Three-time Kona podium finisher wins her fourth career IRONMAN

“This mum can…”

She’s back! We highlighted last week the return to full-distance IRONMAN racing of Great Britain’s Rachel Joyce on Sunday at IRONMAN Boulder – and a fine return it proved to be too.

Exiting the water with Kelly Williamson (USA), Joyce had a gap of five minutes over the in-form and 2016 Kona third place finisher, Heather Jackson (USA), heading out on to the 180km course. Jackson had moved in to the lead by T2 (riding 4:49:06 to the 4:56:09 of Joyce), having caught Rachel around the 90 mile mark. The final section of the ride saw Jackson build a small buffer starting the run – but at just over two minutes, it was far from decisive.

The first 10 miles of the marathon saw Rachel gain a few seconds, but nothing significant, as the gap hovered at around the two minute mark. Jackson held the lead until the 18 mile marker, when the Briton finally made the pass. Taking control of the race, Joyce was able to build a lead of seven minutes by the finish – but it had certainly been a tough battle.

I can't quite believe it! Winning #IMBoulder today was special – our adopted home race and knowing these two would be at the finish line pic.twitter.com/BtDsbTAVqx

— Rachel Joyce (@RJoyce09) June 12, 2017

And great sharing the podium with @hjacksonracing and @IMsoulcrusher. Our ? game was on point. pic.twitter.com/0ame76wROQ

— Rachel Joyce (@RJoyce09) June 12, 2017

Tim O’Donnell (USA) took the men’s title with a massive victory margin of over 20 minutes – courtesy of the fastest splits in all three disciplines. A great day for the 2015 IRONMAN World Championship Bronze medallist.

IRONMAN Boulder – Sunday 11th June 2017
3.8km / 180km / 42.2km

MEN

1st – Tim O’Donnell (USA) – 8:13:30
2nd – Matt Chrabot (USA) – 8:34:36
3rd – Patrick McKeon (USA) – 8:42:24

WOMEN

1st – Rachel Joyce (GBR) – 9:13:32
2nd – Heather Jackson (USA) – 9:20:42
3rd – Danielle Mack (USA) – 9:42:16