Alexander, Steffen take Singapore
Craig Alexander won the 2010 Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore and thus successfully defended his title at that hot and humid event. Switzerland's Caroline Steffen grabbed the women's title while defending champion Jodie Swallow had to be content with the runner-up spot.
For 2-time Ironman World Champion Alexander, the win in Singapore marked his third win of the 2010 season after successes at 70.3 Geelong and the Australian Long Course championships in Huskisson in February.
"I'm happy to win in Singapore … Conditions were a fair bit tougher than when I have raced there in the past. We really got the heat and humidity that Singapore is renowned for," said Alexander to ST. "It's a pretty unique race as it is one of the few IM 70.3 with the entire race being through an urban setting, similar to some of the races in the US like Chicago"
Steffen, who just recently finished fourth at the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, caught Swallow halfway through the run and then cruised to a reasonably comfortable win. Just like Alexander, Steffen was also victorious at 70.3 Geelong earlier this year.
"I consider my victory at Ironman 70.3 Singapore to be a gift to myself. The last few months I have trained harder than ever before and this is my reward," said Team TBB athlete Steffen. "My 4th place a week earlier in Abu Dhabi gave me great confidence, especially for the run. So when I was 3 minutes behind Jodie Swallow after a solid swim and bike, I didn't let it get to me. I did my own race and my own pace and enjoyed the finish line at the end like never before."
Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore
Singapore / March 21
1.2 mile swim / 56 mile bike / 13.1 mile run
Results
Top 10 men
1. Craig Alexander (AUS) 3:53:31
2. James Cunnama (RSA) 3:54:23
3. Aaron Farlow (AUS) 3:55:45
4. Kent Horner (RSA) 4:03:28
5. Stephen Bayliss (GBR) 4:06:51
6. Domenico Passuello (ITA) 4:10:25
7. Fredrik Croneborg (SWE) 4:12:07
8. Balazs Csoke (HUN) 4:14:28
9. Bryan Rhodes (NZL) 4:19:32
10. Daiki Masuda (JAP) 4:21:20
Top 10 women
1. Caroline Steffen (SWI) 4:18:44
2. Jodie Swallow (GBR) 4:26:32
3. Margaret Shapiro (USA) 4:31:37
4. Erin O'Hara (NZL) 4:33:05
5. Anna Cleaver (NZL) 4:34:57
6. Kelly Jarrett (AUS) 4:46:38
7. Claire Horner (RSA) 4:50:43
8. Jessica Fleming (AUS) 4:53:08 * AG F35-39
9. Elly Franks (AUS) 4:54:24
10. Trudy Fawcett (GBR) 5:01:28 * AG F35-39
