Reed, Lawrence claim world ironman 70.3 titles

AUSTRALIAN Tim Reed and Great Britain's Holly Lawrence claimed the men's and women's titles at Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

PLACEGETTERS: Sebastian Kienle, Tim Reed and Ruedi Wild. . Picture: Patrick Woods

TRIATHLON: Australian Tim Reed has won the Ironman 70.3 World Championship at Mooloolaba, edging German juggernaut Sebastian Kienle.

After a dogged battle on the 21.1km run leg, Reed made his move at the top of Alex Heads hill to win in 3hrs44min13sec, just two seconds ahead of Kienle, with Reudi Wild 14 seconds adrift.

"I can not believe it, world champion, that's something I never dreamed of," Reed said.

"You work so hard for so many years to have an opportunity like that, I just had to grab it and give it everything I could."

Great Britain's Holly Lawrence won the women's race with a strong front-running display.

"It's pretty surreal, I don't know what to say," she said.

"I didn't really quite believe the time splits the whole time. I held on. I'm a freaking world champion."

She crossed in 4:09.11, two minutes ahead of Noosa's Melissa Hauschildt.

The Sunshine Coaster had an incredible run leg, moving from sixth place to second place.

An estimated 25,000 people watched the event.

REED GRITS HIS TEETH

LAWRENCE'S BOLD DISPLAY

KASTELEIN EMERGES

More than 3000 athletes tackled an intriguing 1.9km swim at Mooloolaba Beach, a 90km ride including the hills of Rosemount and a 21.1km run involving the Alexandra Headland rise.

"It's hard to miss the incredible talent represented here on the Sunshine Coast," IRONMAN chief executive officer Andrew Messick said.

"The best triathletes from around the world have travelled to this incredible location and will surely put on a spectacular show while soaking in the stunning coastline."

TICKET TO RIDE

STEFFEN PRIMED

HAUSCHILDT AT HOME

The elite men's field boasted the likes of German powerhouse Sebastian Kienle, Australian stalwart Craig Alexander and New Zealand's Terenzo Bozzone, all former winners of the half-ironman feature race. 

And the pro men are off! The 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship has officially started. #IM703WC pic.twitter.com/3LL1y0B6S4

— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) September 3, 2016

The elite women's field included reigning ironman and half ironman world champion Daniela Ryf, of Switzerland, Noosa's two-time winner Melissa Hauschildt and Great Britain's Leanda Cave. Mooloolaba-based Caroline Steffen and Noosa's Radka Vodickova are also regarded as threats.

BritTri: RT IRONMANtri: A smooth pass from Holly Lawrence and she's your new #IM703WC women's leader! pic.twitter.com/WyGZ1GWJXP

— TriSportWorld.com (@TriSportWorld) September 3, 2016