Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman underway in perfect conditions

The 20th anniversary hosting of Kelloggs Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand in Taupo (34th event in total) is underway in perfect conditions in Taupo, with swimmers enjoy millpond-like conditions on the Lake this morning.

Dylan McNeice (Christchurch) and Teresa Adam (Auckland) have established strong early leads out of the water, with McNeice the only male athlete under 50 minutes to lead by almost three minutes from a chase pack including defending champion Braden Currie.

12 time champion Cameron Brown exited the water in 54:38, almost five minutes down on McNeice but knowing that the best parts of his race are still to come, with Browns real strength being the run to the finish line.

Teresa Adam is on IRONMAN debut and is doing so on her birthday and has a similar lead in the womens race over defending champion Jocelyn McCauley (USA) and Alise Selsmark (AUS).

The age group athletes started 15 minutes behind the Pro athletes and are making their way through the 3.8km swim course on a calm morning, with cloudy skies promising a reasonably settled day for everyone on course.

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Kelloggs Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand

Top 5 Men out of the water (times unofficial):

1. Dylan McNeice NZ 48:59

2. Mike Phillips NZ 51:52

3. Braden Currie NZ 51:59

4. Simon Cochrane NZ 52:02

5. Jan Van Berkel SUI 52:04

Top 5 women out of the water:

1. Teresa Adam NZ 53:11

2. Jocelyn McCauley USA 56:22

3. Alise Selsmark AUS 56:27

4. Caroline St Pierre CAN 58:37

5. Indy Kraal AUS 58:53

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Triathlon New Zealand