2014 Ironman Kona – race day
Sebastian Kienle showed supremacy on the bike and held on for his first Ironman World Championship title. Mirinda Carfrae defended her title from 2013 and has now 3 of them.
Sebastian Kienle motored away from what was left of the field and was not seen again.
The 2012 champion Pete Jacobs looked tense as he entered the water.
Andy Potts led the men out of the water and up Palani, but the advantage was not very big and the flood gates opened.
Jodie Swallow and Amanda Stevens led the women up Palani.
Initially it looked like Andrew Starykowicz and Igor Amorelli were getting away, but in no time a massive front group had assembled led be Starky for a while.
Ivan Rana had missed the group and was leading a small group about a minute adrift.
The next large bunch was driven by Sebastian Kienle and Luke McKenzie.
American Ben Hoffman had a very solid and steady day and was always near the front.
Defending champion Frederik was salt caked early on.
Jodie Swallow had a strong performance all day.
Last year's runner-up finisher Rachel Joyce was also working hard at front.
Liz Blatchford finished 3rd here in 2013 but had to settle for 10th place this year.
Michelle Vesterby got dropped from the front group and ended up 14th.
Caroline Steffen was also very active but did not look as powerful on the bike as she often does. But she is tough and tenacious any time.
It was mostly Daniela Ryf who pushed the pace and eventually this Swiss woman broke away.
Mirinda Carfrae also rode hard, and made sure she remained in reasonable striking distance.
When Sebastian Kienle entered the Natural Energy Lab he had a 9 minute lead and he maintained that advantage as he came out, but he slowed down a bit after. But no one was going to deny him the title today.
Ben Hoffman slowly reeled in all except for Kienle and likely was super thrilled with his very fine day in Kona.
After a penalty on the bike Jan Frodeno looked to be out of contention, but in the end he made it a German American sandwich.
I had Andy Potts not on my top ten list and boy did he prove me wrong.
Aussie Luke McKenzie struggled a bit today and in the end finished 15th.
Crowie beat his mentee Paul Matthews to the line in 13th place.
Timothy O'Donnell struggled and started to walk as he entered the Natural Energy Lab.
The lead of Daniela Ryf was 3.5 minutes as she entered and left the energy lab, with Rachel Joyce next in pursuit.
A solid effort all day gave Rachel Joyce 3rd place.
The defending champion Mirinda Carfrae was flying on the run with a 2:50:26 marathon.
On the way into town the speedy Aussie charged past Daniela Ryf and took over the lead on her way to her third title.
Slowtwitch forum member Dan Stubleski was the fastest overall age grouper in Kona.
All images © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com
