Triathlon New Zealand (TriNZ) has a mandate to represent multisport as well as triathlon/duatlon in New Zealand. Definitions of multisport vary, but according to TriNZ its "any combination of the sports of running, cycling, swimming or kayaking within an event that may involve any two, three, four or more parts that do not fit into the definitions of triathlon or duathlon". Then there is adventure or expedition racing, and as we all know, they defy description!
However TriNZ has done little to represent, support and represent multisport and adventure racing in New Zealand. Multisporters, and adventure racers feel they need better representation, and recently there have been moves afoot to form such a body. Earlier in the year an email was sent around athletes promoting the idea of a national body, and athletes were invited to complete an online survey.
Survey respondents were overwhelming in favour of forming their own national body. TriNZ members, at a Special General Meeting after the national Olympic distance championships in Wellington were less than enthusiastic about the separation of multisport from triathlon. Many athletes compete in both sports with disciplines of duathlon and Xterra providing good crossover.
The initial email circulated to athletes promoting the idea of such a body was followed by one this weekend announcing the formation of a multisport and adventure racing body. Both are shown below. I confess I am disappointed that this has had to happen, but under the circumstances it seems to be the right thing.
First email: 28 Febuary 2007
Dear Competitor/Club/Promoter
At present there is no national organisation in New Zealand solely promoting the interests of multisport and adventure racing. TriNZ, within its rules has a mandate to represent Multisport, admits to having done little for the sport in the last 20 years. In an independent report commissioned by SPARC in was stated:
* "We would recommend that TriNZ should alter its constitution and other planning tools to formally limit its focus on triathlon."
* "Many multisporters appear to have faith that the multisport community will ensure the sustainability of the sport; however it seems wise to put structures in place to guarantee that sustainability."
* "The role (of a national body) would need to be well defined and the nature of the organisation (particularly the people involved) would need to be coloured by those passionate individuals currently participating in or organising multisport events."
Multisport is defined in TriNZ's constitution as meaning "œany combination of the sports of running, cycling, swimming or kayaking within an event that may involve any two, three, four or more parts that do not fit into the definitions of triathlon or duathlon" (as defined in it' Rules).
Adventure racing has no presence or representation, except by independent event promoters or at a local level by small local sporting clubs.
To better promote multisport and adventure racing, which are compatible and where competitors are more than likely to compete in both disciplines, it is felt that both sports collectively form a separate body or association to best represent their interests at national level. Other disciplines such as triathlon (TriNZ), cycling (Bike NZ) have such national representation for example.
Bill Godsall, athlete and Sport Central Regional Co-Ordinator (Cromwell), Steve Knowles, athlete and Sportzhub.com (Auckland), Robin Judkins, race director – Coast to Coast (Christchurch) and Kevin Osborne, athlete and lawyer (Hastings), all experienced in multisport and adventure racing have voluntarily formed an initial steering committee with the aim to gauge interest in New Zealand from participants for a national body.
It is not proposed to override or replace the role or functions of local triathlon and multisport clubs. If anything, the Committee wishes to help foster the various sporting disciplines within TriNZ. Again, with reference to the SPARC report (Review of Multisport NZ, dated 1 Aug 2005)
* "There are a number of triathlon and multisport clubs in New Zealand. However, the sports are not naturally suited to the club structure, given the nature of the sports and participants."
* "With a more robust set of arrangements at national level, and greater resource to provide support and information, it would be possible to develop more of a co-ordinated network of clubs in New Zealand."
WHY HAVE A NATIONAL BODY?
The SPARC report defines potential roles for the organisation could include:
* Provision of information and support to organisers, clubs and participants
* Running a high level sanctioning process for key safety requirements
* Encouraging youth development
* Building networks
* Accessing on a collective basis funding for the sport (grants and sponsorship)
The above list is not exhaustive. There are additional benefits the multisport/adventure racing community are feeding back which will be consolidated into a constitution/strategy document to be published and feedback sought at a later date.
This communication, and questionnaire on the link below seeks to gauge support and to demonstrate to SPARC whether or not there is a demand nationwide for a national organisation to promote the interests of the sports. To that extent we (the Steering Committee) seek a mandate from the competitors to proceed.
Second email: 30 September 2007
New Flash - Multisport & Adventure Racing NZ
Representative body
Earlier in the year you submitted your interest in a new representative body for Multisport & Adventure in New Zealand, in which you opted to receive progress notifications.
With responses highly supporting the creation of a body, the Steering Committee is pleased to announce the formal incorporation of Multisport & Adventure Racing NZ is just around the corner for the summer season.
A website will soon be available containing the constitution and other documents of interest, along with news.
The high level objectives are:
- To promote, foster and develop multisport and adventure racing within New Zealand.
- Encourage participation in events.
- To act as a representative body for all members in dealings with
Government departments or representative bodies within New Zealand and race or event directors.
Membership details will be released soon, however we are pleased to announce that those that indicated to be an inaugural member on the national poll conducted by the Steering Committee February/March 2007 will be offered free membership until 31st March 2008 (full details below Appendix a).
Regards
Steering Committee
Steve Knowles
Bill Godsall
Kevin Osborne
Appendix A Membership:
Membership shall be:
(i) Approved clubs or individuals who completed the online internet national poll conducted by the Steering Committee February/March 2007 and, in that poll, elected to be an inaugural member. Each person will be notified of their acceptance of membership on this basis (subscription fee free until 31st March 2008) and will be deemed to be a member unless they revoke such membership within one month of receipt of the notice.
(ii) Any approved club or individual (who has not qualified in (i) above) but has paid the correct subscription.
(iii) Any approved club or individual who qualified in (i) above and continues to pay their/its subscription after 31st March 2008.
Sunday, 30 September 2007
Friday, 28 September 2007
Rotorua half-ironman late entry fee starts monday
If you are planning on entering the Rotorua half-ironman doing so before monday will save you $20.
Last year race director Shane Hooks was forced to move his race from Taupo to Rotorua. This upset however was Taupo's loss and Rotorua's gain. It was also the athelete's gain, as this race course, in combination with Shane's unique style make it a premier event on the New Zealand triathlon calendar.
Sure there were some teething problems last year.This became obvious when, minutes before the start, the swim course buoys remained unset due to the non-arrival of the local harbourmaster. Shane, forced to make an announcement about a slight delay, had to modify the swim course. Quite clearly however, he was making it up as went along. With typical panache he pulled it off - the course was clear, and according to the times, only a hundred or so metres short of the correct distance.
Now the swim course has already been decided, with the marker buoys under the control of the race team themselves. Prospective competitors can train over the course using existing markers (see the race website for details). Blue lake is an ideal training venue this time of the year as it is not fed by snow melt. Swimmers should note that they need to stay out of the ski lanes for their own safety. The lake has on-site maps describing the activity areas.
The bike course remains the same: stunning. And the run course, as tough has ever has a slight modification to remove the confusing double lap at the far turnaround.
And the after-match party has got to be the best in the country.
If you are wanting to race a north island half ironman this season, the Rotorua Half-ironman should be top of your short-list. The Port of Tauranga race is already full.
Last year race director Shane Hooks was forced to move his race from Taupo to Rotorua. This upset however was Taupo's loss and Rotorua's gain. It was also the athelete's gain, as this race course, in combination with Shane's unique style make it a premier event on the New Zealand triathlon calendar.
Sure there were some teething problems last year.This became obvious when, minutes before the start, the swim course buoys remained unset due to the non-arrival of the local harbourmaster. Shane, forced to make an announcement about a slight delay, had to modify the swim course. Quite clearly however, he was making it up as went along. With typical panache he pulled it off - the course was clear, and according to the times, only a hundred or so metres short of the correct distance.
