TriUpdate

Chrissie Wellington defends her Ironman title, and how!

2008-10-12T14:45:00.005+13:00

Chrissie Wellington almost made a mockery of the rest of the field. Despite having to stand by the side of the road for almost ten minutes with tyre problems she won going away by a quarter of an hour.

On a day when conditions were less than ideal, she would undoubtedly have broken the course record were it not for the mishap.

There isn't really anything else to say.

Such was her pace on the run that she had men's winner Craig Alexander asking the time keepers what her mile splits were. He didn't want to be shown up!

Her parents, who were caught by surprise with her win last year, were there to see her storm home.

"That was the hardest thing I've ever done," Chrissie Wellington said after she lay down and rolled across the line.

"Thank you all for your support," she continued.

"I just remember what my coach tells me - I didn't panic, I stayed calm. I want to thank Rebekah Keat for giving me a cannister - she's a legend."

"I want to say first and foremost thank my mom and dad, my family and friends who came out to support me, my coach and training partners, and all the spectators."

Later she punctuated the air with colourful descriptions of the "bloody" puncture and the "blasted" canister that didn't work.

Craig Alexander wins Hawaii Ironman World Championships

2008-10-12T13:57:00.006+13:00

Craig Alexander destroyed his opposition in the Hawaii Ironman World Championships with a well planned and executed race. He stayed around 10th place through most of the bike, and even though he hit the run some 9 minutes back, he quickly moved into contention.

The huge Viking Torbjorn Sindballe lead off the bike, but soon lost the lead to Normann Stadler through the early part of the run. Stadler cramped and faded from the scene, as Eneko Llanos moved into the lead. But all the time Alexander was flying. Initially he had Cameron Brown for company, but this early pace eventually put paid to Brown's challenge.

Early in the bike section defending champion Chris McCormack quit when be broke a cable.

But this was Alexander's day. He coasted through the last few miles making it look effortless, and as he got closer to the finish the smile on his face got bigger and bigger.

He savored the finishing stretch stopping to walk, turned and saluted the crowd before hovering at the finishing tape. He crossed the line and fell to the ground clutching his young daughter.

"It's a big dream, a big goal. I can't believe it," he said as the enormity of his achievement started to sink in.

He became the third Australian man to win the race after Greg Welch and McCormack.

Eneko Llanos finished second, with Rutger Beke taking the bronze.

Provisional Results
1 8:17:45 Alexander, Craig AUS 51:43 1:41 4:37:19 2:04 2:45:01
2 8:20:50 3:05 7 Llanos Burguera, Eneko ESP 51:39 1:48 4:33:27 2:10 2:51:49
3 8:21:23 3:38 41 Beke, Rutger BEL 54:44 1:50 4:34:45 2:16 2:47:49
4 8:21:46 4:01 31 Schildknecht, Ronnie SWI 54:56 1:58 4:34:26 2:08 2:48:20
[5 8:23:04 5:19 15 Bracht, Timo GER 52:25 1:37 4:35:25 2:30 2:51:09]
5 8:26:17 8:32 25 Brown, Cameron NZL 51:50 2:04 4:36:47 1:59 2:53:39
6 8:30:23 12:38 10 Vernay, Patrick NCL 51:58 1:52 4:42:49 2:06 2:51:40
7 8:33:50 16:05 36 Potts, Andy USA 48:38 1:50 4:46:00 2:51 2:54:31
8 8:34:02 16:17 53 Hecht, Mathias SWI 51:42 1:46 4:36:55 2:28 3:01:13
9 8:34:47 17:02 9 Lovato, Michael USA 52:58 1:52 4:45:21 2:27 2:52:12

Update: Timo Bracht was removed from the above results for failing to complete a penalty stop

2008 Leaderboard Hawaii Ironman

2008-10-12T07:03:00.043+13:00

Women 20 miles:
* Chrissie Wellington (#101) continues to pull away from the rest of the women.
* Yvonne Van Vlerken (#156) at 13 minutes
* Sandra Wallenhorst (#127) at 16:24
* Erika Csomor (#110) at 18 minutes
* Linsey Corbin (#140) at 19:25
* Virginia Berasategui (#135) at 21:48
* Gina Ferguson (#118) at 25:30
* Bella Comerford (#128) at 25:34
* Gina Kehr (#116) at 26:50

********************************************************
The top three women at 18 miles
* Chrissie Wellington (#101)
* Yvonne Van Vlerken (#156) at 12:01
* Sandra Wallenhorst (#127) at 16:03

********************************************************
Alexander Takes it
Final Results:
1 8:17:45 Alexander, Craig AUS 51:43 1:41 4:37:19 2:04 2:45:01
2 8:20:50 3:05 7 Llanos Burguera, Eneko ESP 51:39 1:48 4:33:27 2:10 2:51:49
3 8:21:23 3:38 41 Beke, Rutger BEL 54:44 1:50 4:34:45 2:16 2:47:49
4 8:21:46 4:01 31 Schildknecht, Ronnie SWI 54:56 1:58 4:34:26 2:08 2:48:20
5 8:23:04 5:19 15 Bracht, Timo GER 52:25 1:37 4:35:25 2:30 2:51:09
6 8:26:17 8:32 25 Brown, Cameron NZL 51:50 2:04 4:36:47 1:59 2:53:39
7 8:30:23 12:38 10 Vernay, Patrick NCL 51:58 1:52 4:42:49 2:06 2:51:40
8 8:33:50 16:05 36 Potts, Andy USA 48:38 1:50 4:46:00 2:51 2:54:31
9 8:34:02 16:17 53 Hecht, Mathias SWI 51:42 1:46 4:36:55 2:28 3:01:13
10 8:34:47 17:02 9 Lovato, Michael USA 52:58 1:52 4:45:21 2:27 2:52:12
********************************************************
The women at 14 miles
* Chrissie Wellington (#101)
* Yvonne Van Vlerken (#156) at 11:45
* Sandra Wallenhorst (#127) at 14:50
* Linsey Corbin (#140) at 16:42
* Erika Csomor (#110) at 17:10
* Virginia Berasategui (#135) at 19:45
* Belinda Granger (#109) at 21:40
* Gina Ferguson (#118) at 22:09
* Bella Comerford (#128) at 23 minutes
* Dede Griesbauer (#107) at 23:13

Men 22 miles
* Craig Alexander (#2)
* Eneko Llanos Burguera (#7) at 2:50
* Rutger Beke (#41) at 4:05
* Ronnie Schildknecht (#31) at 4:55
* Timo Bracht (#15) at 5:20
* Cameron Brown (#25) at 5:30

********************************************************
Cameron Brown's early pace with Craig Alexander is now costing him as he falters and fades out of the podium positions.

Craig Alexander can only lose it now. No one is going to get by him unless he falters. The same could be said of Chrissie Wellington.

The women at 10 miles
In the lead is Chrissie Wellington (#101), followed by:
* Yvonne Van Vlerken (#156) at 11:15
* Linsey Corbin (#140) at 14:47
* Sandra Wallenhorst (#127) at 15 minutes
* Erika Csomor (#110) at 15;15
* Belinda Granger (#109) at 17:15
* Virginia Berasategui (#135) at 18:35
* Kate Major (#103) at 20:00

********************************************************
Corbin moves into second in the women's race

The first five men through the turn at the Energy Lab
1 7:23:32 2 Alexander, Craig Sydney AUS
2 7:24:16 0:45 7 Llanos Burguera, Eneko Vitoria-Ga ESP
3 7:26:36 3:04 25 Brown, Cameron Manukau NZL
4 7:26:58 3:26 41 Beke, Rutger Heverlee BEL
5 7:27:16 3:44 15 Bracht, Timo Eberbach GER

********************************************************
Craig Alexander surges into the lead, as Stadler falters to cramp and Cam Brown moves past him to third.

The women through 5.5 miles
1 6:42:04 101 Wellington, Chrissie Thetford GBR
2 6:52:07 10:04 156 Van Vlerken, Yvonne Schwarzach AUT
3 6:54:20 12:17 140 Corbin, Linsey Missoula MT USA
4 6:54:49 12:45 109 Granger, Belinda Peregian B AUS
5 6:56:48 14:44 127 Wallenhorst, Sandra Hannover GER
6 6:56:48 14:44 110 Csomor, Erika Szazhalomb HUN
7 6:57:56 15:52 104 Lawn, Joanna Parnell NZL
8 6:58:36 16:33 107 Griesbauer, Dede Boston MA USA
9 6:59:23 17:19 135 Berasategui, Virginia Bilbao ESP
10 6:59:39 17:35 124 Matter, Sibylle Plaffeien SWI

The men through 13 miles
Eneko Llanos Burguera (#7) currently leads the men's field. Behind him:
* Normann Stadler (#4) at 10 seconds
* Craig Alexander (#2) at 1:15
* Cameron Brown (#25) at 2:20
* Timo Bracht (#15) at 2:45
* Rutger Beke (#41) at 3:40
* Ronnie Schildknecht (#31) at 4 minutes
* Torbjorn Sindballe (#3) at 4:05
* Faris Al-Sultan (#11) at 4:55

********************************************************
Brown and Beke are tracking closer to the lead as well

Chrissie Wellington superb
Despite losing 7 or 8 minutes from a bike puncture, Wellington is nearly 10 minutes ahead of second place. And she is looking really good.

At 4 miles behind her are:
* Yvonne Van Vlerken (#156) at 9:35
* Belinda Granger (#109) at 11:36
* Linsey Corbin (#140) at 11:53

Eneko Llanos takes the lead
But Normann is not letting him go. Meanwhile Alexander has moved into third.

********************************************************
Alexander makes his move
Craig Alexander has pulled away from Bracht and Brown and is closing the gap on the men ahead of him.

Men 9 miles:
* Normann Stadler (#4)
* Eneko Llanos Burguera (#7) at 18 seconds
* Torbjorn Sindballe (#3) at 1:31
* Chris Lieto (#6) at 1:51
* Craig Alexander (#2) at 2:30
* Timo Bracht (#15) at 2:40
* Cameron Brown (#25) at 2:40
* Faris Al-Sultan (#11) at 3:40
* Rutger Beke (#41)
* Ronnie Schildknecht (#31)

********************************************************
Women at 1 mile
* Chrissie Wellington (#101)
* Belinda Granger (#109) at 8:30
* Yvonne Van Vlerken (#156) at 8:40
* Linsey Corbin (#140) at 11:08
* Joanna Lawn (#104) at 12:37
* Dede Griesbauer (#107) at 12:55

********************************************************
Men at 6 miles
* Normann Stadler (#4)
* Torbjorn Sindballe (#3) at 3 seconds
* Eneko Llanos Burguera (#7) at 26 seconds
* Chris Lieto (#6) at 1:50
* Faris Al-Sultan (#11) at 3:17
* Timo Bracht (#15) at 3:25
* Cameron Brown (#25) at 3:25
* Craig Alexander (#2) at 3:35

********************************************************
Brown and Alexander are running together and keying off each other. In 4 miles they have picked up nearly 4 minutes. Stadler in now in the lead.

********************************************************
Women at 100 miles

* Chrissie Wellington (#101)
* Belinda Granger (#109) at 4:33
* Yvonne Van Vlerken (#156) at 6:40
* Dede Griesbauer (#107) at 8 minutes
* Joanna Lawn (#104) at 8:55
* Linsey Corbin (#140) at 8:58

********************************************************
Stadler has moved passed Lieto on the run after a couple of miles, and Cam Brown and Craig Alexander have reduced their T2 gap on the leader by 2 minutes and are just behind Bryan Rhodes.

********************************************************
Men off the bike

1 5:21:32 3 Sindballe, Torbjorn Horsholm DNK
2 5:25:49 4:17 6 Lieto, Chris Danville CA USA
3 5:26:02 4:30 4 Stadler, Normann Mannheim GER
4 5:26:53 5:21 7 Llanos Burguera, Eneko Vitoria-Ga ESP
5 5:27:08 5:37 11 Al-Sultan, Faris Al-Ain ABU UAE
6 5:27:51 6:19 24 Juhanson, Ain Alar Tartu EST
7 5:29:25 7:53 35 Rhodes, Bryan Taupo NZL
8 5:29:26 7:54 15 Bracht, Timo Eberbach GER
9 5:30:22 8:50 53 Hecht, Mathias Willisau SWI
10 5:30:39 9:08 25 Brown, Cameron Manukau NZL

Right with Brown was Craig Alexander.

********************************************************
The women through 95 miles
* Chrissie Wellington (#101)
* Belinda Granger (#109) at 3:30
* Dede Griesbauer (#107) at 6:14
* Yvonne Van Vlerken (#156) at 6:15
* Joanna Lawn (#104) at 7:30
* Linsey Corbin (#140) at 7:31
* Gina Kehr (#116) at 8:18
* Sibylle Matter (#124) at 8:40
* Erika Csomor (#110) at 9 minutes

The story about Wellington being unable to change her tubular appears to be false. She was riding clinchers, and because a spoke was going through the tube, she was refilling without success.

********************************************************
Sinballe through to the run in first place. Stadler had moved up to third and looks really great on the run.

********************************************************
Sinballe has suddenly increased his lead to 4 minutes as he heads for T2.

********************************************************

Chrissie Wellington is having a phenomenal race. She lost 10 minutes unable to get her tire off after a puncture and she is back in the lead. Jo Lawn is looking good.

Macca's retirement was due to mechanical problems. He decided the 20 minute estimate to fix it, was just too long.

********************************************************
Bike: 90 miles

Men
1 4:23:08 3 Sindballe, Torbjorn Horsholm DNK
2 4:25:20 2:13 6 Lieto, Chris Danville CA USA
3 4:27:28 4:20 7 Llanos Burguera, Eneko Vitoria-Ga ESP
4 4:27:31 4:24 11 Al-Sultan, Faris Al-Ain ABU UAE
5 4:27:34 4:27 4 Stadler, Normann Mannheim GER
6 4:29:21 6:14 15 Bracht, Timo Eberbach GER
7 4:29:23 6:15 35 Rhodes, Bryan Taupo NZL
8 4:29:36 6:28 25 Brown, Cameron Manukau NZL
9 4:29:41 6:34 2 Alexander, Craig Sydney AUS
10 4:29:44 6:36 53 Hecht, Mathias Willisau SWI
11 4:30:10 7:02 24 Juhanson, Ain Alar Tartu EST
12 4:30:48 7:41 26 Twelsiek, Maik Lemgo GER
13 4:31:42 8:34 41 Beke, Rutger Heverlee BEL
14 4:31:47 8:40 31 Schildknecht, Ronnie Ruschlikon SWI
15 4:31:49 8:41 68 Van Lierde, Frederik Menen BEL
16 4:32:09 9:02 13 Sturla, Eduardo Buenos Air BS ARG
17 4:32:31 9:23 10 Vernay, Patrick Noumea NCL
18 4:32:38 9:31 36 Potts, Andy Colorado S CO USA
19 4:33:43 10:35 71 Marr, Timothy Honolulu HI USA
20 4:33:51 10:44 5 Vanhoenacker, Marino Jabbeke BEL

Women (between 85-90 miles)
* Chrissie Wellington (#101)
* Belinda Granger (#109) at 1:02
* Dede Griesbauer (#107) at 2:22
* Leanda Cave (#108) at 4:09
* Joanna Lawn (#104) at 5:03
* Yvonne Van Vlerken (#156) at 5:10
* Linsey Corbin (#140) at 5:11
* Gina Kehr (#116) at 5:25
* Erika Csomor (#110) at 6:25
* Gina Ferguson (#118) at 7:45

********************************************************
Chris McCormack is out! The defending champion has thrown in the towel. Normann Stadler, two time winner has moved out of the chasing group and is closing on the three leaders.

Wellington has made up two of the ten minutes she lost to puncture when a spoke went through her tyre.

********************************************************
60 miles
Men:
1 3:17:18 3 Sindballe, Torbjorn Horsholm DNK
2 3:17:21 0:03 6 Lieto, Chris Danville CA USA
3 3:18:14 0:57 11 Al-Sultan, Faris Al-Ain ABU UAE
4 3:20:06 2:49 7 Llanos Burguera, Eneko Vitoria-Ga ESP
5 3:20:23 3:05 35 Rhodes, Bryan Taupo NZL
6 3:20:26 3:09 4 Stadler, Normann Mannheim GER
7 3:20:31 3:13 25 Brown, Cameron Manukau NZL
8 3:20:44 3:26 15 Bracht, Timo Eberbach GER
9 3:20:46 3:28 53 Hecht, Mathias Willisau SWI
10 3:20:49 3:31 2 Alexander, Craig Sydney AUS

Women:
1 3:43:57 109 Granger, Belinda Peregian B AUS
2 3:43:59 0:02 107 Griesbauer, Dede Boston MA USA
3 3:44:02 0:05 108 Cave, Leanda Mill Valle CA USA
4 3:46:56 2:59 113 Norton, Tara Toronto ON CAN
5 3:47:21 3:24 101 Wellington, Chrissie Thetford GBR
6 3:47:27 3:30 135 Berasategui, Virginia Bilbao ESP
7 3:47:37 3:40 118 Ferguson, Gina Oxford NZL
8 3:47:38 3:41 106 Keat, Rebekah Burleigh H QLD AUS
9 3:47:40 3:43 124 Matter, Sibylle Plaffeien SWI
10 3:47:54 3:57 116 Kehr, Gina Redwood Ci CA USA

********************************************************
Drama for Chrissie Wellington

Wellington had blasted her way into the lead until disaster struck in the form of a puncture. Until recently she had always ridden on clinchers. Today she is riding tubulars and is unable to get them off. Finally after Rebekah Keat sportingly stopped to help she is back on the road some 10 minutes down on where she would have been.

Conditions are extremely tough out there, with even the top guns getting blown all over the road.

