Ironman Canada 2008 Champions Bryan Rhodes and Belinda Granger

Ironman Canada saw heavy winds on the bike and run in 2008, but they were no obstacle for winners Bryan Rhodes and Belinda Granger. Each triathlete acknowledged that the winds played into their race plans as the event unfolded on the open roads, but each adjusted their plans on the go and made the best use of the tailwinds on the final 13.1 mile return portion of the marathon.

Rhodes had not raced in Ironman Canada for 5 years and was triumphant in his return. His finishing time was 8:30:11, with a 4 minute cushion over second place. Rhodes wore special compression socks to help avert any ongoing problems with calf injuries, and they seemed to do the trick.

Granger has had a stellar 2008 race campaign, winning Ironman Malaysia and Ironman China already. Add now her 3rd Ironman win of the year at Ironman Canada, and her confidence must be high as the world championships of Ironman Hawaii approach. Granger crushed the bike record in Penticton with a time of 4:52, 7 minutes shaved from the previous best bike time. She finished in 9:17:58.

  For more news and results on Ironman Canada 2008, visit the official Ironman Canada website.