Dibens and Alexander claim St. Croix Ironman 70.3

International field on hand for the classic race in St. Croix

Australia's Craig Alexander and Great Britain's Julie Dibens won the St. Croix Ironman 70.3 in impressive style today, beating strong fields to the line to claim the prestigious event that serves as a qualifying event for both the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater and Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona.

Dibens led the race from start to finish, coming out of the water three minutes ahead of her competition and starting the run with a seven-minute cushion. Fellow Brit Catriona Morrison finished second, while Canada's Samantha McGlone rounded out the top three.

Alexander found himself in a much tighter battle as he started the run with a group that included Richie Cunningham, Chris McCormick and Marcus Ornellas. As he did in Clearwater last November, Alexander ran away from his competition to claim the title. The two Australians, Cunningham and McCormack claimed second and third, while Ornellas finished fourth, just seconds out of the top-three.