Meredith Kessler finished off the year with another win on New Zealand soil. The American started 2015 with a win at IRONMAN New Zealand and bookend her season with a victory last weekend at the IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo.
The title did not come easy for Kessler as she was challenged throughout the day on both the bike and the run. She was a minute clear out of the 1.9km swim and maintained that buffer midway on the 90km bike from Warriner, who was ensuring she gave her final professional race everything she could muster.
“With Amelia (Watkinson) only about 40 seconds back at the final turnaround on the run, it was imperative that my legs started to sprint, ASAP,” Kessler explained.
Kessler laid down the race best swim and recorded solid bike and run splits on her way to the title at the inaugural event and was quick to acknowledged the strong field of women that line up on the starting line.
“The field included such talent – with rising star – young buck, Amelia Watkinson running like the wind and the very hard working and worthy Laura Siddall storming through the field especially on the bike,” said Kessler.
“Let’s not forget the legendary Sam Warriner who put her mark on such an inspiring and memorable career in the sport of triathlon.”
“My husband and I are instantly at peace when we touch down in Taupo. We love this place and I am so thrilled to start the year and now end the year with wins in Taupo where we are supported so well is very special.”
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