Madame Pele went easy on the competitors at this year’s Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, forsaking the usual stiff winds to allow for a record-setting day of racing. Lucy Charles-Barclay took full advantage of the goddess’ grace, blasting through a gun-to-tape win, setting a new course record along the way. Triathlon Magazine editor Kevin Mackinnon was out on course this year with his camera, and got to take in the action up close – here’s his photo recap from the big day of racing on the Big Island:
They’re off. The pro women got started at 6:25 AM.Right from the gun Charles-Barclay flew to the front of the race.Where’s everyone? Charles-Barclay does a few strokes on her back to see how much of a gap she’s opened up.
Anne Haug had a good swim and was part of the big chase group that contained many of the top contenders … but was still 4:33 behind Barclay at the end of the swim.Defending champ Chelsea Sodaro was also part of that group.Ironman rookie Taylor Knibb quickly moved into second position … but lost two of her water bottles with much-needed nutrition early. She would end up spending a minute in the penalty tent for “accidental littering.”As she rode past the airport Germany’s Laura Philipp, a two-time fourth-place finisher here in Kona, was in 20th place.It was all Lucy, all the time, for the lead camera.Knibb would remain in second, sitting between Charles-Barclay and the chase pack for the entire ride.No time to take in the scenery – Charles-Barclay would ride an impressive 4:32:29 split, the day’s fastest.Heading up to Hawi, Daniela Ryf made a move towards the front, moving to third in an attempt to put her stamp on the race.
Mel McQuaid qualified for the pro race at 50. She had a tough day in the heat, but got through her first Kona.Ruth Astle would use her impressive 58 chainring to ride a 4:39:03 bike split – she would finish 12th, one of the 16 women to break the 9 hour barrier with her 8:55:35 finish.Jocelyn McCauley, one of the many super-moms in the pro field, would power her way to a 10th-place finish.As she rode back to T2 it was becoming clear that Ryf wasn’t going to be able to hit T2 near the front.Another of the super-moms, Michelle Vesterby, rode her very-pink Cadex bike to a 4:48:49 split on her way to a 9:19:44 finish.Haug pushed hard on the bike, but still hit T2 in seventh place, 12:14 behind Charles-Barclay.The loneliness of the long-distance runner – Charles-Barclay heads out of the Energy Lab – she still has a seven-minute lead …… over a fast-moving Haug who was on her way to a new run course record of 2:48:23.It was her first time running more than 30 km, but Knibb would hang tough to stay in the top four.After getting COVID in August, Ryf wasn’t ready for another day like she had in Roth. She had a solid run – but it was only enough for a top-five.Hydration is the name of the game …… and Ruth Astle manages to grab some water and go.Defending champion Chelsea Sodaro would finish sixth after running an impressive 2:53:02 marathon.Lisa Norden heads down to the Energy Lab – the 2012 Olympic silver medalist would finish ninth.There was no touching Charles-Barclay as she flew to a new course record and a first Ironman World Championship title in 8:24:31.A runner-up finish (8:27:33) gives Anne Haug a full collection of Ironman World Championship medals.After two fourth-place finishes Laura Philipp moves up onto the podium with her 8:32:55 finish.Knibb got across the line in fourth in 8:35:56 …… and clearly gave it all to get to the line.She said it will likely be her last Kona race … Daniela Ryf bids farewell to the fans as she takes fifth in 8:40:34.Haug, Charles-Barclay and Philipp celebrate their podium finishes.
Photo by:
Kevin Mackinnon
