Australian Craig “Crowie” Alexander (36) defended his World Ironman crown with success in Kona, Hawaii. With this new title, he became only the fourth athlete in history to claim multiple World Ironman titles following in the footsteps of Dave Scott, Mark Allen and Tim DeBoom as the only men to taste success more than once on the tough course in Hawaii that incorporates a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run.

It wasn’t an easy victory for him but his race was tactically superb, passing pacesetter Chris Lieto to take the lead with eight kilometers to go and eventually win by more than two minutes in an overall time of 8 hours, 14 minutes and 4 seconds.

Alexander: “It’s great to win a race when everything goes to plan, but to have to fight and scrap for it… to have to dig so deep and come away with a win like that is another feeling again.”

Craig chose to ride a SHIMANO DURA-ACE group with the Di2 electronic shifting system, SHIMANO DURA-ACE wheels, a PRO Missile aerobar and PRO Vibe carbon stem as well as SHIMANO SH-TR70 Triathon shoes.