********************************************************
Bike 15 miles
MEN:
* Benjamin Sanson (#178)
* Andy Potts (#36) at 3 seconds
* Chris Lieto (#6) at 2:05
* Chris McCormack (#1) at 2:05
* Luke McKenzie (#19) at 2:05
* Bryan Rhodes (#35) at 2:05
* Cameron Brown (#25) at 2:05
* Craig Alexander (#2) at 2:05
* Faris Al-Sultan (#11) at 2;05
* Pete Jacobs (#159) at 2:05

Women:
* Dede Griesbauer (#107)
* Nina Kraft (#119) at 4 seconds
* Chrissie Wellington (#101) at 15 seconds
* Gina Kehr (#116) at 44 seconds
* Gina Ferguson (#118) at 1:18
* Belinda Granger (#109) at 1:28
* Rebekah Keat (#106) at 1:30
* Sibylle Matter (#124) at 4:02
* Erika Csomor (#110) at 4:24
* Virginia Berasategui (#135) at 5:04

********************************************************
Out of T1

Men
1 50:28 36 Potts, Andy Colorado S CO USA
2 50:41 0:13 178 Sanson, Benjamin Bordeaux FRA
3 50:45 0:17 159 Jacobs, Pete Sydney NSW AUS
4 53:03 2:35 35 Rhodes, Bryan Taupo NZL
5 53:12 2:44 8 Van Lierde, Luc Brugge BEL
6 53:15 2:47 85 Goehler, Rene Saarbrueck GER
7 53:23 2:55 2 Alexander, Craig Sydney AUS
8 53:25 2:57 19 McKenzie, Luke Gold Coast NSW AUS
9 53:27 2:59 7 Llanos Burguera, Eneko Vitoria-Ga ESP
10 53:27 2:59 53 Hecht, Mathias Willisau SWI

Women
1 56:44 116 Kehr, Gina Redwood Ci CA USA
2 56:47 0:03 108 Cave, Leanda Mill Valle CA USA
3 56:51 0:07 119 Kraft, Nina Braunschwe GRD
4 56:57 0:14 107 Griesbauer, Dede Boston MA USA
5 56:59 0:15 118 Ferguson, Gina Oxford NZL
6 57:16 0:32 158 Biscay, Hillary Tucson AZ USA
7 58:26 1:42 101 Wellington, Chrissie Thetford GBR
8 58:26 1:43 109 Granger, Belinda Peregian B AUS
9 58:29 1:45 106 Keat, Rebekah Burleigh H QLD AUS
10 59:18 2:34 124 Matter, Sibylle Plaffeien SWI

********************************************************
Out of the water!

Top 10 women out of the water
1 54:35 158 Biscay, Hillary Tucson AZ USA
2 54:45 0:10 116 Kehr, Gina Redwood Ci CA USA
3 54:45 0:10 118 Ferguson, Gina Oxford NZL
4 54:46 0:11 119 Kraft, Nina Braunschwe GRD
5 54:51 0:16 108 Cave, Leanda Mill Valle CA USA
6 54:52 0:17 107 Griesbauer, Dede Boston MA USA
7 56:09 1:35 109 Granger, Belinda Peregian B AUS
8 56:15 1:40 124 Matter, Sibylle Plaffeien SWI
9 56:17 1:42 145 Kolters, Charlotte Farum DNK
10 56:19 1:45 106 Keat, Rebekah Burleigh H QLD AUS

Men's swim leaders
1 48:38 36 Potts, Andy Colorado S CO USA
2 48:40 0:02 178 Sanson, Benjamin Bordeaux FRA
3 48:43 0:05 159 Jacobs, Pete Sydney NSW AUS
4 51:26 2:48 35 Rhodes, Bryan Taupo NZL
5 51:27 2:49 8 Van Lierde, Luc Brugge BEL
6 51:36 2:58 19 McKenzie, Luke Gold Coast NSW AUS
7 51:37 2:59 85 Goehler, Rene Saarbrueck GER
8 51:39 3:01 7 Llanos Burguera, Eneko Vitoria-Ga ESP
9 51:41 3:03 29 Bayliss, Stephen Carshalton GBR
10 51:42 3:04 53 Hecht, Mathias Willisau SWI

Hawaii Ironman Leaderboard 2008

2008-10-11T22:39:00.003+13:00

Well, its the big day tomorrow. Getting online access to the Ironman website can often be problematic on race day. So watch this space for the race Leaderboard in Kona.

No predictions from The Pink Triathlete this year. Best of luck to the Kiwis, in particular Cam Brown, Jo Lawn, Gina Ferguson and Bryan Rhodes.

Bryan Rhodes to race in Kona

2008-10-08T21:08:00.000+13:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
8th October 2008.

Taupo Ironman competitor Bryan Rhodes has thrown his hat into the ring at Kona this weekend, making a late decision to contest the World Ironman Championship.

Rhodes makes a return to the holy grail of Ironman racing after last racing there in 2006. He and Coach Graham Park decided his recovery from winning Ironman Canada in August has been sufficient to line up on Sunday (NZT).

For most of this season Rhodes has been based in Boulder, Colorado in the USA. Training in the heat of the USA summer and gaining that extra edge to his training with the 'altitude effect' described by Coach Park as ideal preparation.

As usual his recent swim times have seen him emerge out of the water within seconds of the leader if not in first place. The key then for Rhodes will be to position his new Cervelo in the lead bunch off the bike.

If he can do that and put together a similar run that took him to victory in Canada, the number two ranked Kiwi male Ironman says he shouldn’t be ruled out of a top placing.

Rhodes will line up alongside fellow New Zealander and one of the race favourites in Cameron Brown while in the women’s elite pro category, Jo Lawn and Gina Ferguson both go in with high hopes.

The race takes place on Sunday (NZT).

Triathletes dominate NZ's premier MTB Marathon

2008-10-06T21:03:00.001+13:00

Press Release: Mark Leishman.
6th October 2008.

Kiwi XTERRA athletes proved their chances at October 26th's World Championships are in great shape, after dominating New Zealand's premier Mountainbike Marathon, the Whaka 100 over the weekend.

Fresh off the back of 7 weeks training in the south of France with Cameron Brown, it was Hamilton's Scott Thorne (NZ XTERRA#3), who lead home an impressive field to take his 2nd win in the event, followed home by friend and arch rival Mark "Cabin" Leishman (current XTERRA NZ #2). The pair were trailed in by National XC champion Stu Houltham (also of Palmerston North) in 3rd.

Recognized as New Zealand's premier Mountainbike Marathon, the gruelling 100km event drew a classy field of athletes, all with an eye on the $1000 bonus on offer for the first athlete able to break the magic 5hr barrier. Spurred on by the incentive Leishman, Thorne, and Houltham forced a torrid pace that obliterated not only the rest of the field, but the race record as well. All three went under the magic 5hr mark, Thorne eventually smashing the record by more than 20min. Finishing in an amazing 4hr43, followed home by Leishman some 4 minutes later.

"Awesome" was Thorne's reaction. "I haven't really felt that flash since returning from France, and I almost didn't front for the race. But I had a great sleep last night, woke up refreshed, and the rest is history!"

Leishman's reaction was similar. "I wasn't sure how my endurance was, as all my prep has been for XTERRA, a 3hr triathlon. Last time I spent 5hrs on a bike was at this race last year! But I was pretty keen for someone to break the 5hrs though, so drilled it for the first couple of hours to ensure we were on pace for the record. I'm happy. At the end of the day Scott was just stronger."

The race was also an eye opener for National Champion Houltham, who pushed the two Triathletes hard, but in the end couldn't match their endurance. " I had a great ride," commented Houltham, "but I just haven't done enough of these marathon events to sustain that pace for that long. Next year!"

Thorne and Leishman then promptly bemused their exhausted rivals as they pulled on their running shoes for a 'quick' 30min gallop in the forest.

Leary also looking strong

The shorter 50km support event also showcased NZ's XTERRA talent, as again, athletes prparing for Maui stole the show from their more fancied rivals.

In the men's event, it was Carl Jones (NZ XTERRA 18-24 champion) going head to head with NZ junior MTB representative Ash Hough. Battling neck and neck, in the end it was Jones who would pull away for the win. And in the women's, it was no different.

Mountainbike specialists took a back seat as Leishman's partner Nic Leary, (NZ XTERRA Elite #3) went head to head with NZ Elite MTB U23 #1 (and XTERRA NZ 18-24 champion) Monique Avery. Locked in battle throughout, Leary struck her killer blow on the penultimate climb, breaking free to establish a 2 minute gap. However, Leary was lead astray as she followed two other riders (not in the race, but who had joined the action) who took a wrong turn.

Despite crossing the line a comfortable winner, upon realising the mistake, Leary removed herself from the results. Disappointed, but happy to "bank it as a solid training day, and look forward to a better result in Maui."

The NZ XTERRA contingent all meet up again in just over a fortnight on Makena Beach, on the island of Maui. As they line up to do battle with 500 of the best XTERRA athletes from around the globe as they challenge for the 2008 XTERRA World Championship.

Wakatipu course attracts competitive field for Trustpower Adventure Quest

2008-10-05T20:57:00.000+13:00

Press Release: Southern Traverse Ltd.
5th October 2008.

The TrustPower Adventure Quest in Queenstown attracted 56 teams prepared to brave very wet and windy conditions on Saturday (October 4) with most competitors persevering on the innovative course taking in hills around the Central Wakatipu Basin and the Shotover River flats.

The annual event reflected the traditionally strong field with a mix of serious racers, orienteering experts and social competitors.
Race Director Geoff Hunt says although the weather was particularly bad in the morning, by early afternoon it had cleared and the teams encountered sunny conditions, for the latter part of the course.

"The Quest is really a mini sporting adventure requiring teamwork, clue solving and orienteering and this year it began at the Old Shotover Bridge, following a course which involved trekking around the local countryside and cycling along the Shotover River. The feedback we got was very positive and competitors went to places they didn't know existed in the area."

The race was divided into adventure (serious) and social divisions and New Zealand orienteering representative Bruce McLeod and his race partner Phil Wood of Queenstown, racing under the banner of Aurum Survey, displayed their navigational skills and were clear winners in the Open Adventure section.

"It was great to explore such new country," says Phil. "Certainly there were areas I didn't know about and will be heading back to again."

Well known Queenstown athletes Judy Knight and Paula Key won the Women's Adventure race while the Adventure Mixed went to The Funksters, the Queenstown team of Sarah Cole and Richard Lambert.

Veteran multisport athletes Bill and Irene Godsall from Cromwell, arrived three minutes late at the finish, which dropped them out of contention for first place in the Adventure Mixed.

"For each minute a team is late getting home they lose a minute which is worth one point," says Hunt. "So it was important for teams to complete the race within the allotted time."

The Social Open category was won by one of the two Placemakers teams who sponsored the event. The honours went to Lucas Fornes and Mark Littleton.
Long time TrustPower Adventure Quest supporter Robyn Metcalfe of Queenstown who has entered the event every year and is a previous winner of the Social Mixed section, won it again this year with partner Sue Tait of Queenstown, racing as The Blondines.

"We loved it although the torrential rain was a bit of a challenge," says Robyn. "However the sun came out and we had a great time particularly going along the back of Queenstown Hill. It's a great race to enter because there's not too much pressure, it' a bit more strategic."

The Breezies, represented by Emma Lange and Phil Crosbie, a More FM sponsor's team won the Mixed Social section.

Frontrunner which sponsored the event also entered a team and the award for the youngest competitor of the day went to 10-year-old Malcolm Sillars of Invercargill who competed in a family team with his father and sister.

The TrustPower Adventure Quest is supported by TrustPower, More FM, Hamills, Onsen Hot Pools, The Studio, Placemarkers, The Frontrunner and Fat Tyre Mountain Bike Adventures.

Manawatu Triathlon Club delivers two thirds of Kiwi Duathlon golds

2008-10-01T07:42:00.002+13:00

Manawatu's Carolyn Martin (55 to 59) and Struan Webb (18 to 19) grabbed gold at the World Duathlon Championships in Rimini, Italy over the weekend. Stephanie Anderson added to the Kiwi tally with Gold in the 20 to 24 age group, and Ray Bennett took Bronze in the 75-79 group.

This is great for the central North Island club which already boasts among its members Mark Leishman, Tama Christensen and Kris Gemmell, and launched the career of Kieran Doe.

Team Manager Ally Boggs described the weekend as superb, despite some less than average weather.

"What a wonderful weekend we have enjoyed here in Rimini. The weather has not been great but the attitude and determination of the team has been top class. This effort has been reflected in some superb results, with everyone putting in a great race to do the uniform proud."

Racing was conducted over the traditional run, bike, run format with athletes competing from all around the world.

In the elite races, Victoria Beck was 14th in the women's while Michael Harris did not finish the men's, Ben McHale was 15th in the U23 men's, Hayleigh Niterl was 18th in the U19 women's, and in the U19 men's Nathan Coombes was 22nd, Sam Osborne 27th, Nick Rennie 29th and Tom Francis 30th.

Leading results for NZ Age Group athletes
18 to 19 Men Struan Webb GOLD
20 to 24 Women Stephanie Anderson GOLD
55 to 59 Women Carolyn Martin GOLD
75 to 79 Men Ray Bennett BRONZE

Sam Warriner grabs silver and moves to second in rankings

2008-09-29T06:24:00.003+13:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
28th September 2008.

On a sunny and crisp morning in northwestern France, Sam Warriner from Whangarei raced to silver in the first BG World Cup since the Olympic Games, finishing behind Lisa Norden of Sweden.

Sam Warriner on the podim in Lorient
Credit: Frank Wechsel/triathlon.org

Norden's finishing time of 2 hours 2 minutes 5 seconds was enough to handily take home the first world cup victory of her career and the first for Sweden in ITU history. In second place was Warriner, 34 seconds back, who, with silver, makes a bold jump in the world rankings and is a threat for the 2008 world cup title with one event to go. To the cheers of the home crowd, in third with her first world cup medal, only another 4 seconds back, was 2008 Olympian Jessica Harrison of France.

Warriner takes us through a great day.

"I did not have the best swim start as I started next to Sarah Groff, the fastest swimmer but the referee did not say the usual 'athletes your under the starters command' he just said 'get set' and then 'go' so I belly flopped into the water! However I did not panic I just focused on getting out there and got to the buoy on the inside and held my position in the main pack for the whole swim.

"I quite enjoyed the swim despite there was someone next to me who was obviously drafting off me, which is fine yet she was so close that she kept hitting me and disrupting my stroke which was frustrating. However at the next buoy I got on the inside, accelerated and dropped her…thank god. I came out in the main bunch, had a great transition and led the chase to the front two who lead the swim and caught them on the second lap.

"The bike was then erratic and messy. To be honest I did not race that smartly as I wanted to keep myself in the front four or five but I some how managed to be in the top two so wasted a lot of energy as I always seemed to be chasing attacks that never led anywhere. Anyway I had a good transition and got out in second for the start of the run.

"For the first few kilometers I did not feel great on the run but was determined to hang on to the front runners who one by one dropped off the pace except for one. I ran well, considering my strong bike so I was stoked. I could not keep up with the pace of Lisa Norden (Sweden) but to finish so strongly at the end and be back on the podium at the World Cup was awesome.

"It meant so much because of my disappointment at the Olympics. People say that champions are ones that come back from a failure and disappointment and today I did that. Every time I stand on the podium at a World Cup there is no better feeling because you know how hard and what it took to get there.

"So today's result was not only great to say 'Sam is back' but also as I have now cemented my spot as the World Cup number 2 and I'm only 24 points behind the number 1 spot. So one more good position at Mexico could mean I take the top spot."

Three distinct groups formed during the wetsuit swim and headed out onto the rolling bike course separated by a dozen seconds. It wasn't until the third of eight laps that the chasers would reel in Harrison and Sarah Groff of the United States forming a lead group of 17. The leaders were not content to sit up and coast as multiple attacks kept the pace high ensuring the podium would come from this group.

Onto the flat 10-kilometre run course, Norden moved to the front and never looked back taking the win. It was the battle for third that took most of the attention as Luxembourg's Elizabeth May looked to have the bronze sewn up until a late charge by Harrison enabled the Frenchwoman to surge past May in the final kilometre and claim bronze.

""I'm not sure where I found the energy on the last lap of the run, but the crowd got behind me and I came through," said Harrison. "I'm very pleased, it's my first podium, and I'm on home soil."

With her silver medal performance, Warriner moves up to second in the BG Triathlon World Cup series rankings and within striking distance of the overall series title as current number one Felicity Abram of Australia faltered with an eleventh place finish.

Andrea Hewitt finished inside the top ten (9th), Debbie Tanner was 14th while Nicky Samuels recorded an encouraging 17th on her return to World Cup racing after an injury plagued few months.

Samuels reflects on a steady return to racing after months out with a stress fracture.

"The run was sluggish but I knew it would be. I think I ran about 37-38 minutes but will have to see when the results come up. It could have been worse! My calf muscles and whole right side of my body (the fracture side) is killing me but I think everything will be ok, just muscular and something I will have to continue to work on when I get home."

In the men's race Clark Ellice recorded a brilliant result in finishing 7th, 44 seconds behind the medals. Kris Gemmell withdrew during the run, no details are available at this time.

The final series event will be in Huatulco, Mexico on October 26th.

Lorient BG Triathlon World Cup, Elite Women - Official Results 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Gold – Lisa Norden (SWE) 2:02:05
Silver – Samantha Warriner (NZL) 2:02:39
Bronze – Jessica Harrison (FRA) 2:02:44
4 – Sarah Groff (USA) 2:02:52
5 – Elizabeth May (LUX) 2:02:53
6 – Anja Dittmer (GER) 2:02:59
7 – Magali dimarco Messmer (SUI) 2:03:03
8 – Nicola Spirig (SUI) 2:03:10
9 – Andrea Hewitt (NZL) 2:03:15
10 – Andrea Whitcombe (GBR) 2:03:50
Plus 14 – Debbie Tanner (NZL) 2.05.20 17 – Nicky Samuels (NZL) 2.06.10

Lorient BG Triathlon World Cup, Elite Men - Official Results 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Gold – Cedric Fleureton (FRA) 1:49:53
Silver – Tony Moulai (FRA) 1:51:01
Bronze – Ivan Rana (ESP) 1:51:10
4 – Steffen Justus (GER) 1:51:18
5 – Laurent Vidal (FRA) 1:51:24
6 – Oliver Freeman (GBR) 1:51:30
7 – Clarke Ellice (NZL) 1:51:54
8 – Dmitry Polyansky (RUS) 1:51:58
9 – Nils Frommhold (GER) 1:51:59
10 – Jonathan Zipf (GER) 1:51:59
DNF- Kris Gemmell (NZL)

New Zealanders feature strongly at Lorient World Cup this weekend

2008-09-27T06:20:00.000+12:00

Press Release: ITU via Triathlon New Zealand.
26th September 2008.

The 2008 BG Triathlon World Cup series resumes this Saturday with round 11 in Lorient, France. This marks the first time Lorient will host a world cup and the first time in France since 2003 in Nice. In all, 35 Olympians from the Beiijng Games return to the world cup circuit. With just two world cups to go, the race for the $250,000 USD bonus pool is heating up.

In the women's field, world number one Felicity Abram looks to continue her stellar season. Already with four world cup podiums this year, more than any other woman, Abram will be keen to maintain her hold on number one. She'll be in tough with world number three Sam Warriner of New Zealand taking aim for the top spot. Despite a disappointing 16th place finish at the Olympic Games, Warriner has had an impressive year that includes a world cup win in South Korea and bronze medals at the world championships and the Kitzbühel BG Triathlon World Cup.

Joining her on the Lorient start list are Kiwi Olympic teammates Debbie Tanner and Andrea Hewitt. Along with Nicky Samuels, New Zealand will field a star studded roster in Lorient.

A few major European names will also be vying for the podium including Swiss Olympians Nicola Spirig, this year's Kitzbühel world cup winner, and Magali Di marco, Sydney bronze medallist. Swede Lisa Norden looks to resume a break-out season in which she made the podium at the first two world cups this year.

Also in the field is Athens Olympic gold medallist Kate Allen. A formidable runner, Allen posted the third fastest run at the Beijing Olympic Games behind only gold medallist Emma Snowsill and silver medallist Vanessa Fernandes. She will be seeking her first world cup podium since taking bronze in Salford last year.

Highlighting the men's field is a host of solid contenders including the home team. France enters a line-up of ten men that includes all three Beijing Olympians; Frederic Belaubre, Tony Moulai and Laurent Vidal. They'll hope to duplicate the team's success at the European Championships earlier this year in which France took gold and silver. Also on the start line will be Aurélien Raphael, the highly touted youngster who will make his world cup debut this Saturday. Raphael was crowned junior world champion in 2007 and junior European champion in 2006. French teenager Vincent Luis, the reigning junior world champion, will also make his world cup debut in Lorient. Earlier this year in Athlone, Ireland, he out-sprinted teammate Raphael for his first ITU elite title.

Great Britain is expected to start a strong team that includes Olympians Will Clarke and Alistair Brownlee. Earlier this year Brownlee won the under23 world championships. Ranked eighth in the world cup rankings, Oliver Freeman is also expected to race in Lorient.

Also expected in Lorient will be Spanish triple Olympian Ivan Rana and Kris Gemmell of New Zealand. Rana finished in fifth place in Beijing and won in Kitzbühel, Austria in July, the final world cup before the Olympic Games. Gemmell is looking to rebound from a disappointing Olympic Games in which he struggled with a foot injury.

The race will be standard Olympic distance starting with a 1.5-kilometer swim, followed by a 40-kilometer bike and finishes with a 10-kilometer run. The elite women start at 11:30am (all times CEST - UTC/GMT +2) while the elite men follow at 3pm. Log onto triathlon.org for live video coverage and live timing and text from the Lorient BG Triathlon World Cup.

Lee Greer wins Balkan Championships

2008-09-23T06:42:00.000+12:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
22nd September 2008.

Serbia yesterday hosted the Balkan Triathlon Championships in Belgrade but it was a relatively unknown Kiwi from the other side of the world who stood atop the podium.

22 year old Lee Greer capped a successful few weeks in Europe with victory in an event that also doubled as an ITU European Cup race and included double Olympian Russian Igor Sysoev plus numerous high profile Eastern Europeans looking for strong results to end their season.

Dargaville's Greer tells the tale of a race that might well have had two Kiwis on the podium, but for the bad luck of a puncture to Graham O'Grady.

"It was a wetsuit swim, and a cool one at that with 13 degree temperatures in a lake on the border of Romania and Serbia. I had a great swim, leading the whole way with a guy from Hungary with Graham O'Grady on our feet, we managed to put a gap on the field into transition.

"We all had fast transitions and were quick to get to work on the 9 lap bike course. There were really strong winds and sometimes we would be hardly moving in parts of the head wind. The first 4 laps were really intense with Graham doing a lot of hard work to increase our gap on the chase group.

"Around the 20km mark we thought we had a 1 min lead so we talked to each other and increased the tempo. It was at this time Graham suffered a puncture and was out of the race leaving me and the guy from Hungary to try and hold off the chasers. I was actually thinking of stopping and giving Graham my wheel as I thought he could win and I would probably slowly fade back through the field as I was in the hurt box. Something then clicked and I started to feel really good and I started drilling some long turns on the front into the head wind.

"The two of us led off the bike with 90 seconds lead on a few chasing riders and 3.30 back to the main chase pack with Ben Visser. The guy from Hungary held the lead for the first half and had put 20 metres on me as I was paying for the 100% effort I had put in on the bike. It was at this point I started to pull him in until we were running side by side. I then put in a surge with 3km to go and looked back to see he was hurting just as much as me so I started feeding it to him and eventually he Broke."

Greer went on to win by 28 seconds with fellow Kiwi Ben Visser finishing in the main bunch in tenth place.

ITU European Cup, Serbia (Balkan Championships)
Elite Men
1. Lee Greer NZL 1:49:29
2. Adam Molnar HUN 1:49:57
3. Ludovic Dernier BEL 1:50:25
4. David Plese SLO 1:51:25
5. Janour Jan CZE 1:51:48
Plus
10. Ben Visser NZL 1:53:05

Kiwi's podium in Europe and California

2008-09-15T16:42:00.001+12:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
15th September 2008.

New Zealand Triathletes continue to fly the flag proudly in Europe and North America with podiums on both continents this weekend thanks to Graham O'Grady and Callum Millward.

First up was Graham O'Grady enjoying his best result of the season with a podium finish in Vienna yesterday.

O'Grady was racing in the ITU Vienna Triathlon on the European Cup circuit and had Kiwi company in Lee Greer and Ben Visser in the men's and Julia Grant, Anna Elvery in the women's race.

O'Grady looks back on a strong finish in a good quality field.

"I have had a really easy last 10 days to help freshen up for this event and it paid off. I was feeling quite good so were hoping things would come together here in Austria.

"On Friday night we were sitting around waiting for race briefing to kick off, watching the athletes roll in, and with each strong athlete that we recognized we ticked another place and to be honest thought 'there goes the top 10!'

"It was indeed quite a good field lining up but I carried on about my business and focused on what I needed to do to have a good race. Racing at four in the afternoon isn't the most enjoyable time to race, there is too much time to think of things to worry about during the day!

"I started well in the one loop swim. The 690m to the first turn meant there wasn't too much fighting, everyone just found some space and got on with it. I was comfortably in around 5th place at the turn and remained there till the swim exit.
"Out on the 4 lap cycle leg I pushed the pace early to try and form a group to get away but when I looked back there must have been at least 20 guys strung out in a line following. Nevertheless I worked hard on the front in the first 25km trying a few times to break away but nothing stuck.

"At the 30km mark I led through the turnaround, which was a series of 3 tight corners, I got a gap and was off. Another athlete joined me and we went for it, driving it hard over the last 10km's. By the time we got back to transition we had I think around a minute lead.

"I was running scared wondering how long it would take to get mauled by the 50 athletes coming off the bike together behind us. At the 500m mark I hit the lead of the race, the run was 5 'out and back' loops so you could see what the time gaps were every few minutes. As I expected I lost a lot of time in the first 2km with every one in the chase pack racing each other on adrenalin in the first stages of the run. I was able to start out at a comfortable pace for me and build on that. I held the lead till just after the 7km mark, but managed to keep things together and cross the line 2nd 30secs off the win and a few seconds ahead of 3rd.

"I am really happy, although it would have been fantastic to have won, I am pleased to have put together an honest race and finish on the podium."

The other Kiwis didn't fare so well with Lee Greer in 29th and Ben Visser 38th in a fiercely competitive event.

In the women's race Kelly Bruce was pleased with her efforts in securing a top ten finish (8th) while Julia Grant was over five minutes off the lead in 18th and Anna Elvery had the misfortune of a puncture during the bike leg, forcing her out of the race for what she described as "a long way to come for a flat tyre!"

ITU Vienna Triathlon European Cup
Elite Men
1 Nils Frommhold GER 1.43.44
2 Graham O'Grady NZL 1.44.13
3 Igor Sysoev RUS 1.44.20
4 Yulian Malyshev RUS 1.44.46
5 Ivan Tutukin RUS 1.45.01
Plus
29 Lee Greer NZL 1.47.16
38 Ben Visser NZL 1.48.07

Elite Women
1 Rebecca Robisch GER 1.56.28
2 Tania Haiboeck AUT 1.57.12
3 Kathrin Muller GER 1.57.25
4 Helle Frederiksen DEN 1.57.38
5 Irina Abyssova RUS 1.58.10
Plus
8 Kelly Bruce NZL 1.59.15
18 Julia Grant NZL 2.04.51
DNF Anna Elvery NZL

In other results Callum Millward continues his slow but sure return to top level racing after suffering calf muscle injuries some 12 months ago that threatened his future in the sport.

