Nick Thompson & Rebecca Clarke Claim Maiden 70.3 Sunshine Coast titles

Monday 11 September 2023

Australia’s Nick Thompson and New Zealand’s Rebecca Clarke have today added their names to the list of winners of the Qatar Airways IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine in the event’s 10th edition.
 
Nick Thompson, from Perth, secured his maiden IRONMAN 70.3 title by an impressive margin of over a minute, completing the 1.9km swim, 90km ride, and 21.1km run in 3:40:02.
 
“I'm lost for words. I think in the last few years, I've always wanted to come here, get out of WA, and make a step and to come here and have a really enjoyable day and have a good race and manage to win. I wouldn't have really dreamed about this,” said Thompson.
 
“It's my fifth race. I've had good parts and bad parts and it doesn't always come together, but when it does, it's just really rewarding. Regardless of the result, I'm just really happy and I guess excited for going back home to Perth, seeing friends and family. I've only been home for a week the last four months.”
 
Former IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast champion Nicholas Free took out second place in 3:41:09, with Mitch Kibby overtaking Steve McKenna in the last two kilometres to capture third place.
 
“Swim, I was at the back of the group, I think I got dumped by a wave, I tried to body surf a wave, did a little barrel roll and got my bearings and came out of the water and we're all there and then up the really tough part of the bike course, Kurt (McDonald), Steve, Mitch, all pushed the pace, and I was just hanging on then Nic and Tim (Van Berkel) joined and we were together the first lap,” said Thompson.
 
Thompson put together a mature performance on the run as he held off Free, who at one point closed the gap to 29 seconds, before extending his lead out over the final few kilometres to over a minute.
 
“First lap on the run with them and I was like, okay, just take it out. I tried to run what I know I can, and I felt good the second lap and I just gave it everything. I can't believe it. It paid off. I'm lost for words.

Thompson is in his debut season as a professional triathlete and says the transition has been tough, but days like these make the effort worthwhile.
 
“I guess I took a bit of a punt the last few months. It's always been at the back of my mind the last few years to give it a go and the last few months weren't easy, I'm sure anyone trying to make it in the sport will tell you it's not always like the sunshine and rainbows you see on Instagram and social media. But like I said, when it all comes together, it's just so rewarding,” said Thompson. “I guess this is the feeling we chase. It might not happen every day, but the days where it does happen, it reminds you why it's worth it and why we try to be there.”
 
New Zealand’s Rebecca Clarke also claimed her first-ever IRONMAN 70.3 title by dominating in Mooloolaba having pretty much led for the entire race. The Kiwi finished in 4:13:43, over three minutes ahead of Radka Kahlefeldt in second and Sophie Perry in third.
 
“It feels really good. I think it's still sinking in because I didn't really believe, I had some belief that if I had a good day, I could win, but until you're going through it and crossing that line, yeah, it's hard to believe,” said Clarke. “Officially on the IRONMAN 70.3 circuit, it's my first win. I've had quite a few seconds and thirds so yeah, it's a sweet to get first.”
 
“I always knew it was going to start well for me with a good swim and had a bit of company with Chloe Hartnett and the guys, I was catching a few guys, starting only a minute apart. I think I caught quite a lot of the guys. But I just love it, I love an ocean to swim. It was a beautiful morning,” she said.
 
“The bike played out how I wanted it to. I knew Chloe was a strong swim-biker and if I can work with her, I think we were both determined to put some time into the other girls. Even though it's a rather flat course, I think it was harder today, there was quite a strong headwind on the way back, so we kind of flew out. I think I just was very controlled today in terms of just using the tailwind to have gas for the headwind.”
 
“We first got onto the run and knew we had a gap to some fast runners, but I think I was running scared a lot of the time, but I felt actually really great, best I’ve felt for a while on the run.
 
