Tyler Butterfield and Mirinda Carfrae stake out their victories on the run in New Hampshire.
Butterfield patience pays off
Antoine Desroches (CAN), Tim O'Donnell (USA), and Martin Bediran (USA) all emerged from crystal blue waters of Lake Winnipesaukee and run into T1 within seconds of each other.
O'Donnell lead the charge on the bike and built up a comfortable two-minute advantage over Michi Weiss (AUT), Justin Rossi (USA), Tyler Butterfield (BER), and Leon Griffin (AUS) at the completion of the first of two laps on the bike. In the second lap. O'Donnell was reported to have flatted and surrender the lead to Weiss while he repaired the puncture. Weiss lead the charge into T2 with Buttefield and Justin Rossi (USA) just seconds behind the Austrian.
In the first half of the run, Butterfield stormed past Weiss to take the lead. The Olympian motored his way to the victory with the second fastest run on the day over Weiss who grabbed second. Chris Baird (USA) laid down the fastest run of the day to lay claim to the final step on the podium.
Carfrae takes it on the run... again
Jennifer Spieldenner established over a minute and half lead coming out of the water over Robin Pomeroy (USA), Magali Tissetre (CAN), and Katie Thomas (USA). Three-time IRONMAN world champion Mirinda Carfrae had a respectable swim coming out of the water in seventh position and and a workable 2:36 disadvantage.
Tisseyre showing no signs of her recent injury pounded her way to the front of the race early into the bike. Carfrae couldn't match the leaders speed but worked her way into second place and was looking at a 4:11 deficit heading into T2.
Now in her element, Carfrae kept her cool and hit the run with a vengeance. Carfrae slowly reeled in Tisseyre throughout the run and caught the stubborn Canadian with three miles remaining. Carfrae's patented speedy run allowed the Aussie to grab the finish line tape for the win. Tisseyre and Spieldnenner would cross line for second and third place finishes.
Top 5 Pro Men
1 Butterfield, Tyler BMU 3:48:04
2 Weiss, Michi AUT 3:49:22
3 Baird, Chris USA 3:54:06
4 O'Donnell, Tim USA 3:56:06
5 Reid, Taylor CAN 3:57:38
Top 5 Pro Women
1 Carfrae, Mirinda AUS 4:22:22
2 Tisseyre, Magali CAN 4:22:42
3 Spieldenner, Jennifer USA 4:25:56
4 Roy, Stephanie CAN 4:27:22
5 Moench, Skye USA 4:29:20