Multisport: Rhodes wins third offshore Ironman crown

In-form Taupo multisport athlete Bryan Rhodes led from the gun to win the Ironman UK triathlon on the weekend.

Rhodes claimed his third international ironman victory in impressive fashion, clearing out on the 180km cycling leg before pulling further away in the marathon distance (42km) running leg to win by a whopping 25 minutes in Dorset, south of London.

He had prepared well for the race, winning the Busingen Triathlon in Switzerland a week earlier, also courtesy of a strong bike leg.

His trumph in Dorset represented a superb return after failing to finish at Ironman USA in Idaho two months ago.

It was his first international victory since back-to-back wins at Ironman Malaysia in 2001 and 2002, although he placed third at Ironman New Zealand in his hometown of Taupo earlier this year.

"I'm the first Kiwi to win three Ironman races away from home," an elated Rhodes said.

"I guess now it's really time to shift up a gear and join the big time."

Rhodes and compatriot Stephen Sheldrake led out of the 3.8km swim at Sherbourne Castle in a slick time of 47 minutes 31 seconds after fog had delayed the 7am start by two hours.

Rhodes cleared out early on the bike, opening up a winning 18-minute advantage on scenic route through Somerset and the Dorset hills. He was the only competitor to break five hours on the testing terrain.

With a big buffer, he was able to settle into a good rhythm on the run and record an overall time of 8hr 42min 14sec.

Frenchman Francois Chabaud fought through on the bike and held on for second place 25min behind, with veteran German Olaf Sabatschus third a further 2min back.

Gisborne's Sheldrake withdrew on the run.

* Results (3.8km swim, 180km cycle, 42km run):

Men: Bryan Rhodes (NZ) 8:42.14 1, Francois Chaubaud (France) 9:07.29 2, Olaf Sabatschus (Germany) 9:10.08 3.

Women: Rebecca Preston (Australia) 9:37.58 1, Katja Schumaker (Germany) 10:05.20 2, Bella Comerford (Scotland) 10:21.27 3.

- NZPA