Matt Russell wins Ironman Lake Placid
In a village nestled in the Adirondacks, Matt Russell of Lisbon, New York, won Ironman Lake Placid – one of the most historic races in the world.
Related: The remarkable comeback of Matt Russell
Heading out of the water first was a group of four athletes, including Canadian Brent McMahon – the 2017 Ironman Lake Placid champion. McMahon would have a quick transition and take the lead heading onto the 180K bike.
For much of the bike, it was McMahon and Igor Amorelli who exchanged the lead of the race. However, Russell was charging from behind and ready to make his move. After beginning the bike over six minutes behind McMahon, Russell took control of the race at the 14oK marker. The American would then go onto to set the bike course record of 4:27:38 and had a five minute lead over Amorelli heading onto the run.
In the early stages of the run, McMahon fought himself back into second. But in a turn of events, he succame to the discomfort of a calf injury and crapping, and dropped to sixth place at the 15K marker. However, the Canadian did not give up and fought his way back into fourth by the 35K marker. With eyes on the final Kona spot, McMahon charged for third place (Matt Russell already qualified before the event) but came up just short. Joe Gambles finished second behind Russell, and Marc Duelsen finished third.
