Reed, Watkinson emerge champs
WORLD champion Tim Reed survived a tough challenge from Michael Raelert of Germany to win the Foremost Ironman 70.3 Thailand at the Laguna Phuket yesterday. Amelia Rose Watkinson of New Zealand captured the women’s title to add to her Laguna Phuket Triathlon crown won last week.
Reed, one of Australia’s most consistent and strongest triathletes who has won three major events this year including the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Mooloolaba, Australia, and the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific, was first out of the water in 22.32 minutes. A large group containing many of the top contenders were about 30 seconds behind.
Reed maintained his dazzling form in the bike course, covering the distance of 90km in 2:04.57 hours. Raelert, who retained his Laguna Phuket Triathlon title last week, tried to overtake the Aussie in the deciding 21km run. However, Reed proved that he is the best in the discipline, crossing the finish line in 3:48.33 hours. Raelert finished second in 3:48.48, shattering Australia’s chance of winning the top four places.
Another Australian, Tim Van Berkel, came third in 4:05.32 while his compatriots Matt Burton and Eric Watson were fourth and fifth in 4:06.34 and 4:10.18.
“Great to win here. I am looking forward to defend my world title next year at Chattanooga, Tennessee. I am thinking of taking a break now. I trained hard in Australia for this event. It was quite hot and humid there and I had no problem adjusting to the weather conditions here,” said the 31-year-old Reed, a father of two.
“The course is very challenging. The swim is beautiful but it was hard riding the bike. The support from the crowd was great. If the event is held again here, I will be back to defend my title,” he said.
Watkinson, who has been training in Thailand since March, clocked 4:21.01 to win the title and emerge ninth overall. Australia’s Dimity-Lee Duke and Great Britain’s Parys Edwards came second and third in 4:30.05 and 4:31.02.
Veteran Jaray Jearanai, 34, emerged winner among Thai participants. He was 10th overall among the 1,400 triathletes who came from 61 countries. He clocked 4:24.02. Phuket Governor Chokchai Detamornthan presided over the event.
Sunday’s results
Men’s overall: 1. Tim Reed (Australia) 3.48.33 hours; 2. Michael Raelert (Germany) 3:48.48; 3. Tim van Berkel (Australia) 4:05.32; 4. Matt Burton (Australia) 4:06.34; 5. Eric Watson (Australia) 4:10.18
Women’s overall: 1. Amelia Rose Watkinson (New Zealand) 4:21.01; 2. Dimity-Lee Duke (Australia) 4:30.05; 3. Parys Edwards (Great Britain) 4:31.02; 4. Imke Oelerich (Germany) 4:35.16; 5. Annelise Jefferies (Australia) 4:36.46
