Trautman and Watkinson deliver at Ironman

THE Standard Bank IRONMAN 70.3 Durban was won by Matt Trautman and Annah Watkinson on Sunday, despite a difficult start with rough sea conditions.

Lucie Zelenkova had the strongest swim exiting the water over three minutes ahead of Claire Horner and Annah Watkinson. Defending champion, Parys Edwards was seven minutes back heading into transition.

Zelenkova started the bike with a big lead staying ahead until after 40km while Watkinson made her way into second position. After 60km Watkinson closed the gap enough to move into the lead as Edwards made up a big chunk of time to move into second position with Zelenkova dropping to fourth behind Horner.

With a 02:41 lead, Watkinson managed to hold off the challenge from Edwards to finish in a time of 04:35:40, three minutes ahead Edwards who put in a big effort to claim second place in 04:38:47. This is Watkinson’s first IRONMAN 70.3 win after turning professional this year. Claire Horner rounded up the podium finish in 04:48:21. Zelenkova finished fourth announcing on the finish line that this would be her last IRONMAN 70.3 race as a professional.

Clinton Gravett made the best of difficult swim conditions exiting the water with a three minute lead over Matt Trautman followed by Kent Horner. James Cunnama close to seven minutes back on the early leader.

Gravett tried to hold on using his swim advantage but was eventually hauled in by Trautman after 40km. By this time James Cunnama was making time and moving well up the field. Trautman entered T2 first with Cunnama nine minutes back and Freddy Lampret a further minute behind.

Trautman looked comfortable all the way despite warm conditions and held his lead to notch his second IRONMAN 70.3 win in as many weeks. James Cunnama brought up second place with Freddy Lampret in third.