McKenzie Third at Laguna Phuket Triathlon

The Laguna Phuket Triathlon has been the traditional season ending race for the past 21 years. Aside from that, the challenge event is known for its tropical venue, stellar field of international pros and a very tough course in demanding conditions. The 2014 edition was no exception in these regards. The strong pro field lined up at the start in sizzling hot conditions, many of them for the last time after a long season.

SCOTT athlete Luke McKenzie exited the water in fourth place after the 1.9 kilometer swim. In the first miles of the bike leg a pack of eight men formed. With the first steep slopes the group fell apart and it was McKenzie that set the pace for the remainder of the bike leg. While the Australian's pace wasn't quite high enough to drop Wild and Croneborg, the two companions were too busy keeping up and could not help Luke extend the gap.

The three athletes started the closing half marathon together but it soon became clear that Wild had an extra gear. While McKenzie tried to keep up with the Swiss in the opening kilometers he later paid the price for his effort and was passed by Croneborg who chose to run his own pace right from T2. With a total time of 4:06:06 McKenzie finished in a solid third place to put his 2014 season to a close.