Search
shop

Currie hoping “perfect” St George bike leg is replicated at Kona

New Zealander looking ahead to Kona after an impressive third in St George
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Braden Currie hailed a “good crew” on the bike leg after he claimed third place at the IRONMAN World Championship on Saturday.

The New Zealander was among the frontrunners for much of the race in St George, Utah, but was ultimately overhauled by Kristian Blummenfelt and Lionel Sanders on the run as he finished in 7:54:19.

Currie was part of a quintet featuring Kyle Smith, Sam Laidlow, Florian Angert and Daniel Baekkegard on the bike, and he praised that group for helping him pull away from some stronger riders.

Advertisement

Bike boost

“It was an awesome day of racing to be honest,” the 35-year-old said. “On the bike, I kind of knew when we got out of the water it was a good crew of guys that were riding consistent.

“And all, kind of, lighter, smaller guys but not absolute animal bikers. So it was kind of the perfect combo that we were all riding really well and rolling through it.

“Everyone was happy to do their part and I think it showed we managed to gap a little bit of time on some of the uber-bikers and that just gave us that little bit of a buffer coming into the run.”

Victory targeted

Currie explained how he was gunning for the win when leading the run, as he felt confident that his qualification for October’s IRONMAN World Championship in Kona was secure.

But Blummenfelt had other ideas and then Sanders was able to grab second in final few strides.

ST GEORGE, UTAH - MAY 07: (L-R) Second place finisher Lionel Sanders of Canada, first place winner Kristian Blummenfelt of Norway and third place finisher Braden Currie of Australia celebrate on the podium after the 2021 IRONMAN World Championships on May 07, 2022 in St George, Utah. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images for IRONMAN

“I think the way the race was unfolding it’s kind of what it came down to (going for the win), and I kind of knew even if I really did have a big blow up I might have still snuck in my Kona slot,” explained Currie.

“That was the one box ticked and the next one was to go for the win.”

After he did indeed secure his place at the Hawaii event, Currie detailed how he hopes another strong contingent on the bike leg can help provide the platform to challenge for victory.

Kona plans

“I like the heat and I’ve got a really good lead in this year and I’m looking forward to it,” he stated.

“Again, it just depends a lot how it unfolds and what happens. And it does seem that the uber-riders tend to get to the front a lot earlier in Kona from what we’ve seen.

“But if we have a good crew again, riding the way we rode today then who knows, maybe we can we can get off and have a good run battle.

“It’s been a really big summer of racing and training and I guess the unknown as well. It feels like a really good reward to have a great race here [at St George] and put all three disciplines together.”

Olly Green
Written by
Olly Green
Olly is is been the content lead for RUN247, is a regular contributor to TRI247 and keeps an eye out for content that appeals to both audiences including interviews with pro Heather Jackson.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Olympic bronze medallist almost called it quits ahead of Challenge Roth debut but now “exactly where I’m supposed to be”
Lionel Sanders at the press conference ahead of 70.3 World Championship 2023
Huge injury update as Canadian triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders confirms brutal diagnosis
Sam Dickinson second place ironman 703 jonkoping 2025
British Olympic hero Sam Dickinson bidding for home glory at IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea
Kat Matthews IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand 2024
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth run 2023 photo credit Challenge Roth
Laura Siddall signs off amazing pro career in fitting place at beloved Challenge Roth
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...