Potts, Jackson on Top at 70.3 Peru

Photos: Wagner Araujo

Americans Andy Potts and Heather Jackson claimed the victories at Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 Peru triathlon in Lima, Peru.

Potts turned in a 23:21 swim, before battling back and forth on the bike with several athletes. He came off of the bike in first place, with Chilean athletes Felipe Barraza and Felipe Van De Wyngard right with him and fellow American Jesse Thomas about 52 seconds back. Potts was strong on the run, dropping the others to take a solo lead and eventually the win in 3:44:53. Thomas rode and ran his way up to second position, finishing at 3:45:21. Van De Wyngard rounded out the top three.

Jackson kicked off her day with a stellar swim, coming out of the water only 43 seconds back of former Ironman world champion Leanda Cave (GBR). She quickly took the lead, building it to 3:31 over Sarah Piampiano (USA), 5:20 over Linsey Corbin (USA) and 5:57 over Cave off of the bike. She ran strong to the finish, crossing in 4:12:41. Piampano maintained her second position to the finish line, with Corbin making it an all-American podium.

2017 Ironman 70.3 Peru
Lima, Peru – April 23, 2017
1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run

Men
1. Andy Potts (USA) 3:44:53
2. Jesse Thomas (USA) 3:45:21
3. Felipe Van De Wyngard (CHI) 3:48:47

Women
1. Heather Jackson (USA) 4:12:41
2. Sarah Piampiano (USA) 4:15:38
3. Linsey Corbin (USA) 4:16:58