Emma Pallant-Browne followed up on her victory at the PTO-supported South African National Championships with another impressive win at IRONMAN 70.3 Florida.
Pallant-Browne, ranked #15 for Team Europe ahead of the rescheduled Collins Cup, was scintillating ‘on land’ in South Africa in March and was in terrific form once again a month later in Florida.
The British athlete was second to exit the Gulf of Mexico waters, just over a minute behind Sonja Catano – an immensely strong swimmer.
It didn’t take long for Emma to claim the race lead once on the bike, opening up a gap of more than one-and-a-half minutes to her nearest challenger at the midway point of the leg.
She started the run with her lead over second-placed Heather Jackson still intact and was over six minutes clear of the following contingent of athletes.
Lesley Smith was rapid over the final leg as she stormed into second, but Pallant-Browne’s victory never looked in doubt as she crossed the line in 4:18:48, more than four minutes clear.
Emma was delighted with her effort in the Florida heat as she added yet another 70.3 title to her growing list of accolades.
“Definitely found my deep dark place!” she wrote on social media after the race. “Humidity [is] always a killer for me and [I] survive by walking the aid stations! Progress.”
“Thank you so much for all the messages and support, my amazing team, sponsors, hubby, top coach @tri_thedon and on the ground rockstars @frumpycob and @byron.labare.
“Thanks @lesleyesmith and @hjacksonracing for the tough, tough racing and well done to all who raced!”
Emma’s prosperous start to 2021 will no doubt have caught the eye of the Team Europe captains ahead of the Collins Cup.
Here are her Weapons of Choice:
Swim
Goggles: Orca Killer
Wetsuit: Orca 3.8
Speedsuit: Orca
Trisuit: Santini
Sports Watch: Wahoo Rival
Bike
Bike frame: Specialized Shiv
Frame size: Medium
Front wheel: Roval Rapide 50
Rear Wheel: Roval Disc
Tyres: S-Works Cotton
Tyre and Tube type: Latex Tubes
Component Groupset: SRAM Axs
Power meter: Quarq
Head Unit: Wahoo Elemnt Roam
Crank Length: 170
Gearing: 10/33
Helmet: S-Works TT
Cycling Shoes: S-Works Exo
Saddle: S-Works Sitero
Run
Shoes: Hoka Rocket X
Eyewear: Oakley
Headwear: Precision Hydration Cap
Heart Rate Monitor: Wahoo Tickr
