firstoffthebike.com - Races

Crowie continues Aussie men IM dominance

The Big Island of Hawaii has a vibe, there is a rhythm, a cadence that increases as race draws closer. For Craig Alexander this was the exclamation point on a season that has had it ups and downs. After the recent tumultuous period with bike sponsors, Crowie set about doing two things: the first was regaining the title - mission accomplished; while the second was to prove that the move to the new sponsor, Specialized, was the right one. Again, mission accomplished.

The day had a predictable and obvious start with Andy Potts leading out of the water.  The Hawi Express then called and the bunch jumped on. It was a big bunch too with many of the top competitors there at the pointy end - Vanhoenacker, O'Donnell, Bell, Lieto, Hecht and Van Lierde included.

Once on the Queen K the destination was Hawi and everyone seemed to be in hurry to get there. Luke McKenzie, Andreas Raelert and Chris Lieto were the most keen to get it sorted. They swapped off turns until Hawi and with the turn done it was time to set the dials to T2.

When Chris Lieto turns from Hawi he must get restless because this is the point that he chose to increase his pace and used the run home to attain his customary lead. With little wind to speak of Lieto went off the front.

The big surprise was Crowie and his bike riding. Long dismissed as a runner, Crowie reinvented himself on the bike and was off like a scalded cat, finishing with a bike time 13 minutes faster than ever recorded.

The Specialized team were no doubt partaking in a backslapping episode as their new guy ripped up the bike course. For Crowie too, who has always held a strong belief in his riding ability, it was certainly a case of "how do you like them apples."

Version 2.0 of Luke McKenzie, some 25 pounds lighter, was riding well too and a contender in T2, while Lieto's blistering bike time of 4:18 was the day's and very nearly the courses fastest.

So again it was down to the run to decide the World IM Championship and with Crowie in such ominous running form this was the Aussie's perfect scenario. Lieto took off out of T2 in a familiar position, while Crowie and Luke McKenzie left in a hurry with Andreas Raelert in hot pursuit. This crew were to set the early pace with Pete Jacobs trying to run hiself onto the podium.

Raelert was the mover early but he was taking time out of Lieto and not Crowie. Alexander had the form to ensure he was untouched. The 'pros pro' was running into the lead, an all too familiar place for Craig Alexander.

Being at the head of affairs for so long was wearing on the two time champion though. As he rounded the top of the infamous Palani hill on the way home, he was forced to stop and work out the cramps in his legs, with the crowd amassed at the finish gasping at every twinge and stretch.

For the rest, it was a mammoth implosion. Tim O'Donnell, Ben Hoffman, Luke Bell and Joe Gambles all had their share of injuries and mechanicals. As was Lieto. Breaking into tears at the top of the Palani Climb, Lieto was coaxed into running by his wife and the crowd around him.

For Pete Jacobs, who battled up to Raelert, then walked an aid station only to go back at the German ace and pass him for good, this was the verification that last year was no fluke and that he had arrived as a contender for the win. His 2:42:29 was the day's quickest with Crowie's 2:44:03 the next best.

At the line Crowie leapt for joy and then collapsed, overwhelmed by the feat of his third win and the toll it had taken on his body. He then spent a period in the medical tent after the struggle of the final 3 kilometres took their toll. A new course record also exemplified how strong his day had been. A emotional and at times teary interview with Mike Reilly revealed Crowie was in this for his family and his supporters.

For Crowie this was the complete victory. A masterpiece. To wax lyrical, Crowie simply crafted the most beautiful win of his stellar career. It answered all the questions and proved his greatness. This surely must elevate him into the best triathlete Australia has ever produced. His Vegas win, backed up with his win in Kona today was the fitting end to a sensational season. "It started with a dream. I just can't believe it," said an emotional Alexander. "I was happy to win it once but three times I can't tell you what
it feels like but three times is unreal, I can't tell you what it feels like. "This sport has given me so much. Today was the performance that I've been dreaming of."

Men's Results (Swim/Bike/Run)

1. 08:03:56 1 Alexander, Craig AUS 51:56 4:24:05 2:44:03
2. 08:09:11 11 Jacobs, Pete AUS 51:38 4:31:03 2:42:29
3. 08:11:07 10 Raelert, Andreas GER 51:58 4:26:52 2:47:48
4. 08:12:58 33 Bockel, Dirk Bereldange LUX 51:44 4:24:17 2:53:04
5. 08:20:12 9 Bracht, Timo GER 53:37 4:35:07 2:47:26
6. 08:21:07 44 Aigroz, Mike SWI 52:31 4:30:44 2:54:08
7. 08:22:15 2 Tissink, Raynard RSA 52:08 4:28:40 2:56:37
8. 08:23:19 31 Boecherer, Andi GER 51:49 4:25:46 3:01:44
9. 08:25:42 19 McKenzie, Luke USA 51:47 4:24:16 3:05:54
10. 08:27:18 5 Al-Sultan, Faris ARE 51:55 4:29:32 3:01:41
11. 08:29:02 26 Lowe, Tom Ludlow GBR 58:55 4:26:28 2:58:55
12. 08:31:20 43 Fontana, Daniel ITA 51:54 4:30:59 3:04:04
13. 08:35:18 49 Albert, Marko EST 51:43 4:36:43 3:02:56
14. 08:35:53 27 Henning, Rasmus ESP 51:48 4:31:12 3:08:49
15. 08:37:00 40 Viennot, Cyril FRA 55:58 4:44:51 2:51:56

Aussie men results (Swim/bike/run/total time)

1. Alexander, Craig USA / AUS 00:51:56 04:24:05 02:44:02 08:03:56
2. Jacobs, Pete AUS / AUS 00:51:38 04:31:01 02:42:29 08:09:11
9. McKenzie, Luke USA / AUS 00:51:47 04:24:15 03:05:54 08:25:42
16. Ogden, Courtney AUS / AUS 00:57:14 04:40:35 02:55:28 08:38:11
20. Gambles, Joe AUS / AUS 00:51:59 04:31:06 03:12:56 08:40:40
DNF Bell, Luke USA / AUS 00:51:51 00:00:00 00:00:00 00:00:00
DNF White, Matty AUS / AUS 00:53:42 04:42:01 00:00:00 00:00:00