Ironman: Defending champ out of cycle leg

Torbjorn Sindballe of Denmark (L) leads Cameron Brown of New Zealand (R) during the cycle leg. Photo / Getty Images

With only kilometres to go to the end of the 180km cycle leg at the Ironman competition in Taupo defending champion Ain Alar Juhansen from Estonia has pulled out of the race, due to a second puncture.

Dane Torbjorn Sindballe leads, but only by two and half minutes from Australian Luke Bell. New Zealander Cameron Brown a further two minutes back.

Jo Lawn has a large lead in the women's event and looks likely to claim her fifth title.

- NEWSTALK ZB