Ambrose, Bremer Win 30th Anniversary Ironman Australia
Australia's Paul Ambrose and New Zealand's Michelle Bremer came out on top at the 30th running of the iconic Ironman Australia race.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Australia’s Paul Ambrose and New Zealand’s Michelle Bremer came out on top at the 30th running of the iconic Ironman Australia race in Port Macquarie.
Men’s Race
It was a close men’s race, with Ambrose just edging out 2013 race winner Luke Bell (AUS). Bell had the early edge as the second fastest swimmer, exiting the water just behind Graham O’Grady (NZL) at 44:58. Ambrose was the fourth person onto the bike, where he quickly went to work on a mission to find the leaders. Ambrose’s bike split of 4:39:24 was by far the fastest of the day, giving him a seven-minute lead over Bell to start the run. Bell was ultimately able to chip into Ambrose’s adnantage, but it wasn’t enough to get him within striking distance. Ambrose crossed the finish line at 8:35:53 to earn the victory. Bell finished second just two and a half minutes later, with Australia’s Brian Fuller rounding out the top three.
Women’s Race
Australia’s Lisa Marangon led the women out of the water with a swim time of 51:59. She also led the early miles of the bike and was eventually joined by Bremer up front. Marangon was able to break away and ultimately earned a lead of 2:36 over Jessica Fleming (AUS), 4:12 over Chrisie Sym (AUS) and 5:40 over Bremer to start the run. With so many women exiting the bike in close contention, it was apparent the marathon would be an important factor. Marangon almost immediately struggled to find her running legs, surrendering her lead early in the marathon and eventually dropping out of the race. Fleming took over the top spot, with Sym sitting nearby in second. It stayed that way for much of the first half of the marathon, with Bremer quietly chasing in third. Once Bremer was able to pass Sym and Fleming, she never surrendered her lead. The Kiwi put together a 3:23:17 marathon to claim the victory in 9:38:24. Fleming held on for second, with 2012 winner Michelle Gailey (AUS) running up to the third spot.
2015 Ironman Australia
Port Macquarie, Australia – May 3, 2015
2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run
Men
1. Paul Ambrose (AUS) 8:35:53
2. Luke Bell (AUS) 8:38:34
3. Brian Fuller (AUS) 8:49:39
4. Luke Martin (AUS) 8:56:19
5. Nick Baldwin (SEY) 8:59:44
Women*
1. Michelle Bremer (NZL) 9:38:24
2. Jessica Fleming (AUS) 9:42:18
3. Michelle Gailey (AUS) 9:50:51
4. Marie Sorrell (NZL) 9:57:06
5. Caroline Gregory (AUS) 10:16:56
*Includes professional results only.