Multisports: Double victories for NZ athletes

New Zealand's Cameron Brown has won the prestigious Ironman Germany in Frankfurt this morning (NZ time).

Brown crossed the finish line in a time of eight hours, 13 minutes and 39 seconds, just under four minutes clear of his nearest rival.

He was seventh after the opening swim leg, moving up to third after the bike.

Brown came from eight minutes behind 2004 world champion Normann Stadler after the bike leg to kick clear in the 42 kilometre run.

The five-time Ironman New Zealand champion overcame a troubled Stadler and then ran down fellow German Timo Bracht with four kilometres left.

Brown is delighted with his performance, as he has been trying to win the race for the last five years.

The 34-year-old New Zealander has finished runner-up three times in succession at Ironman Germany.

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In another top result, kiwi Kris Gemmell has won an International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Cup race in Corner Brook, Canada, today.

The Corner Brook triathlon is a key event in the ITU calendar, one of 15 World Cup races held throughout the year in which athletes can earn points to gain entry to the world championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, on September 2-3.

Gemmell completed the 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run in one hour 54 minutes and 55 seconds, just 10 seconds faster than second place winner Simon Whitfield of Canada.

Triathlon New Zealand high performance director Stephen Farrell said Gemmell's best effort came in the cycle, where he picked up two minutes on his Canadian rival.

"This is the first time that Kris has won at Corner Brook and his second win in a World Cup event. This result gives him a great chance of making the grade for the world championships this year," Farrell said.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA