Josh Amberger led out of the water and Cameron Wurf flew on the bike, but the Australian triathletes couldn't hold off local favourite Kyle Buckingham at the Ironman African championship on Sunday.
Buckingham produced a sizzling run leg to reel in Amberger and then Wurf, taking the title at Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa in a time of 8 hours and 13 minutes.
Amberger (8:16:01) was three minutes behind in second while German Maurice Clavel (8:18:51) completed the podium.
Former professional cyclist and Olympic rower Wurf, who averaged 41.6km/hr over the 180km bike leg to rocket to the lead, faded on the run to finish fourth in 8:20:07.
It was an emotional victory for Buckingham as the 35-year-old hails from the Port Elizabeth area where the race was held.
Britain's Lucy Charles dominated the women's race, leading from start to finish to triumph in a time of 8:56:05.
Susie Cheetham (9:02:57) was second followed by American Linsey Corbin (9:07:10).