“The last few kilometres it was really hurting. I was just like, think of getting to that finish line and just enjoying going along the carpet. It made me think of my mum, who I lost five years ago from yesterday. It's a little of a tribute to her, it's like, this one's for you, mum. It's been quite a journey from when we first started triathlon and it was a dream to win one,” said Clarke.

TOP FIVE MEN
1 – Nick Thompson (Australia) – 3:40:02
2 – Nicholas Free (Australia) – 3:41:09
3 – Mitch Kibby (Australia) – 3:42:29
4 – Steve McKenna (Australia) – 3:43:23
5 – Kieran Storch (Australia) – 3:35:44
 
TOP FIVE WOMEN
1 – Rebecca Clarke (New Zealand) – 4:13:43
2 – Radka Kahlefeldt (Australia) – 4:16:53
3 – Sophie Perry (Australia) – 4:17:27
4 – Penny Slater (Australia) – 4:18:16
5 – Kylie Simpson (Australia) – 4:20:59

IRONMAN Triathlon


Coming Triathlon Events View all

    Visit website Google Map Become a fan on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube

02

Feb

2024

Saharaman

Taghit, Béchar, Algeria

Website Google Map YouTube

01

Mar

2024

Challenge Israman

Eilat, Israel

Website Google Map YouTube

14

Apr

2024

Strongman

Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan

Website Google Map

27

Apr

2024

Challenge Taiwan

Taitung City, Taiwan, China

Website Google Map YouTube

11

May

2024

FrenchMan

Carcans, France

Website Google Map YouTube

11

May

2024

Himalayan Xtreme

Pokhara, Nepal

Website Google Map YouTube

25

May

2024

Grizzlyman Xtri

Beskydy, Czech Republic

Website Google Map

26

May

2024

Mediterranean Epic

Oropesa del Mar, Spain

Website Google Map YouTube

26

May

2024

Tradeinn International

Platja d’Aro, Spain

Website Google Map YouTube

01

Jun

2024

Pirene Xtreme

Cellers, Lleida, Spain

Website Google Map YouTube
    Visit website Google Map Become a fan on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube

02

Mar

2024

Ironman New Zealand

Taupo, New Zealand

Website Google Map YouTube

21

Apr

2024

Ironman African Championship

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Website Google Map YouTube

27

Apr

2024

Ironman Texas

The Woodlands, Texas, United States

Website Google Map

05

May

2024

Ironman Australia

Port Macquarie, Australia

Website Google Map YouTube

18

May

2024

Ironman Lanzarote

Canary Islands, Spain

Website Google Map YouTube

19

May

2024

Ironman Florianopolis

Florianopolis, Brazil

Website Google Map

02

Jun

2024

Ironman Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany

Website Google Map YouTube

09

Jun

2024

Ironman Philippines

Subic Bay, Philippines

Website Google Map YouTube

16

Jun

2024

Ironman France

Nice, France

Website Google Map YouTube

16

Jun

2024

Ironman Austria

Klagenfurt, Austria

Website Google Map YouTube
    Visit website Google Map Become a fan on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube

16

Dec

2023

Rotorua Suffer

Rotorua, New Zealand

Website Google Map

17

Dec

2023

BergMan 113 Kolhapur

Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Website Google Map YouTube

07

Jan

2024

Alpha Win Sarasota

Sarasota, FL, United States

Website Google Map YouTube

20

Jan

2024

Tauranga Half

Tauranga, New Zealand

Website Google Map YouTube

10

Feb

2024

Half Camino de la Costa

Viedma, Río Negro, Argentina

Website Google Map

17

Feb

2024

Tweed Coast Enduro

Pottsville NSW, Australia

Website Google Map YouTube

17

Feb

2024

Challenge Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

Website Google Map YouTube

18

Feb

2024

Mercuryman

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Website Google Map

25

Feb

2024

Husky Long Course

Huskisson, NSW, Australia

Website Google Map YouTube

02

Mar

2024

Coles Bay Half

Coles Bay, TAS, Australia

Website Google Map
    Visit website Google Map Become a fan on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube

