FIVE Sub-8’s at IRONMAN Texas as Hanson, Robertson win

Fast racing at IRONMAN Texas, the North American Championshp

Another Sub-8 for Will Clarke plus a huge PB for Caroline Livesey

A little later than I’d like (thanks to a late night at a charity swimming event / early morning following the London Marathon), a quick roundup from Saturday’s IRONMAN Texas. You may well have read regular reports elsewhere, so, here’s a slightly stats-based alternative wrap…

IRONMAN Bike split record – 4:01:14

Andrew Starykowicz, (who already held the three fastest times of 4:02:17 (Florida 2013), 4:03:35 (Arizona 2015) and 4:04:39 (Florida 2012), set a new mark of 4:01:14. As epic as that is on its own, take a look at what Starky has had to comeback from over the last 12 months…

https://twitter.com/irunshirtless/status/855799426450939904

U.S. IRONMAN Record – 7:52:44

Matt Hanson won this race two years ago, and he repeated the feat in 2017 closing out his race with a 2:42:07 marathon. The result was a winning time of 7:52:44, to also take the U.S. Ironman record from Andy Potts (7:55:12 at IRONMAN Western Australia 2016)

PB for Will Clarke – 7:59:02

Joe Skipper was the first Brit to break the eight-hour mark for iron-distance at Roth last year, but Will Clarke now has the distinction of being the only Brit to have a 7:XX time twice. His 7:59:02 for fourth place, was 29 seconds quicker than his time at IRONMAN Copenhagen last year.

What a day! An Ironman PB 7:59.01, 4th place and SUPER close to podium & my team mate @ronschildknecht crushed it! Thanks everyone. pic.twitter.com/sMtzQqKUBO

— Will Clarke (@Theclarke) April 22, 2017

FIVE men under eight hours (for the first time)

There was a lot of pre-race talk about the potential speed of the course, and Matt Russell (USA) was public in hoping to break the eight hour mark. He came close, with 8:01:35… and that only earned him sixth position. For the first time ever, five men cracked the 8-hour barrier in one race.

Fast running

The top seven men all ran under 2:50 for the closing marathon. Will Clarke had the fastest split of 2:42:01.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erEJ6mXHpIw

Bad luck for Joe Skipper

Second here two years ago – in a race that saved his career – Joe was hoping for a big race after a distinctly average IRONMAN South Africa. All was going perfectly to plan, he was riding brilliantly with the main group having made up his swim deficit… and then got a puncture. Race over.

Congrats @matthansontri @ronschildknecht @TyButterfield and @Theclarke on some fast racing! gutted I wasn't able to duke it with you boys!

— Joe Skipper (@Noaveragejoe88) April 23, 2017

He’ll now be re-planning the next steps in his season

Another fast Jodie…

From a British perspective, we are used to seeing Jodie Stimpson and Jodie Swallow/Cunnama winning, but USA’s Jodie Robertson took the title in The Woodlands. Second in last years shortened event, she’s the 64th women to join the ‘Sub-9’ club with her 8:56:32 finish. The 2:34 marathon runner has made a very swift and successful transition to triathlon.

A third Sub-9 for Michi Herlbauer

The Austrian may be small in stature, but second place in 8:59:31 is her third entry on the Sub-9 listing.

Massive PB for Caroline Livesey – 9:18:33

You’ve seen her pre-race blogs (Part One | Part Two), and we’ll have her race report soon – but tenth place in 9:18:33 was a massive step up for Caroline – who previously won this race as an age-group athlete.

Thanks so much for all the support &tweets today. Over the 🌙 with my performance &chuffed to sneak top 10. Super fast racing today.

— Caroline Livesey (@tri_c_livesey) April 22, 2017

IRONMAN Texas North American Championship – Saturday 22nd April 2017
3.8km / 180km / 42.2km

PRO MEN

1st – Matt Hanson (USA) – 7:52:44
2nd – Ronnie Schildknecht (SUI) – 7:56:21
3rd – Tyler Butterfield (BER) – 7:58:29
4th – Will Clarke (GBR) – 7:59:02
5th – Kirill Kotsegarov (EST) – 7:59:32
6th – Matt Russell (USA) – 8:01:35

19th – Andrew Starykowicz (USA) – 8:54:45

DNF – Joe Skipper (GBR)
DNF – Harry Wiltshire (GBR)

PRO WOMEN

1st – Jodie Robertson (USA) – 8:56:32
2nd – Michaela Herlbauer (AUT) – 8:59:31
3rd – Maja Stage-Nielsen (DEN) – 9:01:00
4th – Alicia Kaye (USA) – 9:04:40
5th – Tine Deckers (BEL) – 9:06:08

10th – Caroline Livesey (GBR) – 9:18:33