Gambles, Wurtele Edge Out Competition At 70.3 Timberman
Australia's Joe Gambles and Canada's Heather Wurtele beat out tough competition to take the titles at Ironman 70.3 Timberman.
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Australia’s Joe Gambles posted strong times across swim, bike and run to take the men’s win, while Canada’s Heather Wurtele held off a fast-running Caitlin Snow of the United States to take the women’s victory at Ironman 70.3 Timberman.
Men’s Race
The race kicked off with super swimmer David Kahn of the United States leading the men into T1 with a swim time of 23:36. American Kevin Collington was next, with Gambles, Australia’s Leon Griffin and the United States’ Rich Allen not far behind. The Aussie duo of Gambles and Griffin took control of the bike, with the pair posting the two fastest 56-mile bike splits of the day. Gambles was first off the bike, but Griffin was right on his heels. It was Gambles who proved to have a slight edge on the run, posting a 1:13:31 half marathon and earning the victory in 3:48:30. Griffin also had an impressive run and easily finished second at 3:50:53. Ten minutes later Collington crossed the finish line in third.
Women’s Race
In the women’s race, Snow was the fastest swimmer with a split of 26:18. Wurtele exited the water less than 30 seconds back and quickly took control on the bike. Wurtele blew away the women’s field with a 2:25:20 bike split. She started the half-marathon with strong runners Linsey Corbin (USA) and Snow in second and third, respectively. Snow had the strongest run legs of the day and posted the fastest run split of the women. The 1:20:04 half marathon wasn’t quite enough as Wurtele was able to hold her off. Wurtele took the win in 4:20:48, with Snow crossing only 13 seconds later for second. Corbin kept the close race going, crossing at 4:23:50 for third.
Ironman 70.3 Timberman
Gilford, N.H. – Aug. 19, 2012
1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run
Men
1. Joe Gambles (AUS) 3:48:30
2. Leon Griffin (AUS) 3:50:53
3. Kevin Collington (USA) 4:01:10
4. James Bowstead (NZL) 4:04:17
5. David Kahn (USA) 4:05:36
Women
1. Heather Wurtele (CAN) 4:20:48
2. Caitlin Snow (USA) 4:21:01
3. Linsey Corbin (USA) 4:23:50
4. Beth Walsh (USA) 4:31:32
5. Christine Fletcher (CAN) 4:34:18