Millward finished a creditable third in the Pacific Grove Triathlon on the California Coast, one of the big non-drafting races on the North American calendar.

The race doubled as a qualifying event for the famous and rich Escape From Alcatraz Event.

Pacific Grove Triathlon
Pro Men
1. Victor Plata USA 1:50:19
2. Joe Umphenour USA 1:50:32
3. Callum Millward NZL 1:50:54

Sam Warriner takes on Siri Lindley as coach

2008-09-11T16:39:00.000+12:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
11th September 2008.

Kiwi Triathlete Sam Warriner has made her intentions to continue racing well and truly clear with today's announcement that she will work with a new coach, former world number one athlete Siri Lindley.

The multiple world champion American dominated the sport at the turn of the century and has made a smooth transition into the coaching ranks, looking after Lauren Groves (Canadian National Champion), Miranda Carfrae (Australia, World Champion), Sarah Groff (USA), Michelle Dillon (UK) and Mary Beth Ellis (USA).

In making the move, Warriner is quick to acknowledge the great support and advice from her previous coaches. Warriner appreciates she has worked with some of the best coaches during her career so far, people like Ian Babe, Brendon Downey and Murray Healey of Fat Dogs Coaching in Whangarei, all of whom have helped her amass 6 ITU World Cup wins and World Championship podiums.

"Murray and I always agreed that he would take me as far as the Beijing Olympics," said Warriner. "Murray has a young family and business and has worked tirelessly over the past two years for the Olympic campaign."

"I'm now ready to take the next step, I've won big races but I'd like to be a World Champion before my career is over and I feel I need the guidance of somebody who has actually competed at an international level if I am to achieve this."

"It will be great for my own coaching too. I love helping others and currently coach a handful of recreational triathletes through my website www.sweat7.com. When I finally do retire I'd like to coach in New Zealand. What better way to set myself up for this than learn from one of the world's best".

When asked where Siri sees Sam's future direction in the sport heading, her response left no room for doubt about her belief in Warriner.

"Sam has had a tremendous career thus far, but I honestly believe that she has only just scratched the surface of what she is capable of….I see so much potential in her, to be the very best in the world! Sam and I will make an incredible team. I know that Sam will reach all new levels of performance under my tutelage, and with the methods I employ. I have big plans for her, and know that she is ready for all the hard work and commitment needed in order for her to achieve her greatest dreams!"

Sam Warriner announced her return to top level racing post Olympics (where she finished a disappointing 16th) and her first race under the guidance of Lindley with a victory at the final round of the final round of the British Corus Elite Series, winning twice in the space of three hours in the ‘Super Eliminator' format of racing that saw athletes race twice in under three hours over 300m swim, 7km bike and a 2.2km run.

Warriner reveled in the fast paced and competitive atmosphere, winning both her heat and then the final by ten seconds over Christine Pilz of Germany.

Warriner's response after the race was to immediately put Beijing behind her and focus on the future.

"I'm looking forward to experimenting with my racing in 2009. These two wins ( at the Corus Series) prove that I am competitive over the shorter sprint distances; I'd like to do some more of these races next year. I'm also very excited about the new World Cup series that the ITU are planning, 6 major races in capital cities around the globe. Next year is going to be all about having fun, I love racing, I love winning, and I want to do lots of both!"

Siri's knowledge and experience will be invaluable for Sam's 2009 plans.

Siri Lindley dominated the sport of triathlon during her career, she was known for her devastating run splits. Siri was the top ranked female triathlete in the world during 2001 and 2002. She amassed so many victories that even after her retirement Siri still topped the World rankings for a whole year.

Now putting back into the sport, Siri has coached a number of World Champions. Her athletes are known for their hard working nature and ability to be competitive at various distances; from Sprint distance triathlons through to Iron man.

Lindley knows what she is getting from Warriner and likes what she sees.

"Sam's fire…a fire that drives her to her best possible effort on race day, fearlessness, and her desire and willingness to do whatever it takes, to be the very best she can be!"

Sam Warriner Results 2008;
1st ITU World Cup, South Korea, 26th April.
3rd ITU World Championships, Vancouver, 8th June.
3rd ITU World Cup, Austria, 20th July.
16th Beijing Olympic Games, 18th August.

Future 2008 Races:
ITU World Cup, Lorient, France, 28th September.
US Open, Dallas, USA, 5th October.
ITU World Cup, Mexico, 26th October.

Sam is currently in 3rd place in the ITU World Rankings. Lorient and Mexico will determine her final position. Sam finished 3rd in the 2007 ranking and presently it is looking very likely that she will finish no lower than 3rd this year as the 4th and 5th places athletes are not competing in the final two events. Helen Tucker of GBR is currently placed 2nd and Sam would need to finish 8th or above in either of the two remaining events to go into 2nd. Helen is injured and not competing in the final two events.

Sam Warriner wrestles with her demons, and wins in Scottish Super Eliminator (photo)

2008-09-08T16:57:00.002+12:00

Press Release: Sam Warriner.
8th September 2008.

You could be forgiven for thinking that Sam Warriner would be on a well earned break from triathlon after her disappointing performance in Beijing just 3 weeks ago. But the woman of steel has been planning a comeback of biblical proportions since that sorry day in August.

Today Sam raced in the final round of the British Corus Elite Series and did exactly as her coach told her. The Scottish race was based around Strathclyde Park and the instructions from her coach were simple "exorcise those Beijing demons Sam, get all that anger out and then let's start looking forward".

And exorcise them she did, coming away with 2 wins in just 3 hours of racing.

The 'Super Eliminator' event saw competitors race in heats of 300 meters of swimming, 7 km's of cycling and 2.2 km's of running. The top 10 from each heat making it through to the final over the same distance.

The locals had their hopes pinned on World Junior Champion Kirsty McWilliam who was touted as being more suited to the shorter sprint distance than 37 year old Warriner. But the flying Kiwi had a battle all to herself planned and led her heat from start to finish putting paid to Scottish hopes early.

Sam's plan for the final was simple; to break away early on the bike and finally slay those demons but it wasn't to be. A group of five exited the swim together; Warriner, Christine Pilz (Germany), Jodie Swallow (GBR), Jodie Stimpson (GBR) and Kerry Lang (GBR). Sam had to be content with riding on the front for all but 100 meters of the 7 km bike when the young Stimpson dared pass her briefly before realising Sam was racing herself today and didn't intend anybody else getting in her way.

The run was a formality for the fast moving Kiwi, coming in ten seconds clear of Christine Pilz for her second win of the day.

Sam's immediate response after the finish:

"Now let's forget about Beijing and start thinking 2009"

"It was nice to be out and racing after the Olympics. I haven't really trained that much in the past couple of weeks, but I was so fit going into the Games that I've been able to stay competitive. Beijing was very disappointing for me as I was in the form of my life, but I just didn't show it on the day"

"I've done a lot of soul searching the past 3 weeks and it's not been pretty but I know exactly where I'm going now"

"I've got a lot more in me yet and don't intend to quit racing until my body starts to slow down and on the basis of today's result that could be some time"

Ben Visser of Auckland finished a worthy 10th in the mens final behind Will Clarke of Great Britain. Visser was happy with his result, he was placed well during the swim and bike, but faded from 7th starting the run leg to his final position of tenth.

Sam will be making a major announcement about her plans for 2009 later this week.

Sam Warriner and Will Clarke after winning the British Corus Elite Series Super Eliminator. Photo Courtesy www.samwarriner.co.nz

Ferguson and Bozzone both second in Singapore half

2008-09-08T07:55:00.000+12:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
7th September 2008.

It was a double dose of runner up for Kiwi triathletes Gina Ferguson and Terenzo Bozzone at the Singapore 70.3 triathlon.

Ferguson was pleased to race so strongly, given she had been crook heading into the race.

"I am more than happy to finish second behind Rebekkah Keat from Australia – that is given I came into the race with a sinus bug and cough. I found the race very difficult on the swim and the run with my breathing so yes, I am very happy with my result.

"I was going very well on the bike at one stage enjoyed a five minute lead but just 6km or so from the end I got a puncture. This cost me that time and some more, meaning I ended the bike leg a couple of minutes down in 4th position. Onto the run I was unable to go faster than my ‘Ironman speed’ as it was hard to breathe but managed to run my way into 2nd position.

"I have been training in Australia for the past month, mainly in Cairns, so that has helped in my preparation for this race and hopefully also for Hawaii. For now I hope to get better soon and then next up for me is Hawaii Ironman which is very exciting."

Further details are not available at this time, for results and information, please check: www.ironman703singapore.com

Cam Brown wins in France

2008-09-08T07:51:00.001+12:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
7th September 2008.

Cameron Brown has rounded out his European build up for the Hawaii Ironman with a comprehensive victory at the Auch International Triathlon this morning NZT.

