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Half-Ironman Auckland - 22nd of January 20051st At Auckland Half Ironman New Zealand.A First For The First Race Of The Season, 22nd January 2005 Kiwi Bryan Rhodes lead from start to finish winning the 2005 Auckland Half Ironman. Rhodes, a two time Malaysian Ironman winner, used the Auckland Half Ironman as a build up to his home town race the New Zealand Ironman in March. Leading the swim, Rhodes was somewhat surprised to see Monica Caplan (USA) on his tail out of the water. For Caplan the swim’s her strongest discipline, as she proved at Kona Ironman, leading the field from the swim. Onto the bike Rhodes made his break, securing a healthy gap on the chasing field through the 90km cycle from Maraetai to Kawakawa Bay around the scenic beaches south east of Auckland. Second, third and fourth placings in the mens division changed over the four hours of racing, with Chris McDonald from Christchurch who placed 7th at 2004 Ironman NZ proving to be the mover. Across the finish line it was Rhodes in 4hr:24:52, Chris McDonald just two minutes behind, with third going to Oliver Piggin in a time of 4hr:29:12. Athletes enjoyed the warm water and ideal cool morning temperatures as they raced one of the most stunning Half Ironman courses in the country. However the cool breeze on the bike changed to a stifling hot run as they set out on three laps of the 21km leg to Kawakawa Bay point. Those that were not prepared for the heat suffered from cramps and lack of energy as they struggled to get enough electrolyte down. Others took the slightly longer route swapping the sides of the roads during the run to seek the shelter of the Pohutukawas trees. Rhodes reported that he found it tough guessing how far behind the athletes were, with no splits, but felt good with no cramps or pains, all good in the leadup to Ironman (NZ). |
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