Half Ironman: Currie, Kessler reign at Taupo 70.3

Wanaka's Braden Currie

Multisporter Braden Currie has won another big title on New Zealand soil, winning the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman 70.3 Taupo today.

Currie (Wanaka), a two-time Speight's Coast-to-Coast winner, dominated off the bike to beat a quality international field at the inaugural Ironman 70.3 event in Taupo.

He held off the well-performed Kiwi Callum Millward and early leader Dylan McNeice to win in 3h 51m 47s.

Meanwhile, American star Meredith Kessler, a four-time winner of Ironman New Zealand, was forced to dig deep to hold off the charge from young Amelia Watkinson (Hawke's Bay) to win the women's title.

American sensation Meredith Kessler

US-based British athlete Laura Siddall was third ahead of Samantha Warriner, the former world number one ITU athlete who brought the curtain down on her stellar career in her new hometown of Taupo.

Currie, who has his sights set on the Rio Olympics, surprised many with a superb swim, coming out of the 1.9km splash in the crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo fourth in 24:33, just 50 seconds down on leader McNeice.

By the 45km turn at Reporoa, Currie, Millward and McNeice had formed a flying group with fellow Kiwis Matt Franklin and Graham O'Grady, as pre-race favourite Tim van Berkel (Aus) fell behind and then crashed, and Auckland hope Mark Bowstead punctured.

Currie was first into transition and put the hammer down opening a 51 second lead at 5km and 1.06 minutes at the halfway mark back in the city. He managed to protect his advantage on his way to his first Ironman 70.3 victory.

"I was really happy with that. It was a great win and reasonably unexpected for me," Currie said. "It showed the gains I've made in training and that was really pleasing because I really didn't have a clue how I would go today.

"The swim set things up for me because I didn't have to work so hard. It is reasonably hilly the first part of the ride and suited me coming from a mountain bike multisport background. I used it to jump back on to the back of that front bunch and I was able to pace off those guys more."

Kessler has enjoyed a stellar season with three Ironman victories and four wins in Ironman 70.3 races. Kessler won by less than a minute ahead of 24-year-old Watkinson, who had closed to within 50 seconds with 5km remaining in the run.

"I didn't see her until after the turn at Rainbow Point and I literally had to really sprint it home from there," Kessler said.

"That was by far the toughest race and toughest win this year. I had to use everything in my toolbox to hold Amelia off especially the last 5km.

"My husband and I are instantly at peace when we touchdown in Taupo. We love this place and I am so thrilled to start the year and now end the year with wins in Taupo where we are supported so well is very special."

Results:
Elite Men: Braden Currie (NZL) 3:51:47, 1; Callum Millward (NZL) 3:52:37, 2; Dylan McNeice (NZL) 3:57:47, 3; Graham O'Grady (NZL) 4:03:14, 4; Dougal Allan (NZL) 4:03:35, 5.
Elite women: Meredith Kessler (USA) 4:17:30, 1; Amelia Watkinson (NZL) 4:18:11, 2; Laura Siddall (GBR) 4:19:31, 3; Sam Warriner (NZL) 4:25:48, 4; Tineke Stewart (NZL) 4:35:29, 5.