After the podium finish of Bart Aernouts in Ironman 70.3 South Africa, Liz Blatchford took the first win of the season for the Uplace-BMC Pro Triathlon Team. It became an Australians only podium in the women's race of Ironman 70.3 Geelong. It was Liz Blatchford (AUS: 4:19: 34) who finally defeated her compatriot Rebekah Keat (AUS: 04:20:03) during the final 3 kilometers of the run, Sarah Crowley finished 3rd after a strong run (AUS; 04:20:52).
The first victory of the Uplace-BMC Pro Triathlon Team for 2015 is a fact.
Liz Blatchford 1st in Ironman 70.3 Geelong
Today, Liz Blatchford took her second win in IM Geelong 70.3. It was a close battle for the podium. Liz got out of the water in the first group (swim 1,9km: 23:45) together with Rebekah Keat and Gina Crawford. They stayed together on the bike leg (bike 90km: 2:28:05). Rebekah Keat flew out of T2 and and opened up a minute gap early and looked good for the win. Halfway the run Liz Blatchford noticed she was closing the gap again and gave it all to get Rebekah Keat. Only 3 kms before the finish line Liz Blatchford took the lead again and the victory as well. It definitely was an exciting race for the podium with the top 3 women finishing in less than 90 seconds (21km run: 1:24:25).
Slightly unexpected
Liz Blatchford is obviously very satisfied with her great start of the season: " It was slightly unexpected, because I had a limited preparation, but I ended up feeling pretty good out there. It was a close batlle especially on the bike. Gina Crawford, Rebekah Keat and I rode together for most of it. Getting in front of the run, Rebekah just flew out of transition. She managed to get about 1 minute on me after 10km. I tought she was gone. After a while I realised I was taking time back on her. All of a sudden I got a little bit excited and dug deep, I managed to get past her and take the win. So I am really happy with my season opener of 2015. I would like to thank my team Uplace-BMC, every one that helps me to get to the races. Thanks every one for the cheers and the support out there!"
On the 22nd of Februay, Liz Blatchford will be racing the Husky Long Course Triathlon.
Post-race video post:
http://app.streaka.com/profile/liz-blatchford-triathlete/v/uqxkD1fCeXI/vel/35206/
