Ironman Bryan Rhodes has made a successful return to multisports with victory in the Tri-Series in Timaru.
Rhodes, who snapped an achilles in August, defended his title while Janine Simpson won the women's as she too continues her return after serious injury.
Top seed Rhodes, who was competing in his first event back, was first out of the water and stretched his lead in wet conditions in the bike and run, finishing 46 seconds ahead of fellow Christchurch athlete Harrison Dean with Cameron Goldsmid of Wellington third.
32-year old Simpson has had a year out of the sport also from an achilles injury, but she was too strong for the women's field finishing 6 and a half minutes ahead of Laura Smit of Christchurch.
