Pre-event favourite Terenzo Bozzone won the Taupo Half Ironman despite an impressive effort from 21-year-old Matt Burgess in what was only his second race over the distance.
Bozzone and Burgess were among almost 1200 entrants who participated in this year's event including around 800 individuals, an increase of 45% from last year.
In overcast conditions with a slight wind, Andrew Mackay was the first out of the water ahead of Bozzone (Auckland) and Burgess (Papakura).
Burgess led early on the ride before being overtaken by Bozzone, and they continued to battle for the lead during the 21.1km run with Bozzone eventually crowned the champion finishing the 2km swim, 90km ride and 21km run in 4:06:40, a mere 16 seconds ahead of Burgess.
In third place was former winner of the event, Cambridge's Keegan Williams in a time of 4:13:29.
The women's race was won by Wellington's Belinda Harper in a time of 4:47:50, 47 seconds ahead of Hannah Lawrence (Auckland) with Papakura's Hilary Wicks in third.
All of the team categories in the Half Ironman were also fiercely contested and this year's men's champion team was Three Superheros (Matamata) with Vitasport New Zealand (Auckland) winning the women's teams event.
