Cathy Gurret Lama produced a podium finish at the Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells to cap a successful year of competition.

The Bermudian earned the bronze in the 65-69 age group at the event held in the desert city of Indian Wells, California on December 5.

Gurret Lama completed the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run in 6hrs 48mins 15sec.

She placed herself in early contention after exiting the water in second place behind leader and eventual winner Lorraine Gersitz with a time of 40:10min.

The former multiple national women’s triathlon champion fell slightly off the pace after completing the bike ride with the fourth fastest time of 3:19:58.

However, a third podium display of the year would not elude Gurret Lama, who posted the third fastest time of 2:33:28 in the run to claim the final spot-on the podium among the eight competitors in her division and place 1,074th in an overall field of 1,761.

Gersitz, of the United States, claimed the gold in 6:25:06 and compatriot Jeri Howland the silver in 6:33:46 respectively.

Gurret Lama, ranked tenth in the world in her age group, has enjoyed considerable success this year having finished second at the 70.3 Ironman Panama City, Florida and third at the 70.3 Ironman Oregon, Salem.

Canadian and 2017 ITU Long Distance Triathlon world champion Lionel Sanders won the men’s professional title in 3:38:16. Frenchman Vincent Luis earned the silver in 3:41:04 and Belgium’s Jelle Geens bronze in 3:42:27.

Indian Wells has proven to be happy hunting ground for the 33-year-old Sanders, who has been victorious on all three occasions he has competed at the venue.

Danielle Lewis, of the United States, won the women’s professional division in 4:12:59. Canadian Tamara Jewett earned the silver in 4:13:57 and compatriot Ali Brauer bronze in 4:18:27.