Now the swim course has already been decided, with the marker buoys under the control of the race team themselves. Prospective competitors can train over the course using existing markers (see the race website for details). Blue lake is an ideal training venue this time of the year as it is not fed by snow melt. Swimmers should note that they need to stay out of the ski lanes for their own safety. The lake has on-site maps describing the activity areas.
The bike course remains the same: stunning. And the run course, as tough has ever has a slight modification to remove the confusing double lap at the far turnaround.
And the after-match party has got to be the best in the country.
If you are wanting to race a north island half ironman this season, the Rotorua Half-ironman should be top of your short-list. The Port of Tauranga race is already full.
Thursday, 27 September 2007
New Zealand triathlon championships 2008
The New Zealand triathlon championship races for 2008 are shown below. Its good to see a full calendar, and just a pity its all crammed into such a short time frame, in particular, the standard distance championships just one week after Ironman New Zealand.
| Race | Location | Date |
| Long Distance Championships | Port of Tauranga Half Ironman | 05 Jan 08 |
| Sprint Distance Championships | My Sport Series Race 5, Kinloch | 03 Feb 08 |
| Ultra Distance Championships | Ironman New Zealand | 01 Mar 08 |
| Olympic Distance Championships | My Sport Series Race 7, Wellington | 09 Mar 08 |
| Duathlon Championships | Auckland - details to be advised | 01 Jun 08 |
Triathlon New Zealand reduces membership fees
Triathlon New Zealand (TriNZ) have reduced what was an already low annual membership fee. It is now only $10 per annum, down from $40. It really doesn't get much better than this when it comes to value for money.
This is welcome news. While triathletes are generally not a poor bunch, well not before they take up the sport, anything that encourages national membership has to be a good thing. The national body provides good service to athletes and races around the country.
Your membership gives the organisation, and thus the sport, a voice - the more members the body has, the better it is. And it gives you a voice, a forum to make your opinions known, and the facility to do something about them.
In another change, members can sign up directly on TriNZs website from 1 October. Previously membership was usually only accepted through the clubs. It is not clear if direct sign-up counts towards club affiliation. Clubs need 15 TriNZ members to retain affiliation.
Apart from the whole having and giving a voice thing, there are some other benefits to membership:
The membership year runs from 1 November to 30 October. Membership for the forthcoming year opens on 1 October.
TriUpdate urges its readers to consider the advantages, both individually and collectively, and sign up with TriNZ for the coming year.
This is welcome news. While triathletes are generally not a poor bunch, well not before they take up the sport, anything that encourages national membership has to be a good thing. The national body provides good service to athletes and races around the country.
Your membership gives the organisation, and thus the sport, a voice - the more members the body has, the better it is. And it gives you a voice, a forum to make your opinions known, and the facility to do something about them.
In another change, members can sign up directly on TriNZs website from 1 October. Previously membership was usually only accepted through the clubs. It is not clear if direct sign-up counts towards club affiliation. Clubs need 15 TriNZ members to retain affiliation.
Apart from the whole having and giving a voice thing, there are some other benefits to membership:
- TriNZ Welcome Pack, including: TriNZ Membership Card; TriNZ Pen; TriNZ Desk Calendar; TriNZ Sticker - and for the first 2000 members a TriNZ Orca Swim Cap
- An on-going benefits programme including 10% discount on Orca apparel and 5% on Orca wetsuits at participating Orca retailers; House of Travel Icebreaker t-shirt promotional giveaways for selected long haul travel booked through House of Travel Christchurch City; and regular prize draws for Asics shoes, multisport magazine subscriptions and Balance product.
- Regular newsletters and other updates on events, news, coaching tips, etc.
- Entitlement for medals at National Championship events
- Entitlement for World Championship team selection (you also need to be a current member of a Tri NZ Affiliated Club)
- A few races charge extra for non-TriNZ members
The membership year runs from 1 November to 30 October. Membership for the forthcoming year opens on 1 October.
TriUpdate urges its readers to consider the advantages, both individually and collectively, and sign up with TriNZ for the coming year.
Monday, 24 September 2007
Southern Traverse postponed
This year's Southern Traverse has been cancelled, or put more politely, postponed until April 11 next year.
Southern Traverse Event Director Geoff Hunt explains the delay. "The postponement was made in order to give time for more teams to enter and for us to develop an idea for the race further."
Not only is it sad that this has happened to such a great race, its also sad when that don't-quite-say-it-like-it-is spin is put on things. This is the sort of speak you come expect from IMNZ organisers, not from those of this great event of the south. Obviously the race doesn't have enough entries and so they have had to postpone it in the hope that they will get more. Why don't they just say so?
So what happened? Well I can't really tell from my vantage point in the north. However it appears from the word on the web, that the race, having recently undergone some changes, finds itself in no man's land.
The original race format, while changing over the years, was generally longer, around 4 days. Then last year it was cut to 24 hours, and now this year its back to 3 days. There is the suggestion that its out of reach for the average multisporter, but not quite there anymore for the real hard adventure racing aficionado.
Lets face it, any Tom, Dick or Jane (no pun intended) can harden up and do an ironman distance race, but this style of adventure racing takes more than just plain ol' guts on any one day. You have to be something special to see out an adventure race of this nature.
And then there is the issue of increasing competition around the world for the expedition style race competitor. With better prize money and facilities to treat athletes like royalty the overseas attraction is strong. It has also been said that the overseas courses are easier to race on. Forbid!
Not only is this bad news for the Southern Traverse and its fans, but for adventure racing in general in New Zealand. Many of the other races acted as feeder races for the premier event, and its seeming decline is going to have a domino effect. All credit to the race organisers for sticking it out for more than a dozen years through both good and bad. I'm sure they will come up with something good.
The Classic Southern Traverse format for the April 2008 event will remain a three-day staged race, open to teams of two or four. In addition, a totally separate race will be held in conjunction with the three day race - a 24 hour event starting on the Saturday morning will see these competitors mixing it up with the contestants from the full race.
Update 27 September 2007: Maybe I was a bit harsh on the organisers PR. Please see comment from one of them below. These guys do a great job, often thanklessly, and are often subject to all sorts of scrutiny, perhaps unfairly given their commitment to the job.
Southern Traverse Event Director Geoff Hunt explains the delay. "The postponement was made in order to give time for more teams to enter and for us to develop an idea for the race further."
Not only is it sad that this has happened to such a great race, its also sad when that don't-quite-say-it-like-it-is spin is put on things. This is the sort of speak you come expect from IMNZ organisers, not from those of this great event of the south. Obviously the race doesn't have enough entries and so they have had to postpone it in the hope that they will get more. Why don't they just say so?
So what happened? Well I can't really tell from my vantage point in the north. However it appears from the word on the web, that the race, having recently undergone some changes, finds itself in no man's land.
The original race format, while changing over the years, was generally longer, around 4 days. Then last year it was cut to 24 hours, and now this year its back to 3 days. There is the suggestion that its out of reach for the average multisporter, but not quite there anymore for the real hard adventure racing aficionado.
Lets face it, any Tom, Dick or Jane (no pun intended) can harden up and do an ironman distance race, but this style of adventure racing takes more than just plain ol' guts on any one day. You have to be something special to see out an adventure race of this nature.
And then there is the issue of increasing competition around the world for the expedition style race competitor. With better prize money and facilities to treat athletes like royalty the overseas attraction is strong. It has also been said that the overseas courses are easier to race on. Forbid!
Not only is this bad news for the Southern Traverse and its fans, but for adventure racing in general in New Zealand. Many of the other races acted as feeder races for the premier event, and its seeming decline is going to have a domino effect. All credit to the race organisers for sticking it out for more than a dozen years through both good and bad. I'm sure they will come up with something good.
