Gina Crawford has won the women's elite section of the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman for the second year running.

Gina won the triathlon last year with a time of 4:15:10 and crossed the finish line this year in4:22:05.

Gina Crawford crossing the finish line in first place. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Julia Grant, left, Gina Crawford and Michelle Bremer.

Michelle Bremner crossed the finish line 10 seconds behind Gina, with a time of 4:33:05.

Julia Grant took third place with a time of 4:37:25.

Talking to SunLive after the race, Gina said she loves competing in New Zealand and being able to run in front of friends and family.

'It's sort of my off season at the moment, so I am sort of just getting into fitness. I had a good swim and then went onto the bike. Had a really good bike, my speedo was broken so I had no idea what was going on.

'I haven't done any running of the bike in a couple of months as it's my off season.

The first lap was quite painful with the legs and then I came right a really enjoyed the second loop.”

Gina is now preparing to race in Auckland next weekend and says today's triathlon was a 'hit out for that as well”.

'I seem to improve with each race. Hopefully I will be a little stronger and a little bit fitter next week.”

Describing today's race, Gina says she had no idea what to expect as she is a person who does well with a little bit of mileage and lots of intensity.

'I am really pleased with what I did. It always hurts a lot more when you're not fit but it was fun.”

The next couple of days will be easy training for Gina as she will be spinning out her legs to get all the lactic acid out.

'I will probably do some good sessions on Wednesday and Thursday and then rest up again for the next race.”