07

Jan

2024

70.3 Pucon

Pucon, Chile

Website Google Map

04

Feb

2024

70.3 Tasmania

Hobart, TAS, Australia

Website Google Map YouTube

17

Feb

2024

70.3 Oman

Muscat, Oman

Website Google Map YouTube

18

Feb

2024

70.3 Bangsaen

Bangsaen, Thailand

Website Google Map

25

Feb

2024

70.3 Panama

Panama City, Panama

Website Google Map YouTube

02

Mar

2024

70.3 New Zealand

Taupo, New Zealand

Website Google Map YouTube

03

Mar

2024

70.3 Punta del Este

Maldonado, Uruguay

Website Google Map

17

Mar

2024

70.3 Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Website Google Map

24

Mar

2024

70.3 Geelong

Geelong, Australia

Website Google Map YouTube

06

Apr

2024

70.3 Oceanside

Oceanside, California, United States

Website Google Map

Triathlon News & Media Blogs View all

CHALLENGE Salinas, Dubrick and Bravo Take Wins

CHALLENGE Salinas, Dubrick and Bravo Take Wins

Monday 11 Dec 2023 [Triathlon News]

Marc Dubrick (USA) and Elizabeth Bravo (ECU) have taken the final titles of 2023 at the inaugural edition of Challenge Salinas in Ecuador bringing the season to an end in hot and windy conditions. In the men’s race, it was already clear on paper that the biggest battle was likely to be between Dubrick and Jackson Laundry (USA). That indeed proved to be the case. Dubrick led out of the swim one minute ahead of Laundry but by the second lap Laundry had a strong lead on the bike more

Kiwis Kyle Smith, Hannah Berry Claim Home Wins At 70.3 Taupo

Kiwis Kyle Smith, Hannah Berry Claim Home Wins At 70.3 Taupo

Saturday 09 Dec 2023 [Triathlon News]

New Zealand triathletes Kyle Smith and Hannah Berry have today claimed victory on home soil at the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo. The Kiwi duo repeated their success from 2019, when IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo was last held, to round out the year in impressive style. Smith took the tape in 3:44:30 after a fierce battle with Australian Kurt McDonald. In a thrilling sprint finish, more

70.3 Bahrain Triumphs and Challenges

70.3 Bahrain Triumphs and Challenges

Saturday 09 Dec 2023 [Triathlon News]

The Ironman 70.3 Bahrain took center stage as athletes from around the world converged on the Middle East for a race that showcased both triumphs and challenges. The event featured a stacked field of elite competitors, including renowned names and rising stars. Here's a comprehensive post-race report highlighting the key moments and standout performances. more

Exciting Mens Pro Race Expected At 70.3 Taupo

Exciting Mens Pro Race Expected At 70.3 Taupo

Friday 08 Dec 2023 [Triathlon News]

The 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo men’s professional race is set to be hotly contested this Saturday, 9 December, as a strong line up of triathletes from around the world compete for the title. New Zealand is well represented in the men’s race, with 2019 IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo champion Kyle Smith back on the start line, and two-time IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo champion Braden Currie, 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 New Zealand champion Jack Moody, and 2023 IRONMAN New Zealand champion Mike Phillips all vying for top spot on hom more

Unique Course and International Field at Inaugural CHALLENGE Salinas Ecuador

Unique Course and International Field at Inaugural CHALLENGE Salinas Ecuador

Friday 08 Dec 2023 [Triathlon News]

This Sunday, the first edition of CHALLENGE Salinas will take place as the last race in the 2023 Challenge Family race calendar. A small but interesting pro field will cross swords in Ecuador, which could make for an exciting battle. The race – at least the women’s race - will also see the final decision in the Challenge Family World Bonus standings. more

Twitter


Facebook


YouTube


Sign up for FREE NEWSLETTER:

We will never share your email address or spam you.