The Classic Southern Traverse format for the April 2008 event will remain a three-day staged race, open to teams of two or four. In addition, a totally separate race will be held in conjunction with the three day race - a 24 hour event starting on the Saturday morning will see these competitors mixing it up with the contestants from the full race.
Update 27 September 2007: Maybe I was a bit harsh on the organisers PR. Please see comment from one of them below. These guys do a great job, often thanklessly, and are often subject to all sorts of scrutiny, perhaps unfairly given their commitment to the job.
TriUpdate gets its own domain
The TriUpdate blog, formerly at triupdate.blogspot.com now has a new home at www.triupdate.co.nz. Having passed 50 posts and receiving up to 40 readers a day I decided I was serious about keeping TriUpdate going and a better web address was needed. Requests to the old address should automatically forward to to the new one.
Further housekeeping concerning subscription feeds is that the subscription address has changed from
http://feeds.feedburner.com/TriathlonAndMultisportUpdate
to
http://feeds.feedburner.com/triupdate.
If you are still on the old feed please update the address.
There is also a Google powered blog search accessible from the blog home page.
A final point is that the original TriUpdates produced by Gary Boyd between 1998 and 2002 are at http://www.multisport.co.nz/triupdate/.
Further housekeeping concerning subscription feeds is that the subscription address has changed from
http://feeds.feedburner.com/TriathlonAndMultisportUpdate
to
http://feeds.feedburner.com/triupdate.
If you are still on the old feed please update the address.
There is also a Google powered blog search accessible from the blog home page.
A final point is that the original TriUpdates produced by Gary Boyd between 1998 and 2002 are at http://www.multisport.co.nz/triupdate/.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Ironman New Zealand results cleanup
The organisers of Ironman New Zealand (IMNZ) are cleaning up their results. This is a good thing. IMNZ is one of the oldest races in the country, and it is also one of the very few that provide online results from all their races. In fact I couldn't find any events more than just a few years old that did this. If you know of any such events, please tell me. They will be awarded a famous TriUpdate blog mention. You can post a comment, or send me an email at the address provided.
It was only a few years ago that entries could only be made online, so until then all data was entered by hand. It is inevitable that there will be a few spelling mistakes. But probably the biggest problem is incorrect or inconsistent names provided by competitors. This can happen to a Rob, Bob, Robbie or Robert, or perhaps a John in town and Jack in the country athlete.
Anyone who has ever worked with race entries and athletes names will know how hard it is to manage this data because of the inconsistent way it is provided by the competitors themselves. This gets harder as the number of athletes runs into the hundreds or thousands.
I'm not sure how they will handle name changes, particularly around maiden names.
So if you have raced in more than one IMNZ you should check that your names are correct and consistent. You can do this at their website www.ironman.co.nz.
The idea of course is to consolidate all of a competitor's finishes under one name.
There are many components to building a successful race like this, and tradition has to be one of the most important. That tradition will be greatly enhanced by returning athletes. And to get athletes to return, acknowledging their record and recognising their achievement helps provide that sense of tradition.
This will become more important as the ironman-distance race landscape hots up with the possibility of three races in the country in the near future, as well as more competition around the world with the launch of the Challenge series. International travel will not be something that always gets cheaper and race organisers need to make their races as attractive as possible to local athletes.
It was only a few years ago that entries could only be made online, so until then all data was entered by hand. It is inevitable that there will be a few spelling mistakes. But probably the biggest problem is incorrect or inconsistent names provided by competitors. This can happen to a Rob, Bob, Robbie or Robert, or perhaps a John in town and Jack in the country athlete.
Anyone who has ever worked with race entries and athletes names will know how hard it is to manage this data because of the inconsistent way it is provided by the competitors themselves. This gets harder as the number of athletes runs into the hundreds or thousands.
I'm not sure how they will handle name changes, particularly around maiden names.
So if you have raced in more than one IMNZ you should check that your names are correct and consistent. You can do this at their website www.ironman.co.nz.
The idea of course is to consolidate all of a competitor's finishes under one name.
There are many components to building a successful race like this, and tradition has to be one of the most important. That tradition will be greatly enhanced by returning athletes. And to get athletes to return, acknowledging their record and recognising their achievement helps provide that sense of tradition.
This will become more important as the ironman-distance race landscape hots up with the possibility of three races in the country in the near future, as well as more competition around the world with the launch of the Challenge series. International travel will not be something that always gets cheaper and race organisers need to make their races as attractive as possible to local athletes.
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell both qualify for Olympic games
Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell today both qualified for next year's Olympic games with solid performances finishing third and fourth respectively. This meets the Triathlon New Zealand Olympic selection criteria.
They join Sam Warriner and Debbie Tanner who qualified yesterday.
Javier Gomez showed why he is the world's number one on the ITU circuit with a strong performance to win the race.
Shane Reed tried an early break away but was pulled back in an accident marred cycle leg which caused a few withdrawals including that of Briton Tim Don. Despite the hilly bike course a large bunch entered T2 with Ivan Rana making the early pace, but in the end no one could stay with Gomez. Courtney Atkinson outsprinted Docherty for second with the remaining top ten packing in close behind.
Shane Reed was the best of the remaining Kiwis, but he was still somewhat off the pace.
2007 Beijing BG Triathlon World Cup – Final Men’s Results
1st – Javier Gomez (ESP) 1:48:41
2nd – Courtney Atkinson (AUS) 1:49:03
3rd – Bevan Docherty (NZL) 1:49:08
4th – Kris Gemmell (NZL) 1:49:15
5th – Simon Whitfield (CAN) 1:49:18
6th – Ivan Rana (ESP) 1:49:23
7th – William Clarke (GBR) 1:49:26
8th – Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) 1:49:34
9th – Frederic Belabure (FRA) 1:49:36
10th – Jan Frodeno (GER) 1:49:44
Also
38 Shane Reed (NZL) 01:51:20
55 Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) 01:54:40
56 Ellice Clark (NZL) 01:55:14
DNF Ben Pulham (NZL)
They join Sam Warriner and Debbie Tanner who qualified yesterday.
Javier Gomez showed why he is the world's number one on the ITU circuit with a strong performance to win the race.
Shane Reed tried an early break away but was pulled back in an accident marred cycle leg which caused a few withdrawals including that of Briton Tim Don. Despite the hilly bike course a large bunch entered T2 with Ivan Rana making the early pace, but in the end no one could stay with Gomez. Courtney Atkinson outsprinted Docherty for second with the remaining top ten packing in close behind.
Shane Reed was the best of the remaining Kiwis, but he was still somewhat off the pace.
2007 Beijing BG Triathlon World Cup – Final Men’s Results
1st – Javier Gomez (ESP) 1:48:41
2nd – Courtney Atkinson (AUS) 1:49:03
3rd – Bevan Docherty (NZL) 1:49:08
4th – Kris Gemmell (NZL) 1:49:15
5th – Simon Whitfield (CAN) 1:49:18
6th – Ivan Rana (ESP) 1:49:23
7th – William Clarke (GBR) 1:49:26
8th – Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) 1:49:34
9th – Frederic Belabure (FRA) 1:49:36
10th – Jan Frodeno (GER) 1:49:44
Also
38 Shane Reed (NZL) 01:51:20
55 Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) 01:54:40
56 Ellice Clark (NZL) 01:55:14
DNF Ben Pulham (NZL)
Debbie Tanner and Sam Warriner gain Olympic selection
Debbie Tanner lost a sprint finish for the last podium position, but was still the first New Zealander in the ITU World Cup race in Beijing. This gained her automatic qualification because she was also in the first 16 positions.
