Aussies beat the heat in Racine Ironman 70.3; Harms wins in Door County.

Australians Paul Ambrose and Christie Sym steadily pulled away from the competition for victories in the pro division of the Spirit of Racine Ironman 70.3 on Sunday.

Ambrose crossed the finish in 3 hours, 51 minutes, 50 seconds. On the run, he maintained the lead built over fellow Australian Tim Berkel on the bike leg and was never threatened.

"I had a great day today, everything just fell right into place for me, and considering the talent on display I couldn't be happier," Ambrose told Slowtwitch.com. "I love testing myself against some of the best athletes and today I just had my day."

An athlete stays cool in the Spirit of Racine Ironman 70.3. Journal Sentinel Photo by Tom Lynn.

Christie Sym put together strong efforts on the bike and the run to take a five-minute victory over Kristin Andrews. Sym finish din 4:28:54.

Organizers of the races in Racine and Door County took extra precautions to provide fluids and ice for the competitors in the heat and humidity. For the most part, it worked.

In the Door County Triathlon, Mark Harms, of Madison, built a big lead by posting a blazing fast 2:10 on the 56-mile bike segment and cruised to victory 4:13:41.

Harms had a hopeful strategy through the 13.1-mile run: "I hope my calf muscle doesn't cramp here. OK, it didn't. I hope it doesn't cramp on my next step. It's just step after step."

Another Madison athlete, Emily Farrell, ran away from her competitors on the final leg and took the win in 4:51:18. Emma Briggs, of Chicago, was second in 4:55:51.

Click here for a full gallery of scenes from the Spirit of Racine.