Ussher wins Wanaka
The first Challenge event threw up a surprise result and showed the difference between the top level and the rest today in New Zealand.
The first surprise of the year was produced by the New Zealand adventure racer turned Ironman Richard Ussher. Ussher, one of the more versatile athletes on the planet switched from navigation and paddling to biking on the road and running as he cemented his place among the top echelon of Ironman distance racers.
Early on in the bike Ussher was some 6 minutes behind the lead set by Brian Fuller. Ussher had company though. Andrew Black, Petr Vabrousek and Keegan Williams were all together and riding away from the rest of the field.
The women's race were going to be a race in two. Crawford versus Keat. Both were ready for a win and would be the ones to watch as this race unfolded. This was the form going into the race and it held true with Crawford setting the early pace and Keat chasing her down throughout the bike.
By the end of the bike the lead belonged to Ussher. He had burned away the group he was with to be alone and out in front. His bike ride (4:42) was the difference on the day. He had taken some 5 minutes out of the men's field as he exited T2 in search of that elusive victory.
Crawford had the lead all to herself too as he pulled away from Keat. After establishing a lead out in the water of over three minutes by the time she got into T2 Keat had 6 minutes. Her bike split (5:17) was the fastest of the day in the women's category.
For Ussher it was a question of hanging on and he showed himself quite capable of doing more than just that. His run (2:51) was one of the fastest of the day and showed where he had made his improvement over the off season. An impressive three legs saw him alone in front. His finish time (8:34) was a new course record. Behind him Justin Daerr and Keegan Williams rounded out the podium.
Crawford was in the same boat as her countryman Ussher. She was out in front and a (3:12) marathon saw her win by some 4 minutes to Keat who did not fire a shot. Lisbeth Kristensen came in 3rd. The wire to wire win was clear evidence that her foot injury had well and truly healed. This could be a big a year for Crawford.
Ussher is a class act. Coming off the Abu Dhabi adventure race, which he also won, Ussher's preparation for this event was not too conventional. But he held it together for a much deserved win for a man who has shown his versatility over so many sports.
Results - Men
- Richard Ussher (NZL) 8:34:41 (57:00 / 4:42:26 / 2:51:42)
- Justin Daerr (USA) 8:38:19 (56:57 / 4:47:12 / 2:49:19
- Keegan Williams (NZL) 8:41:19 (53:32 / 4:47:41 / 2:55:59)
Results - Women
- Gina Crawford (NZL) 9:28:27 (53:31 / 5:17:58 / 3:12:24)
- Rebekah Keat (AUS) 9:30:41 (57:07 / 5:19:33 / 3:08:59)
- Lizbeth Kristensen (Den) 10:03:09 (57:09 / 5:31:15 / 3:29:29)