"On any other day I wouldn't want fourth but today it feels absolutely fantastic... to qualify for Olympics was the dream and the goal for this year and I'm so thrilled," Tanner said.
"The whole year was about building strength for this course, every race a stepping stone."
Sam Warriner was the next best Kiwi women in sixth place, also gaining her selection, as the second place New Zealander had to be in the first ten as well.
"I'm stoked to qualify. I got cramp on the last (run) lap going down the hill and I had to walk to make sure I made the finish comfortably inside that top ten," she said.
"My support crew was having heart attacks when they saw me but I simply had to grit my teeth to get through, and I did the job."
Andrea Hewitt (14th), Evelyn Williams (20th) and Nicky Samuels (25th) have a second chance at the Mooloolaba World Cup race in March 2008. However New Zealand also has to earn the third spot as a nation. The Olympic qualification criteria are explained in a previous blog.
The good thing for the two qualifiers is that they have a whole year to focus their build up without the disruption of having to peak for the second selection race in what should really be a base building phase. Also there is no real onus on them to earn the third spot for New Zealand.
As expected Portugal's Vanessa Fernandes won the race, but the Kiwi contingent only had eyes for each other. For once winning was less important, and beating Fernandes would have meant undue risks had to be taken.
The men's race is on Sunday afternoon New Zealand time.
2007 Beijing BG Triathlon World Cup – Final Women's Results
1st – Vanessa Fernandes (POR) 2:00:36
2nd – Emma Snowsill (AUS) 2:01:51
3rd – Laura Bennett (USA) 2:02:06
4th – Debbie Tanner (NZL) 2:02:10
5th – Anja Dittmer (GER) 2:02:43
6th – Samantha Warriner (NZL) 2:02:44
7th – Nicole Spirig (SUI) 2:02:45
8th – Emma Moffatt (AUS) 2:02:54
9th – Elizabeth May (LUX) 2:03:09
10th – Felicity Abram (AUS) 2:03:16
Also
14 - Andrea Hewitt(NZL) 2:04:01
20 - Evelyn Williamson (NZL) 2:04:57
25 - Nicky Samuels (NZL) 2:05:38
"On any other day I wouldn't want fourth but today it feels absolutely fantastic... to qualify for Olympics was the dream and the goal for this year and I'm so thrilled," Tanner said.
"The whole year was about building strength for this course, every race a stepping stone."
Sam Warriner was the next best Kiwi women in sixth place, also gaining her selection, as the second place New Zealander had to be in the first ten as well.
"I'm stoked to qualify. I got cramp on the last (run) lap going down the hill and I had to walk to make sure I made the finish comfortably inside that top ten," she said.
"My support crew was having heart attacks when they saw me but I simply had to grit my teeth to get through, and I did the job."
Andrea Hewitt (14th), Evelyn Williams (20th) and Nicky Samuels (25th) have a second chance at the Mooloolaba World Cup race in March 2008. However New Zealand also has to earn the third spot as a nation. The Olympic qualification criteria are explained in a previous blog.
The good thing for the two qualifiers is that they have a whole year to focus their build up without the disruption of having to peak for the second selection race in what should really be a base building phase. Also there is no real onus on them to earn the third spot for New Zealand.
As expected Portugal's Vanessa Fernandes won the race, but the Kiwi contingent only had eyes for each other. For once winning was less important, and beating Fernandes would have meant undue risks had to be taken.
The men's race is on Sunday afternoon New Zealand time.
2007 Beijing BG Triathlon World Cup – Final Women's Results
1st – Vanessa Fernandes (POR) 2:00:36
2nd – Emma Snowsill (AUS) 2:01:51
3rd – Laura Bennett (USA) 2:02:06
4th – Debbie Tanner (NZL) 2:02:10
5th – Anja Dittmer (GER) 2:02:43
6th – Samantha Warriner (NZL) 2:02:44
7th – Nicole Spirig (SUI) 2:02:45
8th – Emma Moffatt (AUS) 2:02:54
9th – Elizabeth May (LUX) 2:03:09
10th – Felicity Abram (AUS) 2:03:16
Also
14 - Andrea Hewitt(NZL) 2:04:01
20 - Evelyn Williamson (NZL) 2:04:57
25 - Nicky Samuels (NZL) 2:05:38
Friday, 14 September 2007
Beijing Olympic selection criteria for New Zealand triathletes
For most of New Zealand's elite triathletes this weekend's Beijing round of the ITU World Cup race is the biggest event of the year. The race is over the same course that will be used in next years Olympics, and has been chosen as the first, and possibly only selection race.
On the face of it the equation is straight forward. Athletes must gain nomination from Triathlon New Zealand which will then be rubber stamped by the New Zealand Olympic Committee. There are two or three slots for each of men and women's categories.
For both men and women, the first New Zealand athlete over the line, provided they finish in the top 16 gains automatic nomination. A second athlete may gain nomination if they finish in the top 10. Similarly, although unlikely, a third athlete would also qualify if they finished in the top five. Because many countries will be using this as an Olympic selection race it will likely be the most contested race of the season.
This course has a somewhat tougher bike leg than normal which will serve to reduce the drafting effect on the bike. This means the better triathletes, rather than just those with a fast run, will rise to the top. Also because it is the course on which the Olympic triathlon will be held, it serves as an ideal trial with its specific demands of hills, heat and smog.
The second selection race is the Mooloolaba World Cup in March 2008 when athletes have another shot at qualifying provided the slots are not filled in Beijing.
However the formula becomes a little more complex, because New Zealand as a country also has to earn its slots. Only the top eight countries based on the ITU Olympic qualification criteria will be able to have three athletes on the start line in Beijing. The remaining countries may only have two. The TriNZ guidelines state "To qualify for the additional (3rd) start New Zealand's third ranked athlete must qualify New Zealand as the eighth ranked country or higher through the ITU Beijing Olympic Games Qualifying Criteria". Whatever that means.
Olympic silver medallist Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell spearhead the men's teams although Terenzo Bozzone, seventh in the recent world championships in Germany, is well within the frame.
The women's race within a race is equally intriguing, with Samantha Warriner, Debbie Tanner, Andrea Hewitt and Nicky Samuels vying for berths.
While Docherty and Gemmell are clearly the best two men's athletes and Warriner the best of the woman, they have different approaches. For the two men qualifying is everything, and so they are unlikely to be looking for a race win. Drafting triathlon is a lottery, and a conservative approach to ensure nomination is paramount for them. Not so for Warriner. The feisty Northlander will be looking for nothing less than a third ITU win this season.
The hilly course should suit the two men, and hopefully they will qualify now, and then have a longer more stable build up to Beijing without the worry of a second selection race. It is very unlikely that the third spot will be decided this weekend, although I can think of few things better than knowing young Terenzo Bozzone has secured himself a spot.
The weekend's contenders are Sam Warriner, Debbie Tanner, Andrea Hewitt and Nicky Samuels for the women. The men comprise Bevan Docherty, Kris Gemmell, Shane Reed, Terenzo Bozzone, Clark Ellice and Ben Pulham.
Triathlon New Zealand's draft selection policy, as it stands today, can be found at http://www.olympic.org.nz/Resource.aspx?ID=7306.
On the face of it the equation is straight forward. Athletes must gain nomination from Triathlon New Zealand which will then be rubber stamped by the New Zealand Olympic Committee. There are two or three slots for each of men and women's categories.
For both men and women, the first New Zealand athlete over the line, provided they finish in the top 16 gains automatic nomination. A second athlete may gain nomination if they finish in the top 10. Similarly, although unlikely, a third athlete would also qualify if they finished in the top five. Because many countries will be using this as an Olympic selection race it will likely be the most contested race of the season.
