Bozzone claims Ironman New Zealand win in course record time

Mar 3, 2018

Not only did Terenzo Bozzone claim sweet victory at Ironman New Zealand today, but he also went under eight hours over the full distance for the second time in his career and set a new course record.

With a final time of 7 hours, 59 minutes, and 57 seconds, the Kiwi broke the previous course record by eight minutes and finally broke the “bridesmaid’s curse” on his tenth attempt at the title. He had previously finished second three times and third twice.

Despite coming straight into the Ironman without a lead-in race from the off season, Bozzone showed no signs of rust throughout. He had the fifth-fastest swim over 3.8 kilometers, which landed him in the first chase group at the start of the 180-kilometer bike ride. Some fast riding put him in the lead halfway through, with only Joe Skipper able to hang with him through the back end of the bike. The two athletes started the marathon together, but Bozzone cranked up the pace and was six minutes ahead by the 33rd kilometer. This lead was more than enough for the five-time world champion to cruise through to the win, with Skipper clawing back only 30 seconds to come in second. Cameron Brown, the previous course record holder and 12-time champion at this race, took third.

Bozzone said of Brown, “This legend has inspired and pushed me to be a better athlete at this race for the past 10 years. I can’t believe I am now on the top of the podium.”

The day was ideal for fast racing, with all three podium finishers coming under the previous course record.

Across the seas, racing conditions were far from ideal at WTS Abu Dhabi with numerous crashes on the slippery Formula One bike course due to rain.

Ben Kanute emerged from the water in the top three and rode with the front group, avoiding crashes but ultimately finishing 19th as he ran out of road over the sprint distance to bridge the gap to the race leaders.

Ashleigh Gentle survived a crash to complete the course in 13th place, escaping with only scrapes and bruises. She said, “I’m feeling thankful that I went home with just grazes and an ice pack. Thinking of those who are a lot worse!” The young Australian will be looking to race to her best effort in four weeks’ time at the Commonwealth Games.

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Oct 20, 2025

The Bahrain Victorious 13 captured an impressive medal haul at the World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong, Australia this weekend.

Lauren Parker led the campaign, winning two medals including her fifth paratriathlon world title.

The paratriathlon races opened the elite competition on Saturday, where Parker once again proved untouchable. She led from the front, exiting the 750-metre swim first, hammering the 20-kilometre handbike leg with the day’s fastest split, and then powering through the 5-kilometre wheelchair run to cross the line 70 seconds clear of her nearest rival.

Unbeaten all year, Parker’s home victory carried extra meaning as she reclaimed the crown she relinquished last season.

“Everyone was so supportive out there and it definitely made me push a little bit harder,” Parker said post-race. “I wanted to get back on top again and I really worked hard for this one and I’m just happy to get it done.”

She also revealed her next sporting ambition: to qualify for the Winter Paralympic Games, with ongoing training in cross-country skiing and biathlon.

On Sunday, Parker added to her tally with a silver medal in the Para Mixed Relay World Championships, helping the Australian team to a podium finish.

In the men’s elite race, Vasco Vilaça placed fifth to secure the overall World Triathlon Championship Series bronze medal, returning to the world podium for the first time since earning silver at the one-day championship in Hamburg in 2020.

Emma Lombardi also delivered a standout performance, claiming bronze in the women’s race – her best finish of the season – and vaulting seven places to 11th overall in the Series standings. She swam into the pointy end on the 1.5-kilometre swim alongside compatriot Cassandre Beaugrand, then attacked on the 40-kilometre bike to lead onto the 10-kilometre run where she battled against the eventual winner and series champion Lisa Tertsch and a hard-charging Bianca Seregni to hold onto the final spot on the podium.

Beaugrand, who had stayed in the lead pack throughout the swim and bike, was forced to withdraw on the run to conclude her season ranked seventh overall.

The results in Wollongong wrap up the Bahrain Victorious 13’s short course season. The team now turns its attention to middle distance racing with the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain and Ironman 70.3 Bahrain on the horizon, as well as the T100 Tour’s final two stops in Dubai and Qatar.

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Oct 13, 2025

Kat Matthews led the charge for the Bahrain Victorious 13 on Saturday, taking her third IRONMAN World Championship silver medal at the historic final all-women’s race in Kona, Hawaii. The British star also set a new run course record on the way to her first-ever...

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