Two-time Olympic medalist Bevan Docherty of New Zealand and 2012 Olympic 4th place finisher Sarah Groff of the United States won the men’s and women’s elite titles at the inaugural Olympic distance Beijing International Triathlon Sunday.

Docherty finished the 1.5k swim in Qing Long Lake, the 40 kilometer bike leg through the villages of Fengtai to the Qian Ling Mountains and the 10k run through Qian Long Lake Park in a time of 1:54:24. Docherty had an as yet unreported margin of victory over runner-up Matt Reed of the United States and a 2 minutes 13 seconds advantage over 3rd place finisher Chris McCormack of Australia – a 2-time Ironman World Champion and 1997 ITU Olympic distance World Champion.

“I felt really strong throughout the entire race, even when I was neck and neck with Matt Reed on the bike and then again after a bit of cat and mouse with him on the run, I was able to push ahead,” Docherty said in an IMG press release. “It was a great race, a lot of fun and I look forward to coming back to Beijing next year. It was the perfect day for a triathlon -- the air was clean the water temperature comfortable and the course smooth with flat roads, good climbs and a picturesque scenery.”

Groff finished the race in 2:04:09 with a 1 minute 43 seconds margin of victory over runner-up Nicky Samuels of New Zealand and 2 minutes 31 seconds over 3rd-place finisher Becky Lavelle of the United States.

“After the high pressure environment of racing in the London Olympics, to come to Beijing and feel the warmth of the people, the cheers from the crowds and see the beautiful scenery, it made me remember why I love this sport,” said 2012 Beijing International Triathlon women's winner Sarah Groff in the IMG release.

Groff and Docherty each earned the lion’s share of the total $100,000 prize purse. The race was organized by IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, in partnership with the Fengtai Sports Bureau of Beijing. It serves as the first qualifying event in Asia for the world famous Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. More than 275 age groupers and pros competed in the event.

Beijing International Triathlon
Fengtai District, Beijing, China
September 16, 2012
S 1.5k / B 40k / R 10k

Elite Results

Top 5 Men

1. Bevan Docherty (NZL) 1:54:24
2. Matt Reed (USA) NA
3. Chris McCormack (AUS) 1:56:37
4. Brian Fleischmann (USA) 1:58:37
5. Bal Faquan (CHN) 2:03:03

Top 5 Women

1. Sarah Groff (USA) 2:04:09
2. Nicky Samuels (NZL) 2:05:52
3. Becky Lavelle (USA) 2:06:40
4. Jenna Parker (USA) 2:06:47
5. Ricarda Lisk (GER) 2:14:32