A week of wind and rain left the transition area looking like a mud wrestling stadium. But on the day, perfect conditions for racing greeted the athletes for the 2009 Country Energy Australian Ironman, leading to some cracking times. The washup had Chrissie Wellington and Patrick Vernay retaining their titles.
Chrissie Wellington focussing for the long ride
Matt Stephens digging in
No waiting here - focus on the day
Irene Kinnegim grabs for gears for the climb out of Port Macquarie
Scott Foreman settling in
The age group pack building up after the swim.
Phil Coles looking for family and friends
Wave goodbye for a long day
Chowing down for a rolling breakfast
Jodie Morris, determination at the start of the bike leg
Jennifer Collier takes the inside line
Jennifer Collier - looking comfortable early in the race.
Winding up for the first descent of the day
MTC athletes were well represented.jpgx?max=180)
Mitch Anderson resplendent on his new Giant
Mitch Anderson driving hard.jpgx?max=180)
Pushing hard out of the corner
Not slowing for the slippery surface
Chrissie Wellington riding clear
Ominous clouds herald a wet bike.jpgx?max=180)
Keeping close, but not on the white paint... Richard Hobson comes in near the end of the first lap.
Richard Hobson of Bathurst shows an aggressive line
Doctor Cameron Napper of Queensland roars around the corner.jpgx?max=180)
Rob Hill showing attitude.jpgx?max=180)
Rob Hill of Abbotsford, riding to a PB bike split
Rob Hill heading out for his second lap
Focus in the wet.
Still a long way to go
Karen Anderson on her way to a 6:22 bike
Karen Anderson of Yarraville cutting her way through the men
Patrick Vernay and local boy Tim Berkel go head to head
Pete Jacobs not far behind the leaders
The team from CBD Cycles, as usual, provide amazing support
Adam Holborow looking very comfortable on the first lap
Adam Holborow heading out along Town Beach
Mitch Anderson striding out along the breakwall
Doctor Anderson finding something to smile about on the first lap of the run
Mitch Anderson - on the way to a 3:09:28 marathon
Patrick Vernay and Tim Berkel still toe to toe
Digging deep for CBD Cycles
Knuckling down on the first lap
Rob Hill, focussed for a 3:23:12 marathon
Rob Hill - the closest thing to a smile we could get
Jason Shortis, determined to finish on a high. Thanks Jase.
Jennifer Collier passing the guys on her way to 12:14:07
Gritting her teeth and staring down the barrel!
The pain starting to set in on the second lap
Jodie Morris - great smile all day - on her way to 11:20:28
3rd place Brendan Holland is a happy athlete.
Reality sets in, hamstring cramps, and a long way to go.