The rain stayed away but the breathtaking course in and around Lake Toya proved demanding at IRONMAN Japan in Hokkaido.
Men’s Race
Great Britain’s Harry Wiltshire led out of the water from Japan’s Takahama Kuniaki, taking a 35 second advantage out of transition. By 33kms Wiltshire had broken away and 10kms latter his lead was four minutes.
The chasing duo of Michael Ruenz (GER) and Cedric Lassonde (Fra) gradually made up ground ahead of Australians Jose Jeauland and Brian Fuller, reducing the lead to 2m30s by 55kms.
As the course swept uphill in a loop around Mt Yotei, Timothy Beardall, the last professional out of the water 15 minutes from the lead, had actually not only caught the field but gone into the lead, eventually coming off the bike with a 7m30s lead.
Making a comeback after an injury-plagued year and with little run training, Beardall was swept up by Wiltshire. However Ruenz, 9m30s down off the bike, cruised through the field to claim the lead by the midway mark of the marathon. He went on to post a run of 2:52.36 en route to his maiden IRONMAN title.
“I can't believe it. The course is beautiful but the bike…I have never ride such a hard course before. A few times I think I must drop out of this race. But now I can say go ahead,” says Ruenz.
Wiltshire came home for second after racing IRONMAN Kalmer last week, and guaranteed himself the points for a start in Kona.
“I am stoked but that was absolutely endless. Everyone was hurting on run. It’s holiday now and then Kona.”
Women’s Race
Taiwan’s Shiao Yu Li, who won her debut IRONMAN in Japan last year, had to content with the super fast Keiko Tanaka (Jpn) and Jessica Fleming (Aus).
ITU specialist Keiko was out of the water first and started to carve out a lead on the bike. Fleming, sixth in the swim, made quick work of chasing down Keiko to take the lead on the bike.
Further back Shiao Yu had been hard at work moving through the field and came into transition 2m30sec behind Fleming after the fastest bike split.
Keeping the run calm and steady, Shiao Yu moved into the lead early on and held on to defend her title, posting a personal best time of 9:58.30.
“I am very happy to take this race two times. It’s so tough, so very tough. But feels so good,” Shiao Yu.
Australia’s Jessica Flemming crossed the line for second.
“That was the hardest bike I have ever done. It was scenic and misty but not for the faint hearted.”
Top 5 PRO Men
1.Michael Ruenz Germany 8:53:40
2.Harry Wiltshire United Kingdom 9:06:34
3.Cedric Lassonde France 9:07:44
4.Brian Fuller Australia 9:13:49
5.Shinozaki Yu Japan 9:15:35
Top 5 PRO Women
1.Shiao-Yu Li Taiwan 9:58:30
2.Jessica Fleming Australia 10:06:49
3.Tanaka Keiko Japan 10:09:24
4.Sakai Emi Japan 10:39:42
5.Matsumaru Hiromi Japan 10:54:29