KEY POINTS:
Blitzing the course record, Australia's Chris McDonald powered home to win the third Challenge Wanaka long-distance triathlon in 8hrs 37.41secs yesterday, nearly seven minutes clear of New Zealander Keegan Williams. Czech Petr Vabrousek rounded out the podium just 30 seconds in arrears in what turned out to be a close-fought battle on the run.
The race covers 3.8km of swimming, 180km of cycling and a marathon run on a scenic course through the Southern Lakes region and along the Clutha River. McDonald, 30, placed second last year, said frustration with a slow swim sped him through the first 80km on the bike and a final time that slashed 10min off the course record of 8.47.49. Defending women's champion Gina Ferguson broke her own course record by five minutes to finish in 9.28.27.
