How The West Was Won: Berkel & Ferguson Reign Down Under

Josh Tinson reports on a fast day of racing at Ironman Western Australia

It was a race billed as one where records could tumble and that possibility remains after another day of fast racing at the 2008 Ironman Western Australia. New Zealand's Gina Ferguson went one better on her 2007 second placing here in Busselton, taking the title in just under nine hours. In a time of 8:07:06, Australian Tim Berkel took his maiden Ironman title, and the excitement was certainly clear upon him crossing the line.

Athletes were greeted with fantastic conditions throughout the day, with the comfort level ensuring an exciting day of racing.

Impressive Debut Title
Tim Berkel couldn’t have dreamed of a better breakthrough Ironman win. Growing up, the 24-year-old New South Welshman idolized Jason Shortis, who would become Berkel’s final obstacle of the day before taking the Ironman Western Australia crown.

Luke Bell and Luke McKenzie led out the swim, with McKenzie dropping back early in the bike due to mechanical problems. As expected, Oscar Galindez made his way through the field, leading a chase pack half way through the bike. Ironman debutant Leon Griffin impressed with his showing in the same pack.

The chase pack grew, and consisted of Jason Shortis, Josh Rix and Tim Berkel heading into T2. After a speedy transition, Berkel took the lead and pressed ahead. As rivals began to drop away, Berkel was on track with destiny, with only one person remaining a threat: his childhood idol Jason Shortis.

With 10km remaining, the two were running neck and neck. At one stage, Shortis pulled ahead a few meters, however, Berkel responded in perfect fashion and ran away with the title.

Sub-Nine Hours For Ferguson
After finishing second last year at this event, Gina Ferguson returned to Busselton with unfinished business.

The New Zealander lead the entire race, leaving defending champion Charlotte Paul with too much of a buffer to make up.

It wasn’t the perfect day for Ferguson, with an aero bar breaking 80km into the bike, leaving her with the choice of riding on, or stopping to repair. The decision was to ride on, leaving her goal to race under nine hours a possibility.

On analyzing her race, Paul pointed out she thought she rode the same as 2007, with a slower run being the difference.

Rounding out the top three was Kat Baker. Finishing her first Ironman in just over 9:30, she seems sure to feature again in the future.

Returning to Busselton in 2008 was Lisbeth Kristensen. After a third place at Ford Ironman Louisville in August, the Dane couldn’t repeat a podium place, withdrawing from the race part way through the run.

To check out the entire day of coverage, click on the coverage tab on the Ironman Western Australia page here on Ironman.com.

Men:
1. Tim BERKEL 8:07:06
2. Jason SHORTIS 8:10:57
3. Luke MCKENZIE 8:12:45

4. Jimmy JOHNSEN 8:18:43
5. Simon BILLEAU 8:20:32
6. Leon GRIFFIN 8:24:41
7. Oscar GALINDEZ 8:27:28
8. Chris DMITRIEFF 8:28:29
9. Gavin SCOTT 8:32:22
10. Joshua RIX 8:33:22

Women:
1. Gina FERGUSON 8:59:24
2. Charlotte PAUL 9:06:34
3. Kat BAKER 9:37:24
4. Sarah POLLETT 9:39:21
5. Nicole WARD 9:43:12
6. Alison COYLE 9:45:23
7. Vicki JONES 9:48:24
8. Renee SIMONS 9:53:38
9. Bridget FRY 9:55:30
10. Leanne SOUTHWELL 9:56:23