In his first World Championship Ironman event, New Zealand Olympic silver medallist Hayden Wilde has finished second at the 70.3 Taupo race.
The 26-year-old triathlete had the race all but sewn up, but was overtaken in a late burst by Belgian Jelle Geens to take the gold medal in a time of 3hours 32minutes 09 seconds.
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Wilde gave it his all to finish one minute 11 seconds later just under two minutes ahead of third place's Leo Bergere of France.
Fourth place in the men's race when to Kyle Smith. The Taupo local came home in 3.37.51.
The women's race was won by American Taylor Knibb with Britain's Kat Matthews second and Australia's Ashleigh Gentle third.
Matthews claimed the overall Ironman Pro Series title at around NZ$350,000 for her efforts.
The best of the New Zealanders was Hannah Berry in 14th, Rebecca Clarke was 29th and Hannah Knighton 35.
Berry finished fourth on the Ironman Pro Series and receives around NZ$120,000 in prizemoney.