McQuaid wins Ironman 70.3 California

Victoria’s Melanie McQuaid took top honors today at Ironman 70.3 Oceanside. American Andy Potts defended his title.

McQuaid finished the swim in ninth (28:09), she then rode the top split of 2:22:44 to take the lead, and ran 1:24:47 to hold on for the victory (4:19:13). American Heather Jackson chased hard with a 1:20:51 half marathon but she had to settle for second (4:21:57), the same position she finished in last year. Kessler, who led all the women out of the water, took third (4:23:40). Vancouver’s Rachel McBride rode up to second place after the bike but lost a few spots on the run to claim fourth (4:26:01).

Potts, led the entire day. After his 22:48 swim, the rest of the field played catch-up but no one did. Potts added a 2:13:08 bike and a 1:14:34 run for the win (3:54:03). Australia’s Richie Cunningham finished second in 3:55:11, and American Jesse Thomas third (3:55:22). Victoria’s Stephen Kilshaw took ninth (4:02:33).

Pro Women

1. MCQUAID, Melanie CAN 04:19:13

2. JACKSON, Heather 04:21:57

3. KESSLER, Meredith 04:23:40

4. MCBRIDE, Rachel CAN 04:26:01

5. CORBIN, Linsey 04:29:46

Pro men

1. POTTS, Andy 03:54:03

2. CUNNINGHAM, Richie 03:55:11

3. THOMAS, Jesse 03:55:22

4. GRIFFIN, Leon 03:57:03

5. AMBROSE, Paul 03:59:41

9. KILSHAW, Stephen CAN 04:02:33

15. PIGGIN, Olly CAN 04:07:45

17. BURWASH, Grant CAN 04:09:57

20. CAIN, Ryan CAN 04:12:07