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Browse > Home / Events / Ironman Series / Japan / McKenzie Goes Back-To-Back; Klinger Takes First Title

McKenzie Goes Back-To-Back; Klinger Takes First Title

Josh Tinson wraps up the day of racing at Ironman Japan

Published Sunday, June 21, 2009

Australia's Luke McKenzie and Liechtenstein's Nicole Klinger took the titles at Ironman Japan on a warm, yet cloudy, summer's day in the town of Goto-Fukue, Japan.

McKenzie was at the front all day, leading from the swim, through the bike and racing away from his rivals early on the run. Though the likes of Courtney Ogden, Cameron Watt and Keiran Doe put the challenge directly to the eventual champion, the four of which could hardly be separated through the bike, McKenzie showed just why he’s taken three Ironman titles in the space of a year.

McKenzie told the crowd upon finishing that it was with six kilometers to go that he realized the extent of his lead, which had his body wanting to shut down. Pushing on, he stopped at every aid station with three kilometers remaining and got himself home with a comfortable fourteen-minute buffer.

Courtney Ogden made his move early in the run, rising up through the order to take second place, with Ironman journeyman Petr Vabrousek notching up another podium.

For Nicole Klingler, it was a maiden Ironman title, and she had to work for it, making her move midway through the bike to set herself up for the 9:52:52 win. During the run, Klingler had to overcome Hillary Biscay, who lead all the way from the swim to the early stages of the run.

Late in the race, Australia’s Nicole Ward made a resurgence and at one stage was within two hundred meters of the lead, but the Liechensteinian took control and surged ahead to win by three minutes. Megumi Shigaki was in the mix for most of the day, finishing as the top female Japanese professional.

To recap the entire day's coverage, click on the live update tab on either the main page or on the Ironman Japan page here on Ironman.co