firstoffthebike.com - Races

Smokin Joe Gambles the man at IM Wisconsin

All the talk before Ironman Wisconsin was the fact that first timer Joe Gambles was going to clean up. In short, he did. Gambles' first attempt at the Ironman distance was an impressive effort considering his build into the season was not what he would have hoped.

We talked to him in May in LA and he was still very enthusiastic about his season and chances. It was only a couple of short seasons ago ago that Joe was a thereabouts athlete. He was always in the mix but those wins eluded him. The past 2 seasons have seen him turning 4ths into wins and then stepping up at what was always going to be a big ask. It is a credit to him in his maturity as an athlete.

The race unfolded well for Gambles as he was 6th out of the water (50:05) and then went on to ride within himself with the 4th fastest time (4:46). But it was the run where he took control. Gambles' speed at the 70.3 level is well known and this was exemplified as he applied the blowtorch to the rest of the field when he took to the pavement. Behind him Romain Guillaume, Eric Bean and Stefen Riesen were all fighting it out but it was going to be a tough ask.

The women's race was unfolding the way of Gina Crawford. She exited he water in 2nd place (53:53) and then proceeded to chase down the leader Hillary Biscay. With a barnstorming bike ride (5:12) Crawford was never headed. Behind her it was Kristin Moeller and Mirjam Weerd who were trying to match her pace.

The marathon was a procession as Crawford hit her stride and lengthened the lead she set up on the bike. She did start to fatigue by the end but the damage was done and in a race that resembled the great Belinda Granger, Crawford had enough lead to enjoy the finish line and soak up the atmosphere.

For Gambles it was another big US win and the high point of a career on the move. He was brilliant in his marathon only losing out to speedster Max Longree (who ran into 7th). His 2:54 marathon showed his class and signaled to the triathlon world that he is one to watch.

Results - Men

1. Joe Gambles (AUS) 8:38:32
2. Romain Guillaume (FRA) 8:49:42
3. Eric Bean (USA) 8:51:36
4. Stefan Riesen (SUI) 8:53:39
5. Blake Becker (USA) 8:55:44

Results - Women

1. Gina Crawford (NZL) 9:27:26
2. Kristin Moeller (GER) 9:39:43
3. Mirjam Weerd (NED) 9:52:25
4. Kate Pallardy (USA) 10:04:19
5. Charisa Wernick (USA) 10:07:19