Holly Lawrence continues her stunning 2016 form in Sonoma County, California

A member of the Welsh Commonwealth Games triathlon team at Glasgow 2014, Holly Lawrence really does seem to have found her calling along with some great form over the Ironman 70.3 distance. Seemingly getting better each year and with each race, she has to be regarded right now as one of the very best athletes in the world over that format of racing.

All of the signs were there last year which included, amongst others, third place at 70.3 California and second at 70.3 Mont-Tremblant ahead of taking 11th at the Ironman 70.3 World Champs.

In 2016, free of some of the running injuries that held her back last year, Lawrence has taking some giant leaps forward.

We've previously noted "a seriously impressive result against top draw competition" when second in May at 70.3 St. George.

After winning Escape from Alcatraz, we suggested, "Her best result to date? Quite possibly."

After running to (and winning) 70.3 Mont Tremblant this year we added, "She may be based in the USA now, but remember the name, because Holly Lawrence is without doubt one of Great Britain's best 70.3 racers right now."

Well, she's continued that once again this past weekend with another dominating win at IRONMAN 70.3 Vineman, this time eight minutes clear of Caroline Steffen (SUI).

Another exceptional performance, she lost only 24 seconds in the water to U.S. super swimmer Lauren Brandon, added the fastest bike split... and then did the same on the run too. That is a very complete all-round performance.  11th at the World Champs in 2015 - I think Holly will, quite rightly, have her sights set significantly higher this time around for Mooloolaba in September.

Super fast racing @Holly_Lawrence_ 1st, @Caroline_Xena so consistent 2nd @lb_brandon 3rd.#BahrainEndurance13 pic.twitter.com/uEdvtNCF2J

— Bahrain Endurance 13 (@bahraintri13) July 10, 2016

There was some real class and experience in the men's race too, where Andy Potts (USA) was able to take the win on the run just ahead of Tim Reed (AUS), while multiple world champion Craig Alexander, now in his 40's, is still pure class (and has the speed), to complete the podium.

IRONMAN 70.3 Vineman -Sunday 10th July 2016
1.9km / 90km / 21.1km

WOMEN

1st - Holly Lawrence (GBR) - 4:09:40
2nd - Caroline Steffen (SUI) - 4:17:48
3rd - Lauren Brandon (USA) - 4:22:57
4th - Jennifer Spieldenner (USA) - 4:22:59
5th - Emily Cocks (USA) - 4:26:28

MEN

1st - Andy Potts (USA) - 3:48:09
2nd - Tim Reed (USA) - 3:48:46
3rd - Craig Alexander (AUS) - 3:49:17
4th - Sam Appleton (AUS) - 3:50:13
5th - Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) - 3:51:47