Photos: Ironman World Championship 70.3

After crossing the finish line Alexander came back and celebrated with the crowd. Photo: Jeff Bottari

This was the first year the world championship 70.3 race took place at Lake Las Vegas. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Athletes prepared as the sun was rising over the desert. Photo: Jeff Bottari

The male pros took off at 6:30 a.m. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Andy Potts' 23:19 swim time gave him a significant lead heading onto the bike. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Lieto went from 17th out of the swim to first off of the bike thanks to a 2:10:36 bike split. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Dibens rode her way to first on the bike but was forced to drop out early in the run. Photo: Jeff Bottari

The Las Vegas strip serves as a backdrop as the athletes ride back into town. Photo: Jeff Bottari

The bike course featured several climbs, but was not too technical. Photo: Jeff Bottari

The bike course was significantly different than the previous world championship 70.3 course in Clearwater, Fla. Photo: Jeff Bottari

The athletes rode through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Photo: Jeff Bottari

The race featured 1500 age groupers from across the world. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Athletes welcomed the challenging 56-mile bike course. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Athletes worked to take on the competition without drafting. Photo: Jeff Bottari

The bike course featured several scenic spots. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Lieto rode with the main pack for awhile but eventually decided to go off the front. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Craig Alexander followed his 2:14:47 bike with a 1:11:50 run. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Aussie Luke Bell ultimately finished in ninth. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Michael Weiss, who is usually known for his bike strength, ran his way to fourth. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Photo: Jeff Bottari

Melissa Rollison ran a 1:21:14 half marathon to easily take the victory. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Photo: Jeff Bottari

Although it wasn't as hot as anticipated, athletes still grabbed water at every opportunity. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Photo: Jeff Bottari

Alexander had plenty of time to celebrate his win in the finishing shoot. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Alexander grabbed two flags on his way to the finish. Photo: Jeff Bottari

This was Alexander's second win at 70.3 worlds. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Lieto ran a 1:18:55 half marathon to take second. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Canada's Jeff Symonds, who works at a bike shop in Canada, had the race of his life and finished on the podium. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Photo: Jeff Bottari

Melissa Rollison has only been in the sport for about a year. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Until the last few weeks Rollison wasn't aware of who her biggest competition was. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Rollison had a strong bike and run to easily take the win. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Linsey Corbin, who suffered an injury earlier in the year, celebrated her podium position with her signature cowboy hat. Photo: Jeff Bottari

Corbin was the first American female across the finish line. Photo: Melissa Rollison