MADISON, WI - Maik Twelsiek and Gina Ferguson both claimed their first Ironman victory today in the sixth annual Ford Ironman Wisconsin. Twelseik, 26-yrs-old, of Germany took the lead early in the bike, heading into the run with about a ten minute lead which he maintained to finish in 8:52:49. Ferguson led out of the water and continued to build up the gap between her and the women,s field, finishing in course record time of 9: 37:03, more than 20 minutes ahead of second place.

Paul Fritzsche of State College, PA finished in second place, posting a time of 9:03:22 in his best ever Ironman result. Third place was claimed by Uzziel Valderrabano, Mexico in a time of 9:06:05.

Second place in the women,s pro race was won by Hillary Biscay, Tucson, AZ who finished with a 10:01:30 and was followed closely by Ina Reinders of Germany in 10:03:39. Fourth and fifth places were claimed by Heather Haviland and Lauren Jensen, both from Wisconsin.

Top Five Finishers 1. Maik Twelsiek, Germany 8:52:49 2. Paul Fritzsche, PA 9:03:22 3. Uzziel Valderrabano, Mexico 9:06:05 4. Werner Leitner, Austria 9:06:41 5. Christophe Bastie, France 9:08:08

1. Gina Ferguson, New Zealand 9:37:03 2. Hillary Biscay, AZ 10:01:30 3. Ina Reinders, Germany 10:03:39 4. Heather Haviland, WI 10:06:26 5. Lauren Jensen, WI 10:07:41

Ford Ironman Wisconsin was seen live on www.ironman.com and will air on FSN North and FSN Wisconsin during October (check local listings for times).

Over 2,200 athletes participated in the sixth edition of the Ford Ironman Wisconsin under near perfect racing conditions. The city of Madison and surrounding Dane County played host to an international field that was competing for a $30,000 pro prize purse and 72 qualifying sport for the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.