Kiwi Dylan McNeice led from start to finish to won the inaugural Challenge Taiwan triathlon in 8:16:21. Aussie Belinda Granger held off American Hillary Biscay to grab the women's title.
McNeice who had won Challenge Wanaka earlier this year was first out of the water in 47 minutes and that was pretty much the last time his competitors saw him. In the end he grabbed his second Challenge win of the year in a respectable 8:16:21. Georg Potrebitsch finished second in 8:27:06 and Fredrik Croneburg was third in 8:28:28 after a race best 2:52:33 marathon.
"I felt as though I went in to Taiwan with something to prove, more so to myself than anyone else. With this weight on my shoulders I pushed harder than I thought was wise, particularly out there on the bike. But I knew another win would be great for my carrier and would settle the score within myself that I really was good enough to do these crazy races and perform consistently," said McNeice to slowtwitch. "By the time I hit the finish line though, there wasn’t much thought of my carrier, the weight off my shoulders or what is now perhaps expected of me when I race. I was once again simply just happy to have made it across the finish line. To win 2 from 2 is amazing, but I think I am happiest when I think of the pressure I put on myself and the fact that I managed to come out the other side on top."
Hillary Biscay led the women out of the water in 54:53 with Kate Bevilaqua about 90 seconds adrift. The race best 4:55:34 bike effort by Belinda Granger though allowed the seasoned Aussie to take control and move ahead of both Biscay and Bevilaqua. No female Pro competitor recorded a spectacular marathon time and thus the 3:21:20 by Granger allowed her to take the win in 9:23:15. Biscay finished second and Bevilaqua grabbed the final podium spot.
"What an amazing first time event here in Taiwan. I am over the moon to take the win. I really had started to believe that another long distance title was out of my reach and that I should just be happy and content with the 14 that I already have. But being the competitive person that I am I just wanted one more," said Granger to slowtwitch. "It was great to be able to share the podium with Hillary and Kate. Hillary is a great friend of mine and has been part of my triathlon adventure for many years now."
Challenge Taiwan
Taitung, Taiwan / May 4, 2013
3.8k swim / 180k bike / 42.2k run
Top men
1. Dylan McNeice (NZL) 8:16:21
2. Georg Potrebitsch (GER) 8:27:06
3. Fredrik Croneburg (SWE) 8:28:28
4. Petr Vabrousek (CZE) 8:35:55
5. Todd Skipworth (AUS) 8:42:55
Top women
1. Belinda Granger (AUS) 9:23:15
2. Hillary Biscay (USA) 9:37:40
3. Kate Bevilaqua (AUS) 10:05:09
4. Shiao Yu Li (TWN) 10:12:08
5. Yasuko Miyazaki (JAP) 10:23:50
