The 2018 Bank of Liuzhou Ironman 70.3 Liuzhou stop concluded at Yaobu old town in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on April 14.

After hours of competition in the rain, Olympic double medalist Alistair Brownlee from Britain won in the men’s professional group, leading all the way in swimming, cycling and running. The Australian 44-year-old veteran Craig Alexander proved his superior ability in cycling and took second place. Sam Betten, also from Australia, won third.

Black horse Agnieszka Jerzyk from Poland increased her speed in the last 500 meters and took the championship in the professional women’s group after surpassing Imogen Simmonds of Switzerland near the finish line. Sarah Piampiano from the US followed closely and won third place.

Li Pengcheng, the leading Chinese triathlete, was the first Chinese contestant to cross the finish line. It was his second time to attend a competition in Liuzhou. He felt the warmth of the local people and expressed a willingness to attend the competition next year.

As the first match of this year’s Ironman 70.3, the Liuzhou stop set an example for upcoming stops in Qujing, Chongqing, Shanghai and Xiamen.

The competition is sponsored by the Liuzhou municipal people’s government and Wanda Sports Group. Organized by the local sports bureau and Wanda Sports Chinese Company, it also enjoys great support from the Bank of Liuzhou, Maserati, Aeon Life, SupraRace, Wanda Plaza, Wanda Media and Wanda Hotels & Resorts.