Bozzone races to triathlon win in US

Kiwi athlete Terenzo Bozzone topped the podium and Sam Warriner finished third in the Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island triathlon in the United States yesterday.

Bozzone, 25, overtook Briton Paul Ambrose near the end of the 21-kilometre run and held off Australian Tim Berkel to win in 4hr 1min 15sec.

It was his fourth major win over the distance this year, along with two second placings.

Warriner was third in the women's race after leading off the bike. She was run down by Australian Kate Major and American Caitlin Snow on the tough course.

"What a race. The competition didn't give up, and the course was relentless," Bozzone said.

"It was nice to finish this block with the win.

"The Aussies were hot on my heels all day."

Warriner spent most of the day at the front in the women's race, despite trailing defending champion Michellie Jones out of the water.

The New Zealander quickly took command on the bike and enjoyed a one-minute buffer into the run over Major.

However, Major moved into the lead 5km from the finish and held off a fast-finishing Snow.

It was Warriner's fifth podium finish this season.

"I led the [running] race from the start until three miles before the end of the run," Warriner said.

"I am pretty disappointed. Today I just didn't have a change of gear on the run."

Results: Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island (2km swim, 90km bike, 21km run): Women: Kate Major (Australia) 4hr 30:36, 1; Caitlin Snow (US) 4:30:59, 2; Samantha Warriner (New Zealand) 4:33:32, 3. Men: Terenzo Bozzone (NZ) 4:01:15, 1; Tim Berkel (Aus) 4:02:05, 2; Paul Ambrose (GBR) 4:03:02, 3. Also: Graham O'Grady (NZL) 4:17.01, 10. NZPA

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