Posted: July 27, 2004

Triathlon: Lessing Completes The Cycle – Wins Ironman USA

With a course record setting win at Ironman USA on Sunday, Simon Lessing set the table for his first ever appearance at the Ironman World Championships in Kona. “I certainly had no intention of racing for time or records today as this was my first Ironman and I just wanted to take it mile by mile.” said Lessing. “I learned a lot.” With this win, Lessing became possibly the first male triathlete ever to complete “The Cycle” by winning major races at all three triathlon distances– short, long and ultra -- in the same calendar year. Earlier this season Lessing won Escape from Alcatraz and Half Ironman Disney World. Lessing’s winning time was 10 minutes faster than the previous course record set by Steve Larsen.

Luke Bell chased Lessing all day to finished second. “Simon had a phenomenal race today – he’s certainly someone to watch in Kona this October.” said Bell. “As for me, I’m right where I want to be in my Kona build up”

Heather Fuhr finished second in the women’s race behind an impressive first-ever Ironman win by Australian Kate Major. “Today was definitely a character builder for me” said Fuhr. “I had a bad day on the bike, I was hurting and didn’t think I could finish. On the run I just took it mile by mile” Fuhr had the fastest run split of the day at 3:04:21 finally catching and passing Joanna Lawn at mile 23. Heather was the 4-time defending Ironman USA Champion.

For details browse www.ironmanlive.com.

Results - Ironman USA\Lake Placid, July 25, 2004

1     08:23:12 LESSING, SIMON  ENG (47:08\4:44:23\2:46:39)         
2     08:37:58 BELL, LUKE    AUS (48:07\4:49:20\2:56:03)          
3     08:50:45 OGDEN, COURTNEY   AUS (50:53\4:57:01\2:56:55)          
4     08:56:47 YASTREBOV, ANDRIY   UKR  (52:22\5:09:21\2:50:36)          

1     09:24:42 MAJOR, KATE    AUS (55:20\5:06:49\3:17:36)          
2     09:38:39 FUHR, HEATHER   CAN (55:24\5:33:21\3:04:21)         
3     09:39:58 LAWN, JOANNA    NZ (52:24\5:25:38\3:17:10)        

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