.

Cyril Viennot grabs a water bottle on the Queen K on his way to a 3rd-fastest 4:31:18 bike split which helped him to a 5th place Kona finish.

Riding past green hills at Ironman Boulder.

Cheering on the riders at Ironman Boulder.

Age groupers rounding a corner in Boulder County farmland.

Jodie Swallow on a training ride.

Riding past a wall of stacked hay.

Meredith Kessler leading at Mile 38 of the Ironman Hawaii bike leg.

Andreas Raelert taking in some wasser.

Mirinda Carfrae looks fast on her way to an women's 8th-fastest 5:05:48 bike split at Kona.

Riding past a Boulder barn.

Jan Frodeno rode a 3rd-best 2:12:37 on his way to a win at Ironman 70.3 California.

Sebastian Kienle rode a race-best 2:10:40 on his way to a 3rd-place finish at Ironman 70.3 California.