This Saturday at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain, Lucy Charles-Barclay and Taylor Knibb lit the course on fire, just 4 weeks after Kona.
Lucy executed her race flawlessly from start to finish: First out of the water in 25:05, crushing the hilly, technical bike, then showing the world what it looks like when mermaids fly, delivering not only the fastest swim in the world, but also the fastest run(1:17:14)! Racing the way only she can for the win in 4:14:54.
Taylor's love of racing was on full display as her signature smile preceded a fiery and fierce display. She came second out of the water, 47 seconds back, then quickly worked to close the gap. She overtook Lucy on the bike, coming first into T2, then ran with heart and grit to second place in 4:17:55, over 4 minutes ahead of her next competitor.
It was an absolute joy to watch Lucy and Taylor race! Through their thrilling performances, they showed us all once again, why they're the best in the world.
We are so honored to work with athletes like Lucy and Taylor, and to support the thousands of other courageous athletes who lined up in Marbella!
Relive the excitement in the photos below.
📷: Getty Images for Ironman
A spectacular swim start!
Lucy's first out of the water.
Taylor passes Lucy on the bike to run first into T2.
Lucy charges ahead on the run.
Taylor keeps Lucy in her sights.
Lucy posts the fastest run of the day, celebrating into the finish line.
Lucy wins!
Lucy gets a hug from her husband, Reece.
Taylor comes in 2nd!
The world's two top athletes--who put on two of the most thrilling women's races in history in a span of 4 weeks--share a hug.
On this day, all of that relentless preparation, endless grit and determination became the sports equivalent of a fairy tale ending.
Congratulations again to Lucy and Taylor and to all of the athletes brave enough to toe the line in Marbella!
