Brown and Crawford win Metaman Iron Distance Race

Ten times Ironman New Zealand champion Cameron Brown has won the mens title at the Metaman Iron Distance Race, with former Ironman NZ & Challenge Wanaka champion Gina Crawford the women’s race, in the tropics of Indonesia.

“Well I'm over the moon in winning the Metaman Iron distance race on the island of Bintan today. The race is renowned for it's heat and humidity and we certainly had plenty of that.” commented Brown.

Brown of New Zealand used a masterful run to clinch the 2014 MetaMan Bintan Full Triathlon title and the event’s first prize of US$30,000. Brown swam with the lead pack, rode at the front in a small group for the entire 180km bike leg. “The bike was like a roller coaster and undulates the entire way and was a very tough ride. We all rode together for the first lap before the heavens started to open up with some huge down pours. I was very happy to see the sight of rain but not like this! It meant cooler conditions but we were extra cautious on the corners now which were now like a skating rink.” Brown then pulled away from 2013 MetaMan champion, Courtney Ogden at the halfway stage of the 42km run, to take the crown in a course-record time of 8:28:21. Brown commented after the race, "I was finally able to get a small gap at the 21km mark which grew to over three minutes by the finish line. I was ecstatic at the finish to win and take the $30,000 US 1st place winners cheque, not a bad pay day!”

Crawford was second in the event last year, but this year took home the win and the prize. With one lap tp go Diana Rissler and Gina Crawford were neck and neck, with Crawford gaining a one minute lead at the finish. Crawford was very happy with her win, tweeting "Absolutely elated to win @MetaManBintan and take home the biggest pay check of my career. Such an awesome race, such great support out there."