Defending champion Mario Vanhoenacker won the Ironman Austria triathlon event yesterday.

The 30-year-old Belgian finished in 8 hours, 6 minutes, 39 seconds, more than a minute faster than last year’s win.

Norbert Langbrandtner of Austria was, 13:19 back, with Max Longree of Germany a further 15 seconds behind in third place.

Filip Kristl of Slovakia was the fastest swimmer, but lost his lead to Vanhoenacker on the first climb in the cycling leg.

In the women’s event, Edith Niederfriniger of Italy won in 9:08:47, edging Veronika Hauke of Austria by 46 seconds.

Defending champion Rebecca Preston of Australia took third, 7:08 behind Niederfriniger.

Preston, who won the Ironman Switzerland event two weeks ago, took an early lead before being reined in by Austria’s Lisa Hutthaler, who dominated the race for several hours.

Hauke got in front on the running leg, but Niederfriniger overtook her a few kilometres before the end.