Record

This is the rivalry triathlon has been waiting for.

Some have argued that in the years since COVID first struck, more iron-distance pros are racing markedly faster than ever before—using the “trend” to make cases for everything from drugs to unfair equipment advantages. But what does the data really say?

Despite windy conditions and sporadic rain, Tempe, Ariz. produced a world-record setting stage today, with Chrissie Wellington covering the Ironman distance in 8:36:13. Germany’s Timo Bracht of Team Comerzbank turned in a strong bike-run combo to take the overall win in 8:07:16.