70.3 World’s 2017: GB Age-Group review

Simone Dailey, Michael Birchmore: fastest Age-Group Brits in Chattanooga

The 2017 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships were held in Chattanooga over the weekend, with all of the women racing on Saturday followed by the men on Sunday. Having been working away in Tenby at the time – and either travelling to playing a game of ‘catch up’ ever since – a little later than normal, here is a quick review of the Great Britain Age-Group athletes who reached the podium n one of the most competitive events around.

Top billing perhaps goes to Simone Dailey. Winner of the F25-29 division, Simone was also the fastest Age-Group athlete from all nations across all categories in the women’s race. Twice a podium finisher in Kona, Simone was also the fastest British female AG athlete in Hawaii in 2014. I did an extensive interview with Simone shortly after that race – resist that HERE.

It’s quite a week for Simone, as today (Wednesday), she will be getting married!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BY2_mrjFyY3/?taken-by=simone_dailey

For the second consecutive year, Michael Birchmore returns to the UK as the fastest British Age-Group athlete at the IRONMAN 70.3 World’s. Third last year, Michael’s dedication was rewarded with the World Championship title in the 25-29 AG this year.

Awesome week in Chattanooga for @IRONMANtri 70.3 World Champs. Stoked to take the 25-29 AG win. Years of trying and finally on top step. pic.twitter.com/HWgUesdC6U

— Michael Birchmore (@MikeBirchmore) September 11, 2017

There was a third British Age-Group winner in Chattanooga with Clive Kennedy-Burn also winning the 45-49 division by more than four minutes.

British Age-Group Top-5 Finishers – Ironman 70.3 World Championships
Chattanooga, USA – 9th/10th September 2017
1.9km / 90km / 21.1km

1st – Simone Dailey – F25-29 – 4:42:18
1st – Michael Birchmore – M25-29 – 4:12:12
1st – Clive Kennedy-Burn – M45-49 – 4:23:38

4th – Adrian Carr – M55-59 – 4:54:51
4th – Margaret Sills – F65-69 – 6:53:46

5th – Marton Cseik – M25-29 – 4:17:56
5th – Roger Witz Barnes – M30-34 – 4:19:09