Rhodes Second In Ironman Malaysia

New Zealand triathlete Bryan Rhodes has finished second at Ironman Malaysia this morning (NZT), backing up his two previous wins in 2001 and 2002.

The Taupo athlete spent the summer living with his parents in Christchurch and training in Canterbury's hot summer, a decision that proved a perfect preparation for the 37 degree heat of the Langkawi event.

Rhodes led out of the 3.8 km swim in 49 minutes 36 seconds and rode comfortably with a lead group for 140km of the bike leg. At that point Rhodes and eventual winner Luke McKenzie (Australia) - winner of the 2008 Ironman Japan, then broke away from the field to establish a small lead.

Once again as the two exited transition and on to the marathon it was Rhodes who led, having cut out the 180km bike leg in an impressive 4 hours 31 minutes. McKenzie was close by though and took the lead early, with Rhodes staying within 30 seconds until the midway point of the marathon.

With a number of more fancied runners including last years winner Petr Vabrousek (CZE) and Brazilian Reinaldo Coluccii not far behind, the pace from Rhodes and McKenzie had to stay constant. Rhodes and McKenzie managed this well, maintaining their advantage throughout. Australian Brian Fuller also fought off the challengers, grabbing the final podium placing, with a large percentage of the field suffering from the high temperatures.

Rhodes finished in 8 hours 32 minutes and 52 seconds and was full of praise for winner McKenzie.

"Luke raced very well he held me at bay throughout the race, that was just such a great duel but he had that little bit extra in the final kilometres".

Rhodes' Coach Graham Park (New Plymouth) was pleased to see his charge place so high up early in the season.

"The Ironman tests an athlete's mental toughness. We have worked on that, included some new training ideas over the past 6 to 8 months and we are seeing the results.

"A 1st and a 2nd in his last two Ironman races, you have to be happy with that. The magic bullet is hard work and more hard work, but it's what we are doing in that specific work that is the 'magic dust' if you like."

Malaysia Ironman, Langkawi

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