GALWAY’S KEVIN THORNTON finished third at the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Dublin, despite suffering a puncture during the 90km cycle.
The event was the first of it’s kind in the capital, with more than 10,000 people turning out to support the 2500 triathletes over the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run.
Thornton picked up the best result of the Irish in the men’s section, climing third place in a time of 4:08:34.
He finished seven minutes back from the winner, Frenchman Denis Chevrot, with second place Markus Thomschke of Germany just 16 seconds clear of Thornton.
“The atmosphere across Dublin today was just fantastic. To see so many people lining the streets on a Sunday morning to support everyone was just brilliant. It really helps everyone push themselves that bit harder.
“I set myself the target of a top three finish in the build up to the race, and I’m delighted to have claimed third place today, which even more special to achieve here in my home country,” Thornton said afterwards.
Thornton was soon followed over the line by another Irishman, with Robbie Wade finishing fourth in a time of 04.12.21.
Aine Donegan was the first Irish female over the line. The Fingal Tri Club member crossed the “red carpet” in an impressive time of 4 hours and 53 minutes in 7th place, followed closely by Derval Devaney, who had a time of 04.53.39, and Jean Wallace making it three Irish women inside the top 10.
RACE TIMES
Top 3 Men
1. Denis Chevrot, FRA SWIM: 00:28:05 BIKE: 2:13:52 RUN: 1:14:48 TOTAL: 04:01:35
2. Markus Thomschke, DEU SWIM 0:30:59 BIKE 2:11:59 RUN: 1:18:35 TOTAL 04:06:18
3. Kevin Thornton, IRL SWIM 0:28:03 BIKE 2:16:45 RUN: 1:19:00 TOTAL 04:08:34
Top 3 Women
1. Susie Cheetham, GBR SWIM: 00:33:52 BIKE: 2:25:08 RUN: 1:23:01 TOTAL: 04:27:09
2. Samantha Warriner, NZL SWIM 0:31:27 BIKE 2:29:32 RUN: 1:27:54 TOTAL 04:34:39
3. Sonja Tajsich, DEU SWIM 0:34:44 BIKE 2:31:27 RUN: 1:25:32 TOTAL 04:38:21
Top Irish Male
Kevin Thornton, IRL SWIM 0:28:03 BIKE 2:16:45 RUN: 1:19:00 TOTAL 04:08:34
Top Irish Female
Aine Donegan, IRL SWIM: 00:38:55 BIKE: 2:31:11 RUN: 1:36:29 TOTAL: 04:53:00
