Published June 5, 2011 12:03AM
Australian Luke Bell caught American Chris Lieto in the final miles of the run to earn the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii victory in Kona. In the women’s race, local pro Bree Wee turned in a well-paced day to take the win.
Bell used a 25:17 swim, a 2:11:02 bike and a 1:18:58 run to edge out super cyclist Lieto in 3:58:14. Despite fading on the run, Lieto easily earned second with a final time of 4:01:32. Lieto’s younger brother, Matt, took the final podium spot in 4:02:25.
In a female race that featured only four professionals, Wee posted a 27:43 swim, a 2:34:27 bike and a 1:36:43 run for the 4:42:32 victory. Age group athletes Sheila Croft and Susanne Davis turned in the next fastest times.
Ironman 70.3 Hawaii
Kona, Hawaii – June 4, 2011
1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run
Men
1. Luke Bell (AUS) 3:58:25
2. Chris Lieto (USA) 4:01:32
3. Matt Lieto (USA) 4:05:25
4. Ian Mikelson (USA) 4:11:32
5. Tim Marr (USA) 4:12:16
Women
1. Bree Wee (USA) 4:42:32
2. Sheila Croft (USA) 4:43:09*
3. Susanne Davis (USA) 4:44:00*
4. Elly Franks (AUS) 4:46:46
5. Christine Fletcher (CAN) 4:46:54