JIMBARAN BAY, BALI, INDONESIA (June 30, 2008) Australian pro triathlete Luke McKenzie took a convincing overall win at the second annual MRA Bali International Triathlon on Sunday, June 29, 2008, with a victory time of 2:09:09. On a beautiful sunny day, with temperatures reaching 29C, Luke McKenzie, recent winner of Ironman Japan, led the pack throughout the 1.5k Swim, 40k bike and 10k run. He was followed by Swedish athlete Fredrik Croneborg (2:23:04) and Austrian athlete Martin Malleier (2:26:16). McKenzie expanded his lead to over 14 minutes before finishing on the beach in front of the Four Seasons Hotel. Last year’s winner, UK athlete, Daniel Plews, suffered a race-ending flat tire and was unable to continue the race.

The women’s race featured a surprise win by top Australian age group athlete Rachael Gaudry (2:34:46) who beat out 2007 champion New Zealander Kelley Toy (2:41:56) and Australian pro triathlete Sophie Hawken (2:43:44), who suffered a flat tire on the hills of the Bukit Peninsula, but recovered to have the fastest female run of the day with 00:41:39.

“Initially, I did not think I could win this race since it posed me with many challenges, such as those upward tracks in Nusa Dua”, said Mr. McKenzie, “I must say that I really enjoyed myself here in Bali. I’ll be here next year, I promise.”

This year’s event also included the participation of Indonesian national swimming champion, Richard Sam Bera, representing the MRA Group, the title sponsor of the event.

Nearly 400 international and Indonesian athletes took part in the Olympic distance triathlon and 5k Fun Run. The event expo was home to a lively celebration where Hard Rock Radio entertained throughout the morning. The Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay offered delicious food and drink, local businesses sold Balinese merchandise and masseurs provided free massages to the public and athletes.

MRA Bali International Triathlon
Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia
Sunday, June 29, 2008
1.5km S/40km B/10km R

Male Overall Results
1. Luke McKenzie (AUS) 2:09:09
2. Fredrik Croneborg (SWE) 2:23:04
3. Martin Malleier (AUT) 2:26:16

Female Overall Results
1. Rachael Gaudry (AUS) 2:34:46
2. Kelley Toy (NZL) 2:41:56
3. Sophie Hawken (AUS) 2:43:44