Kiwi Bevan Docherty has beaten none other than Lance Armstrong to win the Panama half ironman.
Docherty ran down the former Tour de France champion, who was making his debut as a professional in the Ironman series.
Docherty’s time of three hours 50 minutes 13 seconds was just 31 seconds ahead of Armstrong’s.
It was Docherty's first half Ironman in 12 years.
"This is absolutely awesome," he says.
"That was one hard race. I wasn't too sure what to expect, but Lance really pushed me. I should probably sit down."
The result didn’t appear to sit well with Armstrong, who brushed past Docherty after finishing without congratulating him.
Armstrong says he relished pushing himself to the limit.
"I need a challenge in my life," says the cancer survivor.
"I need some stuff to do. I like to train. I like to suffer a bit and today was little over the top, but it's great to be back."
New Zealand-born American Matt Reed made the early pace, leading the field out of the 1.9km swim in a shade under 19 minutes. Docherty was part of a four-strong group close behind, while Armstrong exited the water 10th but just 30sec down on the leaders.
Armstrong took the lead 3km into the final 21.1km run, holding it until the last 1500m when Docherty's strength paid dividends as he stormed through to a 42sec win.
Docherty's split for the half marathon was an impressive 1hr 12min 50sec, compared to Armstrong's 1hr 17min 01sec, the New Zealander timing his race impeccably for a 3hr 50min 13sec for the win.
3 News/NZN