With zero experience on a time-trial bike and no prior appearances over the 70.3 distance, Kirsten Kasper has just stunned the field by winning Ironman 70.3 La Quinta on her first attempt. The American, making the leap from short-course racing, was a commanding presence from the opening meters and sealed the victory decisively during the run.
As in the men’s race, timing data wasn’t cooperating, making it difficult at times to follow developments on course. Even so, it was clear from the outset that Kasper meant business – her blistering 24:14 swim split set the tone as the field gradually bunched together during the bike leg. By the time the leaders hit T2, six women were still in contention: Kasper, Solenne Billouin, Stephanie Clutterbuck, Amelie Kretz, Jenna Campbell, and Jeanni Metzler.
Once on the run, Kasper’s short-course speed proved to be the decisive weapon. Kretz held on the longest, but the rest of the field quickly fell back by minutes. Even Kretz, who initially kept the gap manageable, saw Kasper steadily pull away – second by second – until the margin grew to nearly a minute and a half.
Kasper broke the tape in 4:06:08, with Kretz securing second in 4:07:37. Germany’s Anna Buttner completed the podium in 4:08:20.