Chrabot, Keat On Top At 70.3 Austin

The United States’ Matt Chrabot and Australia’s Rebekah Keat claimed the victories on a relatively cool day in Austin, Texas. The victory for Chrabot, a former ITU athlete, was a big stepping-stone for him as he prepares to take on Ironman Arizona in three weeks. For Keat, the win was redemption for a disappointing Kona performance two weeks ago.

Men’s Race
Chrabot was fourth out of the water (23:24), second off of the bike (2:11:13) and posted the fastest half-marathon of the day (1:11:12) to claim the 3:48:49 victory. Australia’s Richie Cunningham, who has been on the road to recovery since a bike crash back in July, finished second in 3:51:52. American Ben Hoffman, who finished 15^th in Kona, rounded out the top three at 3:54:56.

Women’s Race
Keat used momentum off of a fast swim (25:05) to find her way to the front and earn the victory. Her 2:23:11 bike and 1:24:27 were also among the fastest times of the day, giving her the 4:15:59 win. Canada’s Rachel McBride had a solid day across swim, bike and run to earn second in 4:19:24. American Mandy McLane was third at 4:20:06. According to the results, American Katy Blakemore was first out of the water (25:04) and first off of the bike (2:22:13) and posted a run time worthy of claiming the win, but had a so-far unexplained 11:36 T2 to put her well out of contention and she finished in seventh.

Ironman 70.3 Austin
Austin, Texas – Oct. 27, 2013
1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run

Men
1. Matt Chrabot (USA) 3:48:49
2. Richie Cunningham (AUS) 3:51:52
3. Ben Hoffman (USA) 3:54:56
4. Francisco Serrano (MEX) 3:55:13
5. George Bjalkemo (SWE) 3:55:18

Women
1. Rebekah Keat (AUS) 4:15:59
2. Rachel McBride (CAN) 4:19:24
3. Mandy McLane (USA) 4:20:06
4. Sarah Piampiano (USA) 4:21:24
5. Shannon Radle (USA) 4:22:59

Complete results.