The New Zealander enjoyed a solid race with a good show of speed as he prepares to leave for the USA to put the finishing touches on his Kona preparation.

Brown describes another solid 'day at the office' as he looks at the big prize at Kona.

"I enjoyed a solid swim, exiting the water one minute down on fellow Kiwi Lee Greer and then rode very well to lead off the bike by four minutes. The bike was very challenging with some good hills. I have changed my training around a little of late with Brendon Cameron setting me some very hard programmes for my bike training; this seems to be working very well.

"The run went well straight from the start and I comfortably won by just under four minutes. I’m very happy how the preparation is going for Hawaii and head away soon to train in Austin Texas in similar temperatures to Kona."

It was a good day all round for the Kiwis, with Greer (Whangarei) showing that all his work pre Beijing with Sam Warriner has paid dividends with a third place finish and Brown’s training partner Scott Thorne finishing fifth.

Auch International Triathlon, Auch, France
swim 1.5km, bike 40km, run 10km
1st Cameron Brown NZL 1:49:39
2nd Lionel Roy France 1:53:36
3rd Lee Greer NZL 1:54:25
4th Pierre Gaspariau France 1:56:23
5th Scott Thorne NZL 1:56:46

Cam Brown has final European race before heading for Hawaii

2008-09-05T20:02:00.002+12:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
5th September 2008.

Cameron Brown races for the first time since Ironman Germany when he takes part in a standard distance event in Toulouse this weekend, a race he is using as a hit out before taking on Kona in October.

The race is the Auch International Triathlon and Brown has been preparing for this and Kona at the Triathlon New Zealand European base in France and loving every minute of it.

"Just over a month has passed since I first arrived back at the Triathlon New Zealand High performance base camp in the south of France, the weather has been fantastic this time around, a far cry from the first build-up in June when there was a lot of rain and wind. We have had plenty of 30 to 35 degree days, making training tough but for the majority of the time it has been perfect - touch wood!"

Brown has not been alone however, with new training partner to help him achieve his daily training targets, crucial in the lonely and long hours spent training for Ironman.

"In this build up I brought with me Scott Thorne from Hamilton. He's training for the Xterra worlds in Maui (2 weeks after Kona) and I needed someone to be my training partner for six weeks. Scott has been fantastic; he's there every day making sure I do every session to my maximum. It's very hard to do any Ironman build up and you don't want to do it alone, you need some one to push you every day and put some pressure there if needed!"

The boys on the GR7 Trail in France. Armando Galarraga, Scott Thorne,
Gordon Walker, Cameron Brown

Following this weekend’s race, Brown will have just two more weeks in France before heading to Austin, Texas for his final training block. Temperatures there will again be in the mid to high 30’s, perfect ahead of the lava fields of Kona.

World Long Distance Championship Kiwi results

2008-09-02T19:55:00.000+12:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
2nd September 2008.

New Zealand picked up three medals at the World Long Distance Triathlon Championships in Almere, Holland overnight.

There were wins for Natasha Lydiard (20 to 24), Fiona Eagles (25to 29) and a runner up finish for Heather Allison (50 to 54) as every NZ athlete finished in hot conditions.

In the elites Jamie Whyte finished a creditable 15th while in the women's Kristin Hewitt finished 23rd.

The NZ team was housed in an athlete village with the American, South African and Canadian teams about one hour out of Amsterdam with the race being held in Almere. The swim course was very tough with two foot chop providing testing conditions.

The bike course was completely flat but windy with windmills lining the entire course, not that the competitors had chance to admire the scenery. The run proved tough as the temperatures hit the high twenties.

The venue holds a special place in the sport's history for New Zealand, with Erin Baker winning in Almere in 1993 when the race doubled as the European Championships.

Racing was over a 4km swim, 120km bike and a 30km run.
Elite Men
Jamie Whyte Auckland 15th

Elite Women
Kristin Hewitt Paeroa 23rd

Age Group Racing
Men
20 to 24
Sam Murphy Christchurch 7th

25 to 29
Michael Kelly Tauranga 22nd
Bevan Littler Hamilton 16th

30 to 34
James Christian Auckland 26th

45 to 49
Phil Morreau Auckland 5th
James Dever Napier 16th

50 to 54
Peter Reid Rotorua 52nd
Andrew Davidson Auckland DQ

55 to 59
Geoff Martin Havelock Nth 15th

60 to 64
Bruce Beehre Te Kuiti 15th

Women
20 to 24
Natasha Lydiard Tauranga 1st
Kathryn Lydiard Tauranga 8th

25 to 29
Fiona Eagles Auckland 1st
Erin O'Hara Taupo 5th
Laura Clare Whelan Auckland 13th

30 to 34
Nicky Spicer New Plymouth 18th

40 to 44
Linda Breekveldt Auckland 24th
Sue Prince Brisbane 18th

45 to 49
Susan Prater Auckland 8th

50 to 54
Heather Allison Hibiscus Coast 2nd

Anna Elvery races to 6th in Split, Croatia

2008-09-02T19:50:00.000+12:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
2nd September 2008.

Kiwi Anna Elvery raced in Split, Croatia in a European Cup race Monday morning NZT, finishing 6th.

Elvery looks back on the race:

"The race turned into more of an individual time trial than a drafting event due to the small field, and my biking really let me down today. After coming out of the water in 4th and on the heels of the leaders, I struggled to find my legs on the bike and it cost me a lot of time. I'm pleased to come sixth though, as it is my best result in a point's race so far, and it was a really stunning place to come for a race. The water was 25degrees and air temperatures close to 30 degrees. I thought the heat would affect my race quite a bit, but luckily we raced late in the afternoon and there was cloud coverage so it wasn't so bad.

"This is the first race I have come to in Europe without any other kiwis around. Ben Pattle unfortunately withdrew at the last minute and so I had to make the trip on my own. It's been a great chance to meet the athletes from other countries and get to know how they race and what they do.

Well one race left to go in Vienna, Austria, and then I am looking forward to a couple of weeks off racing and just training before heading home in about 5 weeks time. Time has gone by so fast!"

Young Kiwis excel on French Iron Tour

2008-09-02T19:49:00.000+12:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
2nd September 2008.

A young all kiwi team of Clark Ellice (Taranaki), Tony Dodds (Hawea) and James Elvery (Christchurch) finished as the 4th team in the French Iron Tour in Pierrelatte on Sunday.

The France Iron Tour is a highly popular one off event with a rich history going back to 1994. In previous years the tour has comprised of a triathlon everyday of different distances for up to 9 days. This year with it coming so soon after the Olympics the Tour was shortened it to just 2 days.

Day one involved a tag team race with each athlete from the team covering the 250m swim, 7.5km Bike, 1.65km run course. Day two started with a mass start sprint distance 750m/20K/5K triathlon, then after a 15min break athletes set off at time intervals based on their overall deficit to the leader over a 100m/2.5k/600m sprint to the finish.

In the individual standings the kiwis Ellice, Elvery and Dodds filled places 8, 11, 16 which combined to give them 4th position overall out of 13 teams, ahead of Olympic athletes such as Olivier Marceau and Great Britain's Will Clarke and Alistair Brownlee. The overall individual winner was Frederic Belaubre of the French Olympic team.

"I'm really happy with how the weekend played out", said Elvery. We all just did the basics right and raced really hard and to our potential. There were some of the best athletes in the world behind us, and personally I know I can take a lot of confidence going ahead from here.

"I grew up reading in magazines about Simon Lessing dominating the Iron Tour in the late 90's and used to cut out pictures of Craig Watson and Paul Amey in cool team uniforms."

For the NZ U23 Champ; Dodds (21), The Tour was one last fling before jumping on the plane back to NZ on Tuesday after a successful couple of months racing in Europe. Dodds was left speechless post race but managed to mutter "Fast, so hard. Fast. Did I say fast?"

Ellice (26) was also very proud of the team effort. "We really earned some respect out there this weekend I reckon. Showed 'em what 3 kiwi boys can do when we put the smack down."

The trio will now head back to The Triathlon NZ European High Performance Base in Southern France. Dodds will head towards an airport, while Ellice and Elvery will knuckle down for 2 more months of training and competition in the French Grand Prix and ITU events in Lorient, France and Alanya, Turkey.

Nicky Samuels returns with victory in France

2008-09-02T19:48:00.000+12:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
2nd September 2008.

Nicky Samuels made a remarkable return to competitive racing with a win in a French club race over the weekend.

After learning of a major pelvic injury on the eve of the World Championships in June, Samuels has followed a programme of rest and recovery for eight weeks, during which the Wanaka athlete was under instruction not to walk if she could avoid it, Samuels headed back to Europe last week as soon as she was given the go ahead by her doctors.

Samuels takes up the story...

"Well a decision to return to France was made on Monday, flights were booked on Tuesday and I left on Wednesday of last week. Arriving late on Thursday night I spent Friday with my team, Saturday helping at the race by making race packs and Sunday was race day. Originally I thought it was race day on Saturday so naturally I was glad to have another day to catch my breath.

"Anticipation of the race has been huge in France especially in this region, every paper is filled with articles, first predictions and then results, all helped by the massive €68 000 budget they have for this 'little club race'. Some little race, anyway here is how it went.

