Cycling: Flat tyre costly

Christchurch-based Canadian triathlete Gordo Byrn has finished second in Ironman Canada, despite encountering some dreadful luck. A flat tyre came between him and his first Ironman victory.

He was nearly 17 minutes behind leader Tom Evans after the 180km ride, but produced a devastating run of 2h 46m to come within two minutes of Evans at the finish.

He lost significantly more time than that, however, with a costly puncture on the bike. Byrn was third at Ironman Canada last year and fourth at Ironman New Zealand in March.

Byrn now faces a seven-week recovery to prepare for the Ironman world championships in Hawaii.

Several other New Zealanders competed in Canada, with Auckland's Oliver Piggin finishing 11th in the professional elite ranks.