Michael Raelert and Jessica Meyers win the windy and hot 2011 Ironman 70.3 Austin triathlon. They each take home $3,000 for the win and 500 70.3 Qualifying points towards 2012 Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
Raelert, who could not defend his Ironman 70.3 World Championship title last month in Las Vegas due to nagging injury proved today that he's at back in the mix of things. It wasn't easy for the Raelert who had to contend with a stacked field that included Fraser Cartmell, Paul Amey, Richie Cunningham Ronnie Schildknecht to name a few. Raelert lead the men out of the water, but Schildknecht took control on the bike, leaving T2 ahead of Raelert. On the run, which includes a mixture of pavement and dirt trails Raelert proved he could still run, posting the fastest half-marathon split of the day with a 1:11:05. Schildknecht could keep up with Raelert and finishes in second place with Paul Amey in third.
2011 Ironman 70.3 Austin Results:
Austin, Texas
| Pro Men Results | Time | Place |
Pro Women Results | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Raelert | 03:47:48 | 1 |
Jessica Meyers | 04:29:15 |
| Ronnie Schildknecht | 03:49:48 | 2 |
Mandy McLane | 04:34:40 |
| Paul Amey | 03:52:36 | 3 |
Caroline Gregory | 04:38:28 |
| Massimo Cigana | 03:56:26 | 4 |
Lesley Smith | 04:39:10 |
| Richie Cunningham | 03:56:59 | 5 |
Haley Cooper-Scott | 04:40:48 |
On the women's side, it was Tenille Hoogland who appeared to be in control of the race from the start. Late into the run, her blazing bike split or the Texas heat took a toll on her and she had to pull out. This opened the door for Meyers who was hot on her tail after being down almost 5 minutes at the start of the run.
