The Men’s Pro event podium at this year's Ironman World Championships was dominated by SRAM and Zipp riders, with the exception of race winner Craig Alexander (AUS). Behind him, caught only late in the run, was superstar Chris Lieto (USA), who blazed the fastest bike leg on his SRAM RED equipped Trek Speed Concept TTX.

Lieto rode with his preferred SRAM R2C (return to center) aero shift levers, which hold him in the perfect aero positon, and came into the run transition with a 12 minute lead on eventual winner ‘Crowie.' Lieto has continually improved his bike and is always one of the first to adopt technologies like the R2C that deliver measurable comfort and speed gains.

The next three finishers in the Men’s field were all SRAM/Zipp equipped, including Andreas Raelert (GER), former 2007 Champion Chris McCormack (AUS), and Rasmus Henning (DEN).

The Women’s race was dominated by Chrissie Wellington, while SRAM RED and Zipp equipped Virginia Berasategui (ESP) finished third.

Men’s results – Kona Ironman World championships – 2009

1. Craig Alexander (AUS) 8:20:21 – Zipp

2. Chris Lieto (USA) 8:22:56 – SRAM RED w/1090 R2C aero shifters

3. Andreas Raelert (GER) 8:24L32 – SRAM and Zipp

4. Chris McCormack (AUS) 8:25:20 – SRAM and Zipp

5. Rasmus Henning (DEN) 8:28:17 – SRAM and Zipp

Women

1. Chrissie Wellington (GBR) 8:54:02

2. Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) 9:13:59

3, Virginia Berasategui (ESP) 9:15:28 – SRAM and Zipp

4. Tereza Macel (CAN) 9:25:48

5. Samantha McGlone (CAN) - SRAM