This course has a somewhat tougher bike leg than normal which will serve to reduce the drafting effect on the bike. This means the better triathletes, rather than just those with a fast run, will rise to the top. Also because it is the course on which the Olympic triathlon will be held, it serves as an ideal trial with its specific demands of hills, heat and smog.
The second selection race is the Mooloolaba World Cup in March 2008 when athletes have another shot at qualifying provided the slots are not filled in Beijing.
However the formula becomes a little more complex, because New Zealand as a country also has to earn its slots. Only the top eight countries based on the ITU Olympic qualification criteria will be able to have three athletes on the start line in Beijing. The remaining countries may only have two. The TriNZ guidelines state "To qualify for the additional (3rd) start New Zealand's third ranked athlete must qualify New Zealand as the eighth ranked country or higher through the ITU Beijing Olympic Games Qualifying Criteria". Whatever that means.
Olympic silver medallist Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell spearhead the men's teams although Terenzo Bozzone, seventh in the recent world championships in Germany, is well within the frame.
The women's race within a race is equally intriguing, with Samantha Warriner, Debbie Tanner, Andrea Hewitt and Nicky Samuels vying for berths.
While Docherty and Gemmell are clearly the best two men's athletes and Warriner the best of the woman, they have different approaches. For the two men qualifying is everything, and so they are unlikely to be looking for a race win. Drafting triathlon is a lottery, and a conservative approach to ensure nomination is paramount for them. Not so for Warriner. The feisty Northlander will be looking for nothing less than a third ITU win this season.
The hilly course should suit the two men, and hopefully they will qualify now, and then have a longer more stable build up to Beijing without the worry of a second selection race. It is very unlikely that the third spot will be decided this weekend, although I can think of few things better than knowing young Terenzo Bozzone has secured himself a spot.
The weekend's contenders are Sam Warriner, Debbie Tanner, Andrea Hewitt and Nicky Samuels for the women. The men comprise Bevan Docherty, Kris Gemmell, Shane Reed, Terenzo Bozzone, Clark Ellice and Ben Pulham.
Triathlon New Zealand's draft selection policy, as it stands today, can be found at http://www.olympic.org.nz/Resource.aspx?ID=7306.
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Triathlon World Championships age group results
The Kiwi contingent did themselves proud in the age group divisions at the Triathlon World Championships in Hamburg.
Tama Christensen (18 to 19) and Stephen Sheldrake (30 to 34) won their respective age groups. Andrew Curtayne was only just pipped for gold in the 20 to 24 age category, finishing in an impressive time of 1:58:21, the best of any New Zealander in the age group races. Katherine Anton was the best of the women, finishing second in her 30 to 34 age category, brining home her race with an impressive 38 minute split in the 10km run leg.
Age Group Results, BG Hamburg World Triathlon Championships
Podium positions in bold
Men
Women
Tama Christensen (18 to 19) and Stephen Sheldrake (30 to 34) won their respective age groups. Andrew Curtayne was only just pipped for gold in the 20 to 24 age category, finishing in an impressive time of 1:58:21, the best of any New Zealander in the age group races. Katherine Anton was the best of the women, finishing second in her 30 to 34 age category, brining home her race with an impressive 38 minute split in the 10km run leg.
Age Group Results, BG Hamburg World Triathlon Championships
Podium positions in bold
Men
| Cat | Name | Age Group | Swim | Bike | Run | Overall |
| (2) | Curtayne, Andrew | AG 20-24 | 00:19:42 | 01:00:26 | 00:33:00 | 01:58:21 |
| (1) | Sheldrake, Stephen | AG 30-34 | 00:19:28 | 01:00:43 | 00:34:10 | 01:59:56 |
| (7) | Douglas, Bobby | AG 20-24 | 00:19:17 | 01:00:39 | 00:36:28 | 02:02:05 |
| (1) | Christensen, Tama | AG 18-19 | 00:22:28 | 01:00:47 | 00:33:54 | 02:02:23 |
| (10) | Christophers, Benjamin | AG 20-24 | 00:20:57 | 01:01:16 | 00:35:14 | 02:02:51 |
| (11) | Greer, Lee | AG 20-24 | 00:19:19 | 01:02:08 | 00:35:58 | 02:02:54 |
| (8) | Stallard, Shanon | AG 25-29 | 00:21:25 | 01:00:18 | 00:35:33 | 02:03:04 |
| (20) | Stewart, Craig | AG 20-24 | 00:19:00 | 01:03:41 | 00:35:58 | 02:04:24 |
| (27) | Stirling, George | AG 20-24 | 00:22:03 | 01:02:41 | 00:34:48 | 02:05:26 |
| (42) | Bennetts, Cameron | AG 20-24 | 00:23:01 | 01:02:13 | 00:36:28 | 02:07:31 |
| (7) | Farrell, Stephen | AG 45-49 | 00:23:01 | 01:00:42 | 00:38:03 | 02:08:13 |
| (32) | Campbell, Richard | AG 25-29 | 00:21:05 | 01:03:37 | 00:37:57 | 02:09:10 |
| (37) | King, Philip | AG 30-34 | 00:20:54 | 01:04:01 | 00:39:42 | 02:10:56 |
| (54) | Leishman, Mark | AG 25-29 | 00:27:53 | 01:00:54 | 00:36:39 | 02:11:29 |
| (46) | O Connor, Gregory | AG 30-34 | 00:22:38 | 01:03:57 | 00:39:30 | 02:12:05 |
| (73) | Dunne, Daniel | AG 20-24 | 00:26:42 | 01:02:40 | 00:38:58 | 02:14:19 |
| (77) | Hartman, Benjamin | AG 20-24 | 00:26:20 | 01:05:34 | 00:36:55 | 02:14:53 |
| (79) | Vickers, Spencer | AG 20-24 | 00:23:44 | 01:04:48 | 00:40:06 | 02:15:03 |
| (8) | Gee, Reilly | AG 18-19 | 00:24:23 | 01:02:37 | 00:43:33 | 02:16:46 |
| (68) | Emmitt, Nigel | AG 40-44 | 00:22:47 | 01:02:04 | 00:45:00 | 02:16:55 |
| (78) | Gapper, Leyton | AG 30-34 | 00:28:10 | 01:01:38 | 00:42:56 | 02:19:27 |
| (11) | Clark, Shorty | AG 55-59 | 00:28:03 | | | 02:24:08 |
| (79) | Lloyd, Tracy | AG 45-49 | 00:25:31 | 01:06:34 | 00:45:07 | 02:24:10 |
| (23) | Payne, Barry | AG 60-64 | 00:27:13 | 01:09:38 | 00:52:00 | 02:37:19 |
| (44) | Smiler, Kingi | AG 55-59 | 00:26:37 | 01:12:38 | 00:49:42 | 02:37:59 |
| (48) | Dey, Lindsay | AG 55-59 | 00:33:30 | 01:10:16 | 00:44:53 | 02:38:41 |
| (41) | Sweetman, Richard | AG 60-64 | 00:32:22 | 01:17:08 | 00:46:33 | 02:44:36 |
| (71) | Marshall, Ian | AG 55-59 | 00:29:22 | 01:15:44 | 00:56:05 | 02:50:27 |
| (66) | Eagles, John | AG 60-64 | 00:31:26 | 01:15:27 | 01:01:40 | 02:59:52 |
| (26) | Gordon, John | AG 65-69 | 00:44:31 | 01:13:25 | 00:52:18 | 03:00:29 |
| (23) | Fleming, Neil | AG 70-74 | 00:49:21 | 01:35:49 | 01:09:21 | 03:49:39 |
| (5) | Sepie, Anthony | AG 75-79 | 00:41:09 | 01:31:25 | 01:28:45 | 03:53:40 |
Women
| Cat | Name | Age Group | Swim | Bike | Run | Overall |
| (2) | Anton, Katherine | AG 30-34 | 00:24:58 | 01:07:20 | 00:38:12 | 02:17:18 |
| (15) | Lester, Kathryn | AG 20-24 | 00:25:36 | 01:10:43 | 00:40:32 | 02:23:09 |
| (24) | Goodwin, Clare | AG 20-24 | 00:25:19 | 01:11:07 | 00:41:55 | 02:24:34 |
| (32) | Weaver, Alice | AG 20-24 | 00:22:57 | 01:11:40 | 00:44:34 | 02:26:05 |
| (34) | Holtom, Renee | AG 20-24 | 00:27:43 | 01:10:23 | 00:41:45 | 02:26:17 |
| (4) | Grant, Rebecca | AG 18-19 | 00:25:00 | 01:09:54 | 00:45:13 | 02:26:36 |
| (37) | Boon, Ilana | AG 20-24 | 00:24:35 | 01:11:25 | 00:44:06 | 02:26:56 |
| (25) | Sax, Janine | AG 30-34 | 00:24:43 | 01:10:35 | 00:46:33 | 02:28:27 |
| (41) | Dromgool, Tanya | AG 20-24 | 00:25:54 | 01:10:03 | 00:46:25 | 02:29:03 |
| (43) | Aurik, Anna | AG 20-24 | 00:24:56 | 01:10:54 | 00:46:35 | 02:29:14 |
| (28) | Toy, Kelley | AG 30-34 | 00:25:04 | 01:11:52 | 00:45:24 | 02:29:22 |
