TWO new champions have emerged from the SpecSavers Ironman 70.3 triathlon - Fraser Cartmell and Mari Rabie.

Scotland's Cartmell, who trains in Stellenbosch, in Western Cape, was the first man across the finish line, with a time of four hours, seven minutes and 54 seconds. He was followed a minute later by South African James Cunnama.

Another South African, Brad Storm, came third in the triathlon, which took place on Sunday 17 January at Orient Beach in East London. It was organised by Triangle Events and co-sponsored by Buffalo City Municipality, among others.

The swim was difficult, given the rough water in the morning, but by the cycle race, the lead was fleshed out with Anton Storm, Cartmell, Sander Berk and Kent Horner in the running.

The women's swim was also a bit tight, with defending champion Lucie Zelenkova initially taking the lead. Rabie, however, eventually increased her pace and left her Czech rival in second place.

Out of the ocean and on to the saddle, the 90km bicycle race started at the Esplanade at the beachfront. The route followed the R72 motorway towards Nahoon River, turning left to follow the N2 highway towards King William's Town and turning back to East London at the Berlin off-ramp where Anton Storm and Cartmell were neck and neck with Berk and Brad Storm.

Cartmell finished earlier than the others, followed by Brad Storm and his brother, Anton. The female triathletes were catching up behind the men, with Zelenkova and Sandra Wallenhorst leading the race.

Then it was off the bike and on with the running shoes for the road race, the final leg of the triathlon. Cartmell led the men's field, followed by the Storm brothers and Cunnama catching up behind them.

Horner caught up with the athletes at the 14km mark, with Brad Storm dropping to fourth place. Towards the final leg, the race was down to a two-man contest between Cartmell and Cunnama, with the Scot edging out his opponent.

Speaking to the media after the race, Cartmell said: "This was the most exciting race as I was competing with some of the world's best triathletes, including Cunnama and the Storms."

The women's race was also interesting with Rabie leading, Wallenhorst at second place and Zelenkova at third. Speaking after the race, Zelenkova said: "I came to East London to defend my title but Rabie was too good today."

Rabie had her own take on her success: "I wasn't mentioned as a possible winner for the race and this seems to have worked for me as there was no pressure."