"It was my first race back and first solid swim bike and run. After having eight weeks for no walking, no standing, and training restrictions I am glad to be back amongst it. This is the first time I have competed in my official club race.

"Normally I race for the club TCG 79 Parthenay in Grand Prix races only but this year I decided when I was first told of my injury that I would make a come back for this race. I didn't think it was going to be possible but the last three weeks have been amazing for me. After going to Dunedin to see my Dr Hamish Osbourne and my swim coach Tim Brazier, I got the all clear from both; 'Okay start running...your pelvis is still healing but it should be strong now'. Of course the key words being 'start running' – yipeee! And from Tim 'your swimming looks fine lets get into normal programmes again' – again, key words pop out 'swimming fine...normal programmes again'. So after discussions with my club a new ticket was purchased and off to France I went.

"I found the race hard to say the least. I was third out of the water, water that you try to look at your hand and see nothing but a brown blur. Then second out of transition, onto an undulating two lap bike course. I caught the first girl before I could even get my shoes on properly, and continued to ride as I normally would - except I had not ridden my bike on the road since my pelvis fracture so this was not so 'natural' and the wet roads did not help on the very slippery corners. There were many crashes but fortunately I was not one of them.

"Off the bike one minute ahead, I didn't think this was enough to keep away from the Aussie girl chasing me down, but fortunately it was although I had to finish rather quicker than I planned! My legs are still telling me sprinting wasn't in the game plan! Although I was very happy to win for the village I live in, it was the fact I felt no pain in my pelvis that was my main breakthrough.

"Jacky Baudrand, the President of the club was so happy. They were not sure that it was possible for me to win having had so long off training, and believed I ran with my head. I am not too sure how I did it myself, I think it was the people of the village and of course the pay cheque motivating me!

"It is also the first time in history that TCG 79 Parthenay has won both the males and females race and the team sections too. A good day for Parthenay and the sport of Triathlon in France. Visit theTCG79 website for more information."

Challenge Wanaka attracts record numbers

2008-09-02T09:43:00.000+12:00

Press Release: Challenge Wanaka.
1st September 2008.

LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand - Challenge Wanaka today announced a significant increase in competitor numbers for the internationally renowned iron distance triathlon, due to take place on January 17, 2009.

Compared to the same time last year, team entries have increased by 62% while individual entries are up 33% with the total number of 2009 athletes now exceeding 2008 race day numbers.

"We are thrilled to see such a huge increase in numbers and we've still got over four months until race day," said race director, Victoria Murray-Orr. "Entries are coming in from all four corners of the world as well as a strong representation from throughout New Zealand. These figures show that Challenge Wanaka is well on its way to becoming a significant sporting event, not just for the South Island, but New Zealand as a whole. We will continue to work hard, together with our sponsors and other stakeholders, to keep growing the event, attracting even more visitors to the world's most scenic iron distance triathlon here in Lake Wanaka."

For 2009, Challenge Wanaka has grown into a week-long triathlon festival with the inclusion of the Puzzling World Junior Challenge Wanaka and the Tri NZ Contact Cup sprint series, as well as other smaller events. The flagship iron distance event on Saturday January 17 will see athletes line up to take on the 226km course, either as individuals or as part of a team. They will complete the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run in anything between 8.5 and 15 hours with the final competitors crossing the line to a welcome of fireworks and thousands of cheering spectators.

Challenge Wanaka is part of the global TEAMChallenge Series that includes six events in Germany, Spain and France as well as New Zealand. Entries for the event close on 31 December 2008. For more information, visit www.challenge-wanaka.com.

Entries open for 2008 TrustPower Adventure Quest

2008-08-28T07:45:00.001+12:00

Press Release: Southern Traverse Ltd.
26th August 2008.

The hills of the Central Wakatipu Basin combined with the Shotover River flats will be the focus of the 2008 TrustPower Adventure Quest on October 4, which is expected to attract the traditional strong field including families, orienteering experts and teams training for the Fairydown 24 Hours of Southern Traverse.

Race Director Geoff Hunt says entries are now open for the Quest, which is a mini sporting adventure requiring teamwork, clue solving and orienteering and is divided into two divisions.

"The serious division caters for the more dedicated and accomplished multisport athletes while the social division is for all comers, people who are keen to give the treasure hunt style race a go. The emphasis for this category is on participation and fun rather than serious competition."

The race will start at the Old Shotover Bridge and will follow an innovative course trekking around the local countryside and cycling along the Shotover River.

"We can guarantee that people will visit areas they did not previously know existed," says Hunt. "We have tried to make the course interesting, creating new experiences for competitors at all levels. The scenery is also fantastic."

The TrustPower Adventure Quest traditionally attracts a mixture of women, men and young people over the age of 15 from throughout the Wakatipu, Otago, Southland and Canterbury.

"We find people really enjoy this event because it is not too demanding and it is a fun team event. People can compete with their friends and families and the clue solving is always an exciting challenge."

Fairydown and Southern Traverse promote Adventure Racing

2008-08-28T07:36:00.000+12:00

Press Release: Southern Traverse Ltd.
26th August 2008.

Two high profile New Zealand adventure industry companies - Fairydown and Southern Traverse Ltd - are proactively working to encourage the growth of adventure racing in New Zealand, by creating new initiatives in this year's Fairydown 24 Hours of Southern Traverse, in Queenstown on November 15-16.

Southern Traverse Race Director Geoff Hunt says the aim of both Fairydown and Southern Traverse is to make adventure racing more accessible for a wider group of people and contribute to the expansion of the sport.

To achieve this there will be an incentive for younger athletes to enter the 24 Hours of Southern Traverse in November, as well as a separate relay style adventure challenge within the main event, to attract the "weekend warriors."

"Adventure racing is an exciting sport and one of the things we want to do, is ensure that younger people are able to compete with some of the older, professional athletes who can act as mentors and role models," says Hunt.

For this reason the 24 Hours of Southern Traverse will offer 10 complimentary entries to Under 23 adventure racing teams.

The Fairydown Southern Traverse at Hanmer Springs in April this year attracted the Under 23 Onemultisport.com team which included talented young racers Dougal Allan, Mike Walker, Mattie Graham and Emmah Ussher.

"The team made a real impression and signalled they will be among the podium finishers in the future," says Hunt. "These are the sort of young athletes we need to see competing regularly."

The Under 23 teams will be four members, with at least one woman athlete, or two member teams.

"We certainly expect to see quite a few young people put their hands up and get the opportunity for free entry into this challenging race."

"But we are also keen to encourage other people to have a fun, adventure race experience. We are targeting people who compete in triathlons, multisport and short adventure races and those who like to participate in teams," says Hunt.

The eight hour adventure challenge will include kayaking, mountain biking and run/trekking and will be held after the start of the main 24 hour event.

"The new race should appeal to people who currently compete in events like our Peak to Peak, and who are keen to try a new format. It allows a group of friends who like the relay format to get together, and complete an individual leg each and at the same time get a taste of adventure racing. This race doesn't need a support crew which is also a plus."

The Fairydown 24 Hours of Southern Traverse will be held for the third time this year and the secret course will cover 100kms of Wakatipu backcountry. The race kicks off at midnight on November 15 and disciplines involve trekking, including navigation, mountain biking and kayaking. The event is open to teams of four, which is the main category, and two person teams with everyone on the team completing each discipline.

"The course is very exciting this year and is designed not only to test teams, but also to allow them to have fun and enjoy the fantastic scenery," says Hunt. "They will need support crews and the fastest team should finish the course in 15 hours and the slowest in 24 hours."

Bryan Rhodes takes Ironman Canada

2008-08-25T18:39:00.001+12:00

Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
25th August 2008.

Taupo Ironman athlete Bryan Rhodes has won Ironman Canada this morning (NZT), fending off fatigue and numerous challengers over the final 20km of the marathon to cross the line in 8 hours 32 minutes and 12 seconds.

While very much a proud Kiwi, Rhodes has been claimed as a local by some at the event, remembering his three year stint living and training at the event venue in Penticton.

Rhodes was exhausted but delighted upon winning.

"I got to the turnaround and didn't think I could hold it, but the crowd just got behind me and I ran faster," he just told the crowd at the finish line.

The win adds to an impressive international CV for year old Rhodes, joining Malaysia and England on his list of Ironman victories. The popular Kiwi has finished in the top five in Canada on five occasions, without ever cracking the victory. This added to his delight upon finally winning the race today.

Surprisingly for the strong swimming Rhodes, he was second out of the water, a position he maintained after a strong 180km bike. He made his move early in the marathon and took a lead he would never relinquish at 10km into the final discipline.

It was a United Nations chasing pack too with five different nations represented in the top five finishers.

Austrian Bernhard Hiebl impressed onlookers with a strong second placing on his Ironman debut, passing Canadian Jasper Blake late in the marathon.

Ironman Canada, Pro Men
1 Bryan Rhodes NZL 8.30.12
2 Bernhard Hiebl AUT 8.34.34
3 Jasper Blake CAN 8.36.08
4 Andriy Yastrebov UKR 8.37.11
5 Justin Daerr USA 8.37.34