Bozzone Wins Again, Warriner Third in USA Triathlon

Terenzo Bozzone has continued his outstanding winning season with victory in the Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island triathlon in USA today.

The 25-year-old overcame leader Paul Ambrose (GBR) near the end of the 21km run and held off
Australian Tim Berkel to win in 4:01.15.

It was his fourth major win over the distance this year along with two second placings to maintain his brilliant form.

Fellow kiwi Sam Warriner was third in the women’s race after leading off the bike, but was run down by Australia’s Kate Major and American Caitlin Snow on a tough course at Rhode Island.

“What a race. The competition didn't give up and the course was relentless,” Bozzone said. “It was nice to finish this block with the win. The Aussies were hot on my heels all day.”

Another New Zealander, Hamilton’s Graham O’Grady led out of the water before Ambrose took control with a powerful performance on the testing bike course to open up a four minute advantage from a bunch including Bozzone, Berkel, defending champion Richie Cunningham (Australia) and O’Grady.

Bozzone and Berkel, third in the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman in Mt Maunganui in January, pushed clear of the chasers early on the run and caught Ambrose 5km from the finish with the New Zealander clearing out for the win.

Warriner spent most of the day at the front of the women’s race, trailling defending champion Michellie Jones out of the water. The New Zealander quickly took command on the bike and enjoyed a one minute buffer into the run over team-mate Kate major (AUS).

Major moved up a gear to move into the lead 5km from the finish and held off a fast finishing American Caitlin Snow with Warriner third, for her fifth podium finish of the season.

“I led the race from start until three miles before the end of the run. I am pretty disappointed. Today I just didn't have a change of gear on the run. Congratulations to Kate. It was a great duel,” Warriner said.

Results, Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island (2km swim 90kim bike 21km run):
Women: Kate Major (AUS) 4:30:36, 1; Caitlin Snow (USA) 4:30:59, 2; Samantha Warriner (NZL) 4:33:32, 3.

Men: Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) 4:01:15, 1; Tim Berkel (AUS) 4:02:05, 2; Paul Ambrose (GBR) 4:03:02, 3. Also: Graham O’Grady (NZL) 4:17.01, 10.