Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
27th April 2008.
New Zealanders were very much to the fore at the Noumea International Triathlon today with Kiwi women taking three of the top four places and the men three of the top six.
Leading the way was Dunedin's Taryn McLeod with first place in the women's elite race, with Evelyn Williamson third and Kelly Bruce fourth. The result was especially pleasing for McLeod who hasn't raced over the standard distance since the 2007 World Championships in Hamburg after being diagnosed with glandular fever in December.
In the men's it was Palmerston North's Tama Christensen just missing the podium in fourth place, with Ben Visser and Ryan Sissons close behind in 5th and 6th.
Conditions were tough with temperatures into the early thirties and humidity into the nineties, while the course itself was a demanding one in the non-drafting event.
The good showing from the emerging New Zealand talent caps a great weekend for Tri NZ following on the heels of Sam Warriner's win and Bevan Docherty's second place at the Tongyeong World Cup in South Korea.
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Sam Warriner talks about her world cup win in South Korea
From Sam (27 April 2008):
I am on such a high as winning a World Cup gets harder and harder each time due to the strength of the fields.
The week started busy as I flew out to Korea on Tuesday so Monday I was frantic packing and saying my goodbyes to friends and sponsors, which was sad.
Once on the plane I started to unwind but was gutted as the films were all in Korean so it was a long 12 hour flight!!! I arrived in Seoul at nine at night and to my surprise it was freezing and wet. I overnighted before flying down to Tongyeong which is where the race was. The race hotel was nice and had a flat screen TV which was great for watching Pretty Woman, ten episodes of CSI and 24. That's the great thing about going to races, you have to rest so a lot of the time you spend in your hotel room trying to relax and rest up watching the tele. I say relaxing but that's the hardest thing I get very nervous and although I try to stay relaxed it is like a roller coaster ride as one minute I'm calm and relaxed….. The next I get nervous and apprehensive and worry about all the ‘what ifs' but I suppose that's all part of the process of racing!!!
In the room at the hotel I slept on a fold out camp bed, it was so bizarre. Apparently they had run out of beds so had to use camp beds brought in from Seoul?!
The weather has been cold and very windy. The water temperature was 14 degrees so you could say it was chilly, you had an ice cream headache till the first buoy. On race day the winds were strong so they had to change the bike route as it was too dangerous to cross the bridge at the end of the course!
I had a good swim start getting myself clear and being in the lead pack at the buoy. However once round the buoys we were swimming back to shore and a media boat miss-timed the current and drifted into us, I had to swim under the boat which freaked me a bit so I lost a few spots but I still managed to get out with the lead pack so I was stoked... I then learnt from my New Plymouth mistake and did not get so excited about being in the lead pack and rode smartly on the bike. I loved the bike course with its hills and technical turns. The bike was made harder by the wind so lots of athletes were reluctant to take their turn at the front. I rode well and set myself up well for transition 2 in which I was first out. On the run three of us broke away and ran together for the first three laps. I was feeling strong and kept trying to drop the other two but did not until the last lap.
The Czech went first then with 2km to go I dropped the English girl who was exactly half my age 18!!! I thought to myself you're not beating me you've still got a lot more km's and hard work to beat me so I kicked, got the gap and extended it. I felt really good on the run, strong and in control and once I had that gap there was no way I was going to lose it. It was so good to cross the line first and hold up the banner. But the best part is standing on the podium listening to the national anthem; it is such a great feeling.
For the rest of this afternoon I had lots of Koreans take my photo as they get very excited about the race. They were very surprised about my age, I suppose that's a culture thing, but as I said to them age is no barrier and I'm getting stronger as I get older!!!
I'm now just writing this in my hotel room before we go for the closing ceremony dinner. I'm hoping it will be a buffet like the opening one as Tongyeong is famous for its sea food as it's the major fishing port in South Korea. When you walk around the streets the fish is being sold on the side street and all different sorts of fish are swimming around in plastic buckets and you choose which one you want. Even in restaurants you choose the one you want from a big tank!!!
Anyway the other night they had the hugest prawns, scallops, mussels and salmon which looked lovely but I was too scared to try them in case I got ill. But tonight to celebrate I'm going for it as I do love sea food.
