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Vernay and Lester take out Ironman Australia

Ironman Australia has had it's fair share of publicity in the last few weeks. From the announcement of the contract extension to the lack of professionals to the arrival of Tony Abbott the race has been certainly one that has created some conversation. But at the end of the day whenever the Ironman hits toen it is always a day of unexpected occurances. And the 2010 edition was no exception.

The first play of the day was the mass start. The gun age groupers were licking their lips in anticipation at the thought of getting a fair whack at the pros. And whack away they did. Exiting the water some of the age groupers including Trent Chapman and Bevan Leach found themselves in the lead pack with the likes of Patrick Vernay, Scott Neyedli, Olivier Marceau and Paul Ambrose. The second group was being headed up by Tim Berkel and Matty White but the gaps were forming as pristine conditions were allowing the riders to flex their muscle early. One man who was off the back early was Jason Shortis. Ironman number 50 was not going to be a memorable day.

In the women's race Lisa Marangon was feeling the effects of a violent swim. Running out of the water she had blood streaming from her nose creating a fearsome sight. She later withdrew after the bike. Rebekah had the lead early but Carrie Lester was winding up and seemed to be intent on being the pace setter. She was soon setting a pace few could match.

The men's race saw the two groups continuing their road pursuit and it was soon evident that the second group did not have the horsepower to deal with Vernay and friends and soon fell back. By the time they reached T2 there was six minutes between the groups and it was clear that winner would come from the front group. Vernay quickly took the lead from the rest and went about restoring the staus quo.

Behind him another story was unfolding. That of Trent Chapman. The age grouper was steadlity capturing the hearts of all who watched his amazing race. He slid past Marceu and was suddenly podium bound.

While Carrie Lester was flying the rest were struggling. Rebekah Keat was not firing and Desiree Ficker was having a day she might otherwise forget. Lester was all alone up front and pushing the lead.

There is something about the great champions. Vernay has ice running through his veins on the Australian course and even though he was cramping he held on to win yet another title. Coming across the finish line Vernay looked relieved to be ahead of the flying scotsman Scott Neyedli.

And while the crowd appreciated his efforts the biggest cheer was reserved for Trent Chapman who enjoyed every inch of the finishline to come in third.

For the women it was Carrie Lester's day. She was a force and has capped off a fine Summer that saw her win in Huski and take a top 10 in Abu Dhabi. Rebekah Keat did a brave job to hang in there for second with Amelia Pearson a surprise third.

Ironman Australia - Women

1. Carrie LESTER 9:23:46
2. Rebekah KEAT 9:33:10
3. Amelia PEARSON 9:46:09
4. Diana RIESLER 9:57:04
5. Kirsten MOLLOY 9:59:10

Ironman Australia - Men

1. Patrick VERNAY 8:23:54
2. Scott NEYEDLI 8:27:58
3. Trent CHAPMAN 8:32:52
4. Courtney OGDEN 8:35:54
5. Matt WHITE 8:36:39

Stay Tuned as we continue our wrap of Ironman Australia.