While many participants claimed the bike course was a bit short, nonetheless records were set at the Ironman North American Championship in The Woodlands, Texas. Thanks to moderate temperatures, a presumed short course and the introduction of long straight sections on Hardy Toll Road, Andrew Starykowicz set an Ironman bike leg record of 4:01:14. Winner Matt Hanson set a record for American men at an official Ironman with his 7:52:44 clocking – the first of five men to crack the 8-hour mark.
All photos © Aaron Palaian of Houston, Texas. www.PhotosByAaron.com
Andrew Starykowicz crushed the bike leg with an Ironman bike split record 4:01:14 which earned him a 13:04 lead on Antony Costes of France.
Jarrod Shoemaker finished 16th pro in 8:40:21.
After his record bike split, Starky was out of gas and finished with a 3:58:07 run for 19th pro in 8:54:45.
Matt Hanson won his second Ironman North American Championship with a U.S. men’s Ironman record time of 7:52:44 which included a 51:46 swim, 4:13:53 bike split and a 2:42: 07 marathon.
After a 2:51:05 run David Plese finishes with his hands up in relief as 8th overall pro in 8:05:08.
Matt Hanson runs with strain on his face and a loping stride.
Hanson exults at the finish line in a black and white close up.
A close up of David Plese of Slovenia on the run.
Matt Russell of the U.S. finished 6th pro in 8:01:35.
Tyler Butterfield of Bermuda finished 3rd overall and his 7:58:29 time was the third of five men who cracked the eight hour mark.
Marc Duelsen of Germany was the 10th pro in a time of 8:07:25.
Andrew Starykowicz on his way to an Ironman record 4:01:14 bike split.
Colin Laughery of Boulder, Colorado biked 4:28:49 on his way to 15th pro man.
Paul Ambrose of Australia can be recognized by his bright white zinc sun protection beneath his goggles. He biked 4:22:35 but did not finish the run.
Antony Costes of France had an intriguing aero setup highlighted by his MORFTEC bars. Costes was competitive through a 49:10 swim and 4:14:37 before fading to 23rd male pro on the run.
A black and white shot of a string of pros on Hardy Toll Road.
A black and white shot of Starky cresting a bridge at Holzwarth Road.
Pro exiting the swim in Lake Woodlands.
Leon Griffin of Australia exits the water after a 49:18 swim on his way to a 7th male pro finish in 8:04:04.
Pro man gets assistance exiting the swim in Lake Woodlands.
