Braden Currie wins the New Zealand Ironman. Photo: Delly Carr
A new pair of champions have been crowned at the New Zealand Ironman in Taupo with Kiwi Braden Currie and rising American star Jocelyn McCauley ended the lengthy reigns of Cameron Brown and Meredith Kessler.
In the men's event, Currie, 31, repelled a late charge from Brown, who was seeking to extend his world record to a 13th Ironman New Zealand crown.
"To win is amazing and I never expected it. I came here to figure out how to race it for next year and I am not sure if I will be able to race as well as today," said Currie.
The 44-year-old Brown ran the quickest marathon of the day, but Wanaka-based Currie would not be denied crossing the line in 8:20:57 to win by 3:33.
In the women's race, just two years after turning pro, McCauley derailed Kessler's bid for a sixth straight title.
Jocelyn McCauley cross the finish line. Photo: John Cowpland
McCauley produced a time of 9:09:46.
"The day unfolded like it would in my perfect dream, I couldn't have asked for anything better," McCauley said.
Professional Male: Braden Currie, NZL, 8:20:57, 1; Cameron Brown, NZL, 8:24:31, 2; Cyril Viennot, FRA, 8:25:42, 3; Marko Albert, EST, 8:30:15, 4; Mark Bowstead, NZL, 8:31:00, 5.
Professional Women: Jocelyn McCauley, USA, 9:09:46, 1; Laura Siddall, GBR, 9:21:52, 2; Meredith Kessler, USA, 9:27:18, 3; Annabel Luxford, AUS, 9:41:47, 4; Emma Bilham, SUI, 9:52:32, 5.
