Greg Bennett is the three-time defending champion of the Race for the Toyota Cup series which includes Minneapolis, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas. This year he overcame early season injuries, getting hit by a car, to take 3-1-4 fini9shed into the series finale next week in Dallas.

Julie Dibens, a two time Xterra World Champ, had not finished worse than second this season before taking 4th at Los Angeles.

Sarah Haskins consults with husband and coach Nate Kortuem about the fastest line out through the pounding surf.

The elite women's wave dashes into Neptune's waves.

Several age groupers were unable to get out past the shorebreak.

Hayley Peirsol led the women out of the swim.

Starting to notice a pattern? This pro's tongue is hanging out as he runs in from the swim.

Swim split mat

Another tongue hanging out! Javier Gomez on the bike.

Daniela Ryf, 22, of Switzerland, fourth at the recent ITU World Championship Series, scored the second fastest women's bike split and took third overall.

Stuart Hayes of Great Britain finished second.

Ben Collins of Seattle, a second year ;pro who won the USAT Amateur Nationals and the ITU Amateur Worlds overall in 2007, came off the bike in the lead pack and ran a 34:41 to take 9th.

Stuart Hayes of Great Britain passes Disney Concert Hall. Hayes led on the run until the Gomez Express came through with 2 miles to go.

Gomez started the run conservatively in 4th, but started to mow through the field here as he passes Greg Bennett at the Disney Concert Hall.

Eric Limkemann set fastest swim in 20:31.

Stuart Hayes overtakes Filip Ospaly on lap one of the run.

Javier Gomez passed the field and ran on alone to the finish past Staples Center billboard.

Lisa Norden breaks the tape in 2:00:20 with a 67-second margin of victory over Sarah Haskins.

Daniel Rodriquez of Spain offers congratulations to Lisa Norden.

Punk bike outfit at the finish