TAUPŌ, New Zealand (Dec. 14 2024) – Day one of the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship saw the world’s best female triathletes swim, bike, run through New Zealand’s diverse and magical landscapes. Proving without a doubt that she is the best middle distance athlete in the world right now, Taylor Knibb (USA) claimed her third straight IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. Kat Matthews (GBR) and Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) completed the women’s podium, with Matthews also cementing her place in history as the first ever IRONMAN Pro Series Champion.
Athletes began their journey with a 1.9-kilometre swim in the pristine waters of Lake Taupō with views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngāuruhoe in the distance. The 90-kilometre, single loop FulGaz bike course featured stunning and wide-open countryside, challenging rolling hills, and punchy climbs. The final leg, the 21.1-kilometre HOKA run course, featured two laps along the Taupō lakefront.
A Hero’s Welcome Home: Today in Taupō, Taylor Knibb of the USA won her third IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship title on the bounce. Knibb is the second athlete in IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship history to win a hattrick of back to back titles, the first being Daniela Ryf of Switzerland. Knibb was cheered down the iconic red carpet by hundreds of spectators as she took the win in a time of 3:57:34. (Photo Credit: Fiona Goodall / Getty Images for IRONMAN)
Let’s Get This Started: Lake Taupō, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, provided a picture-perfect start to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship triathlon. The world’s top female professional and age-group triathletes completed the 1.9km (1.2-mile) ROKA swim course, starting at Lake Taupō Yacht Club, and following the shoreline towards Kaimanawa Reserve where T1 awaited. Photo Credit: Fiona Goodall / Getty Images for IRONMAN). (Photo Credit: Graeme Murray / IRONMAN)
Wāhine Waka: As spectators and athletes eagerly filled up the beach ahead of race start, a waka (canoe) made up entirely of wāhine (women), emerged from the horizon and headed towards shoreline. Upon arriving on the beach, the wāhine from local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Tūwharetoa performed a demonstration of mana whenua (custodianship) and aroha through a showcase of Ahai (rakau/paddle moves), wero (challenge), and a haka, challenging the female athletes to push themselves beyond their normal boundaries. (Photo Credit: Graeme Murray for IRONMAN)
Clean, Green, and Pristine: Athletes embarked on a 90-kilometre, single loop FulGaz bike course featuring stunning and wide-open countryside, with breathtaking views of the Aratiatia Rapids (top image) before riding along State Highway 5 as they crossed the Waikato River (bottom image). While beautiful in its nature, athletes had to remain alert as they navigated technical segments, steady uphills, and flowy downhills. (Photo Credit: Graeme Murray / IRONMAN)
A Backdrop Like No Other: Taupō has waited more than four years to host the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship and it did not disappoint, delivering bluebird skies, idyllic views, and fervent crowd support – and nothing showcased this better than the 21.1km HOKA run course. Over two laps along the lakefront, runners were treated vast views of Lake Taupō and Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngāuruhoe on the horizon, and were cheered on with every step by thousands of spectators who lined the course. (Photo Credit: Graeme Murray for RONMAN). (Photo Credit: Fiona Goodall / Getty Images for IRONMAN)
Speed Zone: American Taylor Knibb flies along State Highway 5, completing the 90km FulGaz bike course in 2:10:09 – the fastest bike split of the day – enroute to winning her third IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship title in Taupō, New Zealand on Dec. 14, 2024 (Fiona Goodall/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
Matthews Makes History: For the first time ever, the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship was the final and deciding race of the inaugural IRONMAN Pro Series. Heading into today’s race, Kat Matthews (GBR) knew she just needed to overturn a 257 point deficit to Jackie Hering – a mark she would smash with her second place, earning 2,925 points and the crown of IRONMAN Pro Series Champion. After a phenomenal season, Matthews is rewarded with a historic bonus payout of $200,000 USD. (Photo Credit: Fiona Goodall / Getty Images for IRONMAN)
It’s Race Day Eve for the Men: No doubt fired up by the achievements of the women who raced today, nearly 3,200 male triathletes will have their day in the sun tomorrow. In preparation, professional, PC/ID and age-group men racked their bikes and checked in their gear ready for the big dance on Sunday. (Photo Credit: Fiona Goodall / Getty Images for IRONMAN)