So thank you to everyone who has supported me so far on my journey towards Beijing. From today's results I am on track and the biggest thing for me personally is how I changed it around from a poor performance at New Plymouth to lifting my confidence and performing on the day here in Korea.
I'm flying home to NZ tomorrow and then I fly out to Canada the very same day to train with my good friend and triathlete Jill Savage so my next report will be from here place in Penticton.
I hope you're all well and I look forward to bringing you more interesting stories as the year goes on!
Regards,
Sam.
See more from Sam's diary at www.samwarriner.co.nz
I am on such a high as winning a World Cup gets harder and harder each time due to the strength of the fields.
The week started busy as I flew out to Korea on Tuesday so Monday I was frantic packing and saying my goodbyes to friends and sponsors, which was sad.
Once on the plane I started to unwind but was gutted as the films were all in Korean so it was a long 12 hour flight!!! I arrived in Seoul at nine at night and to my surprise it was freezing and wet. I overnighted before flying down to Tongyeong which is where the race was. The race hotel was nice and had a flat screen TV which was great for watching Pretty Woman, ten episodes of CSI and 24. That's the great thing about going to races, you have to rest so a lot of the time you spend in your hotel room trying to relax and rest up watching the tele. I say relaxing but that's the hardest thing I get very nervous and although I try to stay relaxed it is like a roller coaster ride as one minute I'm calm and relaxed….. The next I get nervous and apprehensive and worry about all the ‘what ifs' but I suppose that's all part of the process of racing!!!
In the room at the hotel I slept on a fold out camp bed, it was so bizarre. Apparently they had run out of beds so had to use camp beds brought in from Seoul?!
The weather has been cold and very windy. The water temperature was 14 degrees so you could say it was chilly, you had an ice cream headache till the first buoy. On race day the winds were strong so they had to change the bike route as it was too dangerous to cross the bridge at the end of the course!
I had a good swim start getting myself clear and being in the lead pack at the buoy. However once round the buoys we were swimming back to shore and a media boat miss-timed the current and drifted into us, I had to swim under the boat which freaked me a bit so I lost a few spots but I still managed to get out with the lead pack so I was stoked... I then learnt from my New Plymouth mistake and did not get so excited about being in the lead pack and rode smartly on the bike. I loved the bike course with its hills and technical turns. The bike was made harder by the wind so lots of athletes were reluctant to take their turn at the front. I rode well and set myself up well for transition 2 in which I was first out. On the run three of us broke away and ran together for the first three laps. I was feeling strong and kept trying to drop the other two but did not until the last lap.
The Czech went first then with 2km to go I dropped the English girl who was exactly half my age 18!!! I thought to myself you're not beating me you've still got a lot more km's and hard work to beat me so I kicked, got the gap and extended it. I felt really good on the run, strong and in control and once I had that gap there was no way I was going to lose it. It was so good to cross the line first and hold up the banner. But the best part is standing on the podium listening to the national anthem; it is such a great feeling.
For the rest of this afternoon I had lots of Koreans take my photo as they get very excited about the race. They were very surprised about my age, I suppose that's a culture thing, but as I said to them age is no barrier and I'm getting stronger as I get older!!!
I'm now just writing this in my hotel room before we go for the closing ceremony dinner. I'm hoping it will be a buffet like the opening one as Tongyeong is famous for its sea food as it's the major fishing port in South Korea. When you walk around the streets the fish is being sold on the side street and all different sorts of fish are swimming around in plastic buckets and you choose which one you want. Even in restaurants you choose the one you want from a big tank!!!
Anyway the other night they had the hugest prawns, scallops, mussels and salmon which looked lovely but I was too scared to try them in case I got ill. But tonight to celebrate I'm going for it as I do love sea food.
So thank you to everyone who has supported me so far on my journey towards Beijing. From today's results I am on track and the biggest thing for me personally is how I changed it around from a poor performance at New Plymouth to lifting my confidence and performing on the day here in Korea.
I'm flying home to NZ tomorrow and then I fly out to Canada the very same day to train with my good friend and triathlete Jill Savage so my next report will be from here place in Penticton.
I hope you're all well and I look forward to bringing you more interesting stories as the year goes on!
Regards,
Sam.
See more from Sam's diary at www.samwarriner.co.nz
Bevan Docherty bounces back with 2nd place ITU finish in South Korea
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
26th April 2008.
Leading New Zealand triathlete Bevan Docherty bounced back from the disappointment of withdrawing from the New Plymouth Word Cup race earlier in April with a strong second place finish at the Tongyeong ITU BG World Cup in South Korea today.
Bevan sprints for second in Tongyeong, South Korea
Photo credit: Simon Grimmett, triathlon.org
The result capped a great day for New Zealand; coming just hours after Sam Warriner ran impressively to victory in the women's race.
The men's race was won by Tim Don (GBR), not surprising given the former World Champion is just weeks away from peaking at the Madrid World Cup when he races for an Olympic berth on the Great Britain team. His performance today suggested he is in good shape to secure a spot in Beijing.
Docherty ran side by side with Jan Frodeno (GER) throughout the 10km final leg of the race before out sprinting the powerful German down the finishing chute. The race between the two was that close that initial reports indicated the German had held on but the video evidence clearly showed Docherty nudging ahead in the final few metres to claim the runner up money.
Docherty always backed himself to win the race for the 'minor money' behind Don.
"I felt pretty good but never felt 100% at any stage all day. But I was strong enough to hang on in a tight sprint finish. I have good confidence in my sprinting these days so was comfortable leaving it until the finish."
The Kiwi was in a different place physically to that of New Plymouth three weeks ago when forced to withdraw.
"Today shows you the difference that a few weeks of easy training makes. I never doubted I was on the right track even after New Plymouth but some who don't yet understand the sport read too much into it. It was all part of the overall game plan progressing towards Beijing and when you are hurting yourself in training as I am, you have to make some sacrifices to get to the big goal. Today I was racing on the back of some easier weeks and the form is coming back together nicely. It is on the back of the easy weeks that you can make the big gains."
Docherty considered going with Don but admitted he was too good today.
"This is a tough, tight and technical run course that Tim was well suited to while it upset my rhythm a bit. He is however at a different stage of his build up as he has not yet qualified for Beijing so he needed to be in good shape. But he was certainly just that little bit above the rest of us today."
Fellow Kiwi Graham O'Grady made an impressive return to the World Cup stage, the young Aucklander raced superbly all day to feature in the lead bunch on the bike before eventually finishing 24th. O'Grady did not feature last year through illness and injury but today highlighted his undoubted potential in the sport. The final Kiwi in the race Callum Millward did not finish, withdrawing during the bike leg.
Tongyeong ITU BG World Cup, South Korea 26 April 2008
Elite Men Results
1. Tim Don (GBR) 1:38:14
2. Bevan Docherty (NZL) +0:00:06
3. Jan Frodeno(GER) 0:00:06
4. Reto Hug (SUI) 0:00:16
5. Rasmus Henning (DEN) 0:00:19
6. Paul Tichelaar (CAN) 0:00:25
7. Igor Sysoev (RUS) 0:00:30
8. Sven Riederer (SUI) 0:00:31
9. Yulian Malyshev (RUS) 0:00:38
10. Reinaldo Colucci (BRA) 0:00:45
Also
24 Graham O'Grady (NZL) +2:13:00
DNF Callum Millward (NZL)
26th April 2008.
Leading New Zealand triathlete Bevan Docherty bounced back from the disappointment of withdrawing from the New Plymouth Word Cup race earlier in April with a strong second place finish at the Tongyeong ITU BG World Cup in South Korea today.
Bevan sprints for second in Tongyeong, South Korea
Photo credit: Simon Grimmett, triathlon.org
The result capped a great day for New Zealand; coming just hours after Sam Warriner ran impressively to victory in the women's race.
The men's race was won by Tim Don (GBR), not surprising given the former World Champion is just weeks away from peaking at the Madrid World Cup when he races for an Olympic berth on the Great Britain team. His performance today suggested he is in good shape to secure a spot in Beijing.