| (43) | Fox, Jane | AG 30-34 | 00:29:30 | 01:10:06 | 00:45:40 | 02:32:48 |
| (52) | Kuehn, Janina | AG 25-29 | 00:26:53 | 01:14:06 | 00:46:44 | 02:35:06 |
| (61) | Innes-Jones, Rebecca | AG 30-34 | 00:27:11 | 01:14:16 | 00:49:38 | 02:38:55 |
| (54) | Breekveldt, Linda | AG 40-44 | 00:27:14 | 01:16:00 | 00:51:27 | 02:43:16 |
| (10) | Law, Rebecca | AG 18-19 | 00:32:23 | 01:13:55 | 00:50:30 | 02:44:06 |
| (73) | Gray, Nicola | AG 20-24 | 00:24:32 | 01:18:18 | 00:53:55 | 02:44:19 |
| (57) | Emmitt, Miyuki | AG 45-49 | 00:31:30 | 01:19:39 | 00:52:25 | 02:52:20 |
| (40) | Browne, Helen | AG 50-54 | 00:33:51 | 01:20:58 | 00:52:22 | 02:55:25 |
| (42) | Watson, Karen | AG 50-54 | 00:32:02 | 01:20:41 | 00:54:12 | 02:55:43 |
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Gina Ferguson Ironman Wisconsin race report
Gina's race report follows:
Wow what an awesome race Ironman Wisconsin was. I came into the race wanting to win and wanting a Kona slot for next year and I did it.
The swim was a non wetsuit swim for the professionals. When I found this out I went straight to the blue seventy crew and they fixed me up with the pointzero3 which was awesome to race in. We had a 10 minute head start on the rest of the field and I had a nice clean swim leading the chase group. The second lap we passed what felt like millions of people on their first lap and it was crazy to say the least weaving in and out of bodies. I came out first female and 2nd overall.
I have been working really hard on my biking the last few months and I was keen to see how much I had improved, but I never thought I would lead this race from start to finish. The first few km's were quite technical with a lot of bumps and turns and I took this section quite cautiously. Once I got through this section I started to push the pace. I felt like I was going a comfortable speed and not too hard but I was amazed that I was pretty much keeping up with the pro men.
The whole course is very hilly and I like the hills. Every time we headed up I got out of the saddle and sprinted. There was a motorbike zipping back and forth telling everyone their splits. After only about 15k I already had over a 2 minute lead, and then at 40k a 4 minute lead and at around 65k I had over a 7minute lead. The guys on the motorbike said "how are you doing this, who the hell are you?" After this point I didn't know my splits until the end of the bike. Half way through the bike the wind picked up quite a bit and I started to fade a bit but I told myself to just hang in there and I would soon be on the run. My pace did drop a bit from 35.5k/hr to 33.7k/hr but I still managed to extend my lead to about 12 minutes by the end of the bike.
Heading out onto the run course there were heaps of people all cheering me on, it was pretty amazing. Immediately I felt my left calf was really sore. I wondered why this was as I've never had this problem before. After a few miles I realised it was because I had done my timing chip too tight and had cut the circulation in my leg. I stopped and loosened it up and within a few miles I was feeling fine. I enjoyed the run course immensely. The support was brilliant not just from all the people lining the streets but all the other competitors were cheering me on as well. I told myself not to make the mistake of celebrating too early, until I crossed that line anything could happen. I went through a few bad patches on the run. I had dropped all my gel in the first km and so had to rely on aid stations and often people couldn't understand my accent, so I kept missing out on gel. I started to feel a little weak and dizzy at around 18 miles and so started drinking coke and eating bananas and soon started feeling great again.
Crossing the line in first place was such an amazing experience that I will remember forever. My first iron man victory. I thought I could win, but I never dreamed I would smash the course record by about 10 minutes and win by 24 mins. I finished the day with the fastest swim, bike and run splits which just proves to me how much the hard work I've done on the bike has paid off.
I'd like to thank Chris and Ron Hamacher for having Brett and myself stay in their house for the week. We had a fantastic time. I'd also like to thank my coach Greg for all his hard work he's done with me over the past few months I really appreciate it.
So it feels great to be the first female to qualify for Kona 2008 (I think that is the case anyway). I leave for New Zealand today and am looking forward to being back home.
Wow what an awesome race Ironman Wisconsin was. I came into the race wanting to win and wanting a Kona slot for next year and I did it.
The swim was a non wetsuit swim for the professionals. When I found this out I went straight to the blue seventy crew and they fixed me up with the pointzero3 which was awesome to race in. We had a 10 minute head start on the rest of the field and I had a nice clean swim leading the chase group. The second lap we passed what felt like millions of people on their first lap and it was crazy to say the least weaving in and out of bodies. I came out first female and 2nd overall.
I have been working really hard on my biking the last few months and I was keen to see how much I had improved, but I never thought I would lead this race from start to finish. The first few km's were quite technical with a lot of bumps and turns and I took this section quite cautiously. Once I got through this section I started to push the pace. I felt like I was going a comfortable speed and not too hard but I was amazed that I was pretty much keeping up with the pro men.
The whole course is very hilly and I like the hills. Every time we headed up I got out of the saddle and sprinted. There was a motorbike zipping back and forth telling everyone their splits. After only about 15k I already had over a 2 minute lead, and then at 40k a 4 minute lead and at around 65k I had over a 7minute lead. The guys on the motorbike said "how are you doing this, who the hell are you?" After this point I didn't know my splits until the end of the bike. Half way through the bike the wind picked up quite a bit and I started to fade a bit but I told myself to just hang in there and I would soon be on the run. My pace did drop a bit from 35.5k/hr to 33.7k/hr but I still managed to extend my lead to about 12 minutes by the end of the bike.
Heading out onto the run course there were heaps of people all cheering me on, it was pretty amazing. Immediately I felt my left calf was really sore. I wondered why this was as I've never had this problem before. After a few miles I realised it was because I had done my timing chip too tight and had cut the circulation in my leg. I stopped and loosened it up and within a few miles I was feeling fine. I enjoyed the run course immensely. The support was brilliant not just from all the people lining the streets but all the other competitors were cheering me on as well. I told myself not to make the mistake of celebrating too early, until I crossed that line anything could happen. I went through a few bad patches on the run. I had dropped all my gel in the first km and so had to rely on aid stations and often people couldn't understand my accent, so I kept missing out on gel. I started to feel a little weak and dizzy at around 18 miles and so started drinking coke and eating bananas and soon started feeling great again.
