Joanna Lawn has become the first New Zealand woman to duck under the nine-hour mark in an ironman triathlon in Germany today.
Lawn, the defending champion, clocked eight hours 58 minutes 25 seconds in finishing second at the Quelle Challenge triathlon in Roth.
Dutch newcomer Yvonne van Vlerken,the world duathlon champion, ran a stunning 2hr 55min marathon to overtake Lawn on the way to victory in 8hr 51min 55sec, the second fastest time ever on the fast Roth course.
Lawn, the reigning New Zealand ironwoman champion, was first out of the water and was joined by Australian Belinda Granger as the pair opened up a solid advantage, despite solo efforts on the cycling leg.
"We had two draft busters with us the whole way so there was absolutely no respite," Lawn said.
"I had to do the entire bike on my own but was pleased with a 4hr 52sec ride."
Lawn ran clear early on the run to open up a one minute lead before the Dutchwoman pushed through the field to pass Lawn 18km from the finish.
Van Vlerken produced the fourth fastest marathon time ever at Roth while Lawn held on strongly to finish more than three minutes faster than her winning time at Roth last year.
"I am really pleased but a bit flat at the same time," Lawn said.
"I am improving in every discipline and today was another step up.
"To break nine hours is amazing.
"If you run 8:58 it would win you any other Ironman in the world. If I can continue to improve and put it all together on the day, then watch out at Hawaii," added Lawn.
She will now take a break in Valencia where she will catch up with former coach, Jon Ackland, and former training partner, Grant Dalton, at the America's Cup.
Leading women's results: 1. Yvonne van Vlerken (Netherlands) 8hr 51min 55sec
2. Jo Lawn (New Zealand) 8:58.25
3. Belinda Granger (Australia) 9:07.56
