Bell, Stevens Win In Cancun

Australia’s Luke Bell got a nice confidence boost heading into his return to the Ironman World championship, while the United States’ Amanda Stevens led the entire day to take a big win for her 2010 season at Ironman 70.3 Cancun.

The men’s race was about a battle between the two Aussie Lukes. Bell faced off against his fellow countryman Luke McKenzie for the majority of the day. McKenzie exited the swim just seconds ahead of Bell and the pair went on to battle on the bike. McKenzie continued to carry a slight edge and headed onto the run just ahead of Bell. Once on the 13.1-mile course, Bell accelerated and was able to narrowly take the win over McKenzie. McKenzie settled for second, while defending champion Oscar Galindez of Argentina ran his way into third.

In the women’s race, Stevens turned in a fast day on the swim and bike to hold a significant lead starting the run. Despite being chased by former Ironman World Champion Michellie Jones of Australia, Stevens held steady and crossed the finish line in first in 4:25:34. Jones turned in the fastest half marathon of the day to finish 90 seconds behind Stevens, while Australia’s Kate Major held steady throughout the day to take a podium spot.

Ironman 70.3 Cancun
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico – September 19, 2010
1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run

Men
1. Luke Bell (AUS) 3:59:46
2. Luke Mckenzie (AUS) 4:02:30
3. Oscar S Galindez (BRA) 4:05:20
4. Matt White (AUS) 4:07:33
5. Andres Felipe Castillo Latorre (COL) 4:08:08

Women
1. Dr. Amanda Layne Stevens (USA) 4:25:34
2. Michellie Jones (AUS) 4:27:01
3. Kate Major (AUS) 4:28:27
4. Kate Bevilaqua (AUS) 4:44:56
5. Dunia Gomez Tirado (MEX) 4:52:26