Crossing the line in first place was such an amazing experience that I will remember forever. My first iron man victory. I thought I could win, but I never dreamed I would smash the course record by about 10 minutes and win by 24 mins. I finished the day with the fastest swim, bike and run splits which just proves to me how much the hard work I've done on the bike has paid off.
I'd like to thank Chris and Ron Hamacher for having Brett and myself stay in their house for the week. We had a fantastic time. I'd also like to thank my coach Greg for all his hard work he's done with me over the past few months I really appreciate it.
So it feels great to be the first female to qualify for Kona 2008 (I think that is the case anyway). I leave for New Zealand today and am looking forward to being back home.
Gina Ferguson wins Ironman Wisconsin
In what is turning into a rout by athletes from this small island nation on the top of the world, a New Zealander stood atop an Ironman podium for the fourth time this year. Five, if count Chris MacDonald as a Kiwi. And it would be the third time outside of New Zealand in a month.
Ferguson, 26, the Triathlon New Zealand Olympic distance series champion, was not even scheduled to enter this race. After a solid fourth placing in Ironman Switzerland in July, she set her sights on Ironman UK last month, but was forced to withdraw after mechanical problems on the bike after leading out of the water. She had to walk 20 kms back to the transition in cold and wet conditions.
Along with coach Greg Fraine she decided that because she was in such strong form that she should compete in the US on her way home instead.
After being first woman and third pro out of the 3.8km swim yesterday in 54 minutes just ahead of American Hillary Biscay, she found a liking for the hilly 180km course, stretching her lead to 12 minutes, with the best women's time of the day. Then followed a solid 3:14 marathon which stretched her lead to 24 minutes, shattering the course record by almost 10 minutes.
"That was the best race I have ever done," Ferguson said. "I've worked so hard and this is just great. The crowds just lined the streets. The feeling is amazing."
It is just her fourth start in an Ironman after finishing fifth in New Zealand in March, fourth in Switzerland and failing to finish in UK.
"Gina was pretty low after that because she had worked so hard in training," coach Greg Fraine said.
"We managed to get re-focused and look at the options. The course probably suited her more. She is a very talented athlete and a very tough competitor. I’m delighted for her. She has enormous potential."
Ferguson's time was all the more astounding considering that there were 2200 athletes in the race, and that the mens race was won in a relatively slow time of 8:52.
Triathlon New Zealand CEO Dave Beeche is delighted at yet further success for a New Zealand athlete.
"Gina is such a determined and focused athlete with an astounding ability to compete over a range of distances that this victory was always a case of when rather than if. She is the defending champion in the Contact Energy Cup and now an Ironman winner, congratulations to her and her coaching team.
"It is also very timely given we launched the new dates and races for the My Sport Series, including the Contact Energy Cup races, just last week. We would love to see Gina return to defend her title in what will now I’m sure be a busy summer of racing for her."
The men's race was won by Maik Twelseik, also 26, of Germany. He took the lead early in the bike, heading into the run with a ten minute lead which he was able to maintain to the finish.
Results, Ironman Wisconsin (3.8km swim 180km bike 42km run)
Women
1. Gina Ferguson (NZL) 9:37.03 (53.59 swim, 5:22.07 bike, 3:14.45 run - course record)
2. Hillary Biscay (USA) 10:01.30
3. Ina Reinders (GER) 10:03.39
4. Heather Haviland (USA) 10:06:26
5. Lauren Jensen (USA) 10:07:41
Men
1. Maik Twelsiek (GER) 8:52:49
2. Paul Fritzsche (USA) 9:03:22
3. Uzziel Valderrabano (MEX) 9:06:05
4. Werner Leitner (Austria) 9:06:41
5. Christophe Bastie (FRA) 9:08:08
Ferguson, 26, the Triathlon New Zealand Olympic distance series champion, was not even scheduled to enter this race. After a solid fourth placing in Ironman Switzerland in July, she set her sights on Ironman UK last month, but was forced to withdraw after mechanical problems on the bike after leading out of the water. She had to walk 20 kms back to the transition in cold and wet conditions.
Along with coach Greg Fraine she decided that because she was in such strong form that she should compete in the US on her way home instead.
After being first woman and third pro out of the 3.8km swim yesterday in 54 minutes just ahead of American Hillary Biscay, she found a liking for the hilly 180km course, stretching her lead to 12 minutes, with the best women's time of the day. Then followed a solid 3:14 marathon which stretched her lead to 24 minutes, shattering the course record by almost 10 minutes.
"That was the best race I have ever done," Ferguson said. "I've worked so hard and this is just great. The crowds just lined the streets. The feeling is amazing."
It is just her fourth start in an Ironman after finishing fifth in New Zealand in March, fourth in Switzerland and failing to finish in UK.
"Gina was pretty low after that because she had worked so hard in training," coach Greg Fraine said.
"We managed to get re-focused and look at the options. The course probably suited her more. She is a very talented athlete and a very tough competitor. I’m delighted for her. She has enormous potential."
Ferguson's time was all the more astounding considering that there were 2200 athletes in the race, and that the mens race was won in a relatively slow time of 8:52.
Triathlon New Zealand CEO Dave Beeche is delighted at yet further success for a New Zealand athlete.
"Gina is such a determined and focused athlete with an astounding ability to compete over a range of distances that this victory was always a case of when rather than if. She is the defending champion in the Contact Energy Cup and now an Ironman winner, congratulations to her and her coaching team.
"It is also very timely given we launched the new dates and races for the My Sport Series, including the Contact Energy Cup races, just last week. We would love to see Gina return to defend her title in what will now I’m sure be a busy summer of racing for her."
The men's race was won by Maik Twelseik, also 26, of Germany. He took the lead early in the bike, heading into the run with a ten minute lead which he was able to maintain to the finish.
Results, Ironman Wisconsin (3.8km swim 180km bike 42km run)
Women
1. Gina Ferguson (NZL) 9:37.03 (53.59 swim, 5:22.07 bike, 3:14.45 run - course record)
2. Hillary Biscay (USA) 10:01.30
3. Ina Reinders (GER) 10:03.39
4. Heather Haviland (USA) 10:06:26
5. Lauren Jensen (USA) 10:07:41
Men
1. Maik Twelsiek (GER) 8:52:49
2. Paul Fritzsche (USA) 9:03:22
3. Uzziel Valderrabano (MEX) 9:06:05
4. Werner Leitner (Austria) 9:06:41
5. Christophe Bastie (FRA) 9:08:08
Monday, 3 September 2007
Safe, solid, unspectacular showing in Triathlon World Championships
In a cautious showing two weeks out from the Olympic trials in Beijing the Kiwi contingent had a solid but unspectacular showing at the Triathlon World Championships in Hamburg over the weekend.
Young Terenzo Bozzone was the best in 7th place just 45 seconds off the winner German Daniel Unger. This was one of his better performances and one hopes he has some gas left in the tank in two weeks time. At least this should have given him much needed confidence. That he has the class is without question. He has had a tough year recovering from knee surgery and generally battling to find form.
It would be an awesome result if he could be the third member of the Olympic team behind Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell. However only two members of the squad of three will be selected based from the Beijing race. The wisdom of this process, in particular the timing, is subject of another debate.
