American Andy Potts won the 2012 Ironman 70.3 St. Croix triathlon race on a rainy, overcast Sunday morning, finishing in a time of 4:03:41. Stephane Poulat (France) finished second (4:05:25) and Lance Armstrong came in third (4:07:08).
As usual, Potts was the first out of the water -- he was a six-time NCAA All-American swimmer at Michigan -- and was followed closely by Poulat. Armstrong was 1:23 behind heading into the first transition, but once he was on the bike, he took control.
The seven-time Tour de France winner not only caught the leaders, but grabbed the race lead around mile 45 of the 56-mile bike ride. He left T2 with a 1:45 advantage on Potts, but that's where Armstrong's biggest weakness in triathlon -- running -- was apparent. By Mile 7, Potts had cut the gap to just 40 seconds, and at Mile 8, he took the lead back from Armstrong. Poulat eventually caught and passed Armstrong around the 9.5-mile mark.
But unlike Ironman 70.3 Texas, where Armstrong faded the final few miles and finished seventh, he was able to hold on to third place for a spot on the podium in St. Croix.
Armstrong's next scheduled race is Ironman 70.3 Florida, on May 20.
- 4:03:31 2 ANDY POTTS 24:29 2:26:13 1:12:50 31:04 41:47
- 4:05:25 19 STEPHANE POULAT 24:31 2:26:17 1:14:38 31:10 43:29
- 4:07:08 7 LANCE ARMSTRONG 25:51 2:22:39 1:18:38 32:14 46:24
Angela Naeth won the women's race, and set a course record in the process, despite riding the last six miles of the bike with a flat tire.
Women`s Finish - Top 3:
- 4:28:12 63 ANGELA NAETH CAN 29:47 2:39:38 1:18:48 34:08 44:40
- 4:33:34 5:23 53 MARY BETH ELLIS USA 27:07 2:44:15 1:22:13 36:04 46:10
- 4:46:43 18:32 59 SARA GROSS CAN 29:45 2:54:20 1:22:40 36:13 46:27
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