Docherty ran side by side with Jan Frodeno (GER) throughout the 10km final leg of the race before out sprinting the powerful German down the finishing chute. The race between the two was that close that initial reports indicated the German had held on but the video evidence clearly showed Docherty nudging ahead in the final few metres to claim the runner up money.
Docherty always backed himself to win the race for the 'minor money' behind Don.
"I felt pretty good but never felt 100% at any stage all day. But I was strong enough to hang on in a tight sprint finish. I have good confidence in my sprinting these days so was comfortable leaving it until the finish."
The Kiwi was in a different place physically to that of New Plymouth three weeks ago when forced to withdraw.
"Today shows you the difference that a few weeks of easy training makes. I never doubted I was on the right track even after New Plymouth but some who don't yet understand the sport read too much into it. It was all part of the overall game plan progressing towards Beijing and when you are hurting yourself in training as I am, you have to make some sacrifices to get to the big goal. Today I was racing on the back of some easier weeks and the form is coming back together nicely. It is on the back of the easy weeks that you can make the big gains."
Docherty considered going with Don but admitted he was too good today.
"This is a tough, tight and technical run course that Tim was well suited to while it upset my rhythm a bit. He is however at a different stage of his build up as he has not yet qualified for Beijing so he needed to be in good shape. But he was certainly just that little bit above the rest of us today."
Fellow Kiwi Graham O'Grady made an impressive return to the World Cup stage, the young Aucklander raced superbly all day to feature in the lead bunch on the bike before eventually finishing 24th. O'Grady did not feature last year through illness and injury but today highlighted his undoubted potential in the sport. The final Kiwi in the race Callum Millward did not finish, withdrawing during the bike leg.
Tongyeong ITU BG World Cup, South Korea 26 April 2008
Elite Men Results
1. Tim Don (GBR) 1:38:14
2. Bevan Docherty (NZL) +0:00:06
3. Jan Frodeno(GER) 0:00:06
4. Reto Hug (SUI) 0:00:16
5. Rasmus Henning (DEN) 0:00:19
6. Paul Tichelaar (CAN) 0:00:25
7. Igor Sysoev (RUS) 0:00:30
8. Sven Riederer (SUI) 0:00:31
9. Yulian Malyshev (RUS) 0:00:38
10. Reinaldo Colucci (BRA) 0:00:45
Also
24 Graham O'Grady (NZL) +2:13:00
DNF Callum Millward (NZL)
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Sam Warriner wins the ITU cup race in Tongyeong, South Korea
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
26th April 2008.
Kiwi triathlete Sam Warriner today collected her sixth ITU BG World Cup title with victory in Tongyeong, South Korea.
Sam winning in Tongyeong, South Korea
Photo credit: Simon Grimmett, triathlon.org
The Beijing bound Kiwi took control early in the run after a perfect race that saw her with the leading pack out of the 1500m swim and never lose contact with the leaders on the bike.
The Whangarei based athlete was thrilled with the win, especially given where she is at with regards her preparation for Beijing.
"Absolutely, I am so happy. I have just spent four months in New Zealand on the base phase of my training so to win at this stage is a bonus. There is such a long way to go yet, I am only making my transition from base to strength phase in training so yes, I'm really stoked with today."
Warriner emerged early in the run alongside teenage British athlete Holy Avil and Vendula Frintova (CZE) and went about putting in a number of surges to drop both. Frintova was the first to fall away and Avil went on the final time through transition as the athletes climbed a small incline.
Warriner was pleased with the run today.
"Of the three disciplines the run was probably the best, especially given the huge mileage I am doing in training, to actually lead from the front and when challenged to hold them off and be strong right through. The Swim was also good though, I was out with lead pack, which was the goal today."
Tongyeong ITU BG World Cup, South Korea 26 April 2008
Results: Elite Women
1. Sam Warriner (Whangarei, NZL) 1:49:49
2. Holly Avil (GBR) +0:00:09
3. Vendula Frintova (CZE) 0:00:31
4. Ai.Ueda (JPN) 0:00:57
5. Kirsten Sweetland (CAN) 0:01:18
6. Olga Zausaylova (RUS) 0:01