I won't go so far as to say the champs were a farce, but with most countries opting to use the Beijing course as their Olympic trial, athletes cannot peak twice two weeks apart. The men's race predictably turned in a foot race for the finish with a big bunch starting the 10km run together. Triathlon is lottery and no one was going to go for broke at this stage.
In Queenstown four years ago a similar thing happened with the Kiwis playing it safe looking for Olympic selection and not concerning themselves with winning the World Championships. Not all countries followed suit however. Unger's win in front of a home crowd was all the more sweet for him because this gained him Beijing selection.
Gemmell showed his form by leading the race through the 6km mark, but when eventual 2nd place man Javier Gomez picked up the pace Gemmell packed it in, saving himself. "I raced to my coach’s instructions today and ran the first 6km really hard and dropped a number of leading athletes in the process. I know this will sound weird after dropping out of the race but my form is great, I was happy with how I went and I’m looking forward to qualifying for the Olympics," he said later.
Docherty put in his usual consistent performance but did so without threatening the leaders on the final 5km of the run, but he was happy with his form if not his eventual 9th place finish. "I felt really good, strong on the bike and on the run, just not a great deal of leg speed and felt just a little bit flat when the pace picked up halfway through the run. But I’m confident for two weeks time in Beijing. Today was a good hit out in that regard." After all in Beijing he only has to finish in the top two New Zealanders, and such is his class and current form a conservative race there should almost guarantee him a place.
The women's race was much more predictable, and such is Vanessa Fernandes' dominance on a world and national scale, one could expect her to race to win, and not worry about the trials in two weeks time, if indeed she is required to perform there to gain Olympic selection.
The Kiwi's however had by their very high standards, a less satisfactory showing after some navigation errors, and rough and tumble on the swim course left them out of the front bunch on the bike. This was especially disappointing for Sam Warriner who wasn't interested in holding back for Beijing. This was a World Championships and she was prepared to go for it. Warriner finished 11th with Debbie Tanner one place behind.
Hamburg BG Triathlon World Championships - Final Elite Men's Results
1. Daniel Unger (GER) 01:43:18
2. Javier Gomez (ESP) 01:43:22 +00:00:04
3. Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) 01:43:36 +00:00:18
4. Simon Whitfield (CAN) 01:43:40 +00:00:22
5. William Clarke (GBR) 01:43:45 +00:00:27
6. Jan Frodeno (GER) 01:43:57 +00:00:39
7. Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) 01:44:04 +00:00:46
8. Stuart Hayes (GBR) 01:44:07 +00:00:49
9. Bevan Docherty (NZL) 01:44:22 +00:01:04
10. Tim Don (GBR) 01:44:27 +00:01:09
Also
48. Shane Reed (NZL) + 0:04:35
60. Clark Ellice (NZL) + 0:06:51
DNF Kris Gemmell (NZL)
Hamburg BG Triathlon World Championships - Final Elite Women's Results
1. Vanessa Fernandes (POR) 01:53:27
2. Emma Snowsill (AUS) 01:54:31
3. Laura Bennett (USA) 01:54:37
4. Emma Moffatt (AUS) 01:54:54
5. Ricarda Lisk (GER) 01:54:59
6. Anja Dittmer (GER) 01:55:04
7. Magali Di marco Messmer (SUI) 01:55:09
8. Joelle Franzmann (GER) 01:55:15
9. Jessica Harrison (FRA) 01:55:26
10. Sarah Haskins (USA) 01:55:27
Also
11 Sam Warriner (NZL) + 0:02:06
12 Debbie Tanner (NZL) + 0:02:26
46 Evelyn Williamson (NZL) + 0:06:51
48 Taryn Mcleod (NZL) + 0:06:55
Young Terenzo Bozzone was the best in 7th place just 45 seconds off the winner German Daniel Unger. This was one of his better performances and one hopes he has some gas left in the tank in two weeks time. At least this should have given him much needed confidence. That he has the class is without question. He has had a tough year recovering from knee surgery and generally battling to find form.
It would be an awesome result if he could be the third member of the Olympic team behind Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell. However only two members of the squad of three will be selected based from the Beijing race. The wisdom of this process, in particular the timing, is subject of another debate.
I won't go so far as to say the champs were a farce, but with most countries opting to use the Beijing course as their Olympic trial, athletes cannot peak twice two weeks apart. The men's race predictably turned in a foot race for the finish with a big bunch starting the 10km run together. Triathlon is lottery and no one was going to go for broke at this stage.
In Queenstown four years ago a similar thing happened with the Kiwis playing it safe looking for Olympic selection and not concerning themselves with winning the World Championships. Not all countries followed suit however. Unger's win in front of a home crowd was all the more sweet for him because this gained him Beijing selection.
Gemmell showed his form by leading the race through the 6km mark, but when eventual 2nd place man Javier Gomez picked up the pace Gemmell packed it in, saving himself. "I raced to my coach’s instructions today and ran the first 6km really hard and dropped a number of leading athletes in the process. I know this will sound weird after dropping out of the race but my form is great, I was happy with how I went and I’m looking forward to qualifying for the Olympics," he said later.
Docherty put in his usual consistent performance but did so without threatening the leaders on the final 5km of the run, but he was happy with his form if not his eventual 9th place finish. "I felt really good, strong on the bike and on the run, just not a great deal of leg speed and felt just a little bit flat when the pace picked up halfway through the run. But I’m confident for two weeks time in Beijing. Today was a good hit out in that regard." After all in Beijing he only has to finish in the top two New Zealanders, and such is his class and current form a conservative race there should almost guarantee him a place.
The women's race was much more predictable, and such is Vanessa Fernandes' dominance on a world and national scale, one could expect her to race to win, and not worry about the trials in two weeks time, if indeed she is required to perform there to gain Olympic selection.
The Kiwi's however had by their very high standards, a less satisfactory showing after some navigation errors, and rough and tumble on the swim course left them out of the front bunch on the bike. This was especially disappointing for Sam Warriner who wasn't interested in holding back for Beijing. This was a World Championships and she was prepared to go for it. Warriner finished 11th with Debbie Tanner one place behind.
Hamburg BG Triathlon World Championships - Final Elite Men's Results
1. Daniel Unger (GER) 01:43:18
2. Javier Gomez (ESP) 01:43:22 +00:00:04
3. Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) 01:43:36 +00:00:18
4. Simon Whitfield (CAN) 01:43:40 +00:00:22
5. William Clarke (GBR) 01:43:45 +00:00:27
6. Jan Frodeno (GER) 01:43:57 +00:00:39
7. Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) 01:44:04 +00:00:46
8. Stuart Hayes (GBR) 01:44:07 +00:00:49
9. Bevan Docherty (NZL) 01:44:22 +00:01:04
10. Tim Don (GBR) 01:44:27 +00:01:09
Also
48. Shane Reed (NZL) + 0:04:35
60. Clark Ellice (NZL) + 0:06:51
DNF Kris Gemmell (NZL)
Hamburg BG Triathlon World Championships - Final Elite Women's Results
1. Vanessa Fernandes (POR) 01:53:27
2. Emma Snowsill (AUS) 01:54:31
3. Laura Bennett (USA) 01:54:37
4. Emma Moffatt (AUS) 01:54:54
5. Ricarda Lisk (GER) 01:54:59
6. Anja Dittmer (GER) 01:55:04
7. Magali Di marco Messmer (SUI) 01:55:09
8. Joelle Franzmann (GER) 01:55:15
9. Jessica Harrison (FRA) 01:55:26
10. Sarah Haskins (USA) 01:55:27
Also
11 Sam Warriner (NZL) + 0:02:06
12 Debbie Tanner (NZL) + 0:02:26
46 Evelyn Williamson (NZL) + 0:06:51
48 Taryn Mcleod (NZL) + 0:06:55
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