Gina Crawford wins IronMan Western Australia 2009
The newest addition to Rolf Prima's sponsored Pro triathletes, Gina Crawford, just won IronMan Western Australia on a set of Rolf Prima 650c Carbon TdF58's. Crawford became the first person to win back to back IM Western Australia titles and added a second IronMan title to her 2009 results.
The race started on a warm day in Busselton with temperatures rising into the high 80's. Crawford emerged first from the water with Sarah Pollett fighting neck and neck into the first transition. With a time of just over 50 minutes for the first leg, Crawford was off to an impressive start. Taking off strong on the bike, Crawford pulled away from the leaders in the first lap and by the end of the bike leg Crawford had over an 11-minute gap on the chase group. Holding her lead, Crawford continued to battle the heat in the final leg. Stopping at every aid station to keep hydrated and feeling the need for her salt tabs that she had inadvertently left back in transition, it became a harder race than expected for Crawford. Crossing the finish line with a time of 9:16:52, Crawford not only won, but took the leading time by over three minutes.
Watch for Crawford to do it again at Challenge Wanaka on January 17th in New Zealand.