Frederik Van Lierde, Mirinda Carfrae Win Ironman Hawaii
Castelli-equipped triathletes Frederik Van Lierde (BEL) and Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) took the 2013 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, by storm. Van Lierde took his first Kona crown, while Carfrae smashed the world record in her victory in the women’s race.
This year marked the 35th anniversary of the Ironman World Championship, the defining race in triathlon that has competitors swim 3.86 km, bike 180.25 km, and run 42.2 km (a full marathon) in grueling conditions.
Van Lierde improved on his third place from a year ago to earn his first World Championship title (8:12:29). It was his second Ironman win of 2013, having also taken first place at Nice. He took advantage of the calm race conditions and the aero benefits of his Castelli Free TRI Suit and blazed by six-time Ironman champion Luke McKenzie, who crossed the finish line three minutes later.
Pro Men
1. Frederik Van Lierde (BEL) 8:12:39
2. Luke McKenzie (AUS) 8:15:19
3. Sebastian Kienle (GER) 8:19:24
Mirinda Carfrae, wearing the Castelli Free TRI Top & Short on her way to a course record-breaking win in the 2013 Ironman World Championship in Kona. (pic: nils)
It was an outstanding day for Carfrae, who was crowned Ironman World Champion for the second time and set a new course record. She absolutely crushed the field and turned in one of the best performances the sport has ever seen: swim 58:50, bike 4:58:20 and run 2:50:38. Her marathon time broke her own women’s record in Kona by 1:34, and her overall finishing time of 8:52:14 set a new World Championship record. In short, Carfrae turned in a performance that was truly exceptional!
Pro Women
1. Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) 8:52:14
2. Rachel Joyce (GBR) 8:57:28
3. Liz Blatchford (GBR) 9:03:35
Just after crossing the finish line, Carfrae, jumped into the arms of another Castelli equipped triathlete, Tim O’Donnell, the men’s fifth-place finisher — and the man she’s marrying in December.
A happy Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager, with the two new crowned Ironman World Champions.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in_YkJQAOoM#t=18[/youtube]
Pro Race Recap from IRONMAN.com’s Dave Erickson
See you in KONA 2014.