World Championship runner-up Terenzo Bozzone continued his outstanding year with victory at Ironman 70.3 Mandurah in Western Australia today, which doubled as the official Australian Professional Championships.
 Terenzo Bozzone celebrates victory in Ironman 70.3 Mandurah in Western Australia(Photo: Delly Carr; click to enlarge) |
Meanwhile World Champion Melissa Hauschildt from Brisbane ran away with the women's title in hot conditions.
The pair chalked up the 22nd podium finish from 24 starts between them in 2013, which has proved a stellar season for both triathlon stars.
Today's triumph brought Hauschildt's record to nine wins this year, highlighted by victories at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships and ITU Long Distance Worlds.
Bozzone, who had 22 months off the podium fighting a series of injuries, scored his fourth win for the season and 10th podium from 11 starts, highlighted by his runner-up efforts at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas and the ITU Long Distance Worlds. He will complete his season with Ironman 70.3 Shepparton in Victoria next weekend.
The 28 year old Aucklander was first out of the water, riding in a lead group of seven. The Kiwi pushed hard from the start of the 21.1km run, opening up a 30 second advantage after 6km from US-based Australian Greg Bennett and 50 seconds to defending champion Berkel. The lead grew to 90 seconds at the half way mark and from that point Bozzone was never threatened, winning in 3:42.58 with Berkel (AUS) in second 90 seconds back and compatriot Sam Appleton running up to third a further 30 seconds back.
"This is one of the most prestigious titles I've had in a few years. It's the Australian Pro Championships, so I'm not sure as a Kiwi if I get it, but I will have the bragging rights with all my Australian buddies," Bozzone said.
"There were a few guys I was watching out for today. I put a bit of a move on in the bike to keep the pressure on and take some of the legs out of the quicker runners.
"I went out really strong on the first lap of the run. I like getting a lead to give you a bit more adrenalin. With the final turn I knew I had a 90 second advantage. It is not often you have that sort of lead so I was able to enjoy the last few kms and all the spectators and volunteers helped bring me home."
Meanwhile Hauschildt hit the lead midway through the 90km bike, winning in 4:03.45 with fellow Australian Annabel Luxford three minutes behind in second and Radka Vodickova (CZE) a further three minutes adrift in third.
Results: Ironman 7.03 Mandurah
Pro Men
1. Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) 3:42.58
2. Tim Berkel (AUS) 3:44.30
3. Sam Appleton (AUS) 3:45.01
Pro Women
1. Melissa Hauschildt (AUS) 4:03.45
2. Annabel Luxford (AUS) 4:07.29
3. Radka Vodickova (CZE) 4:10.19
...
6. Candice Hammond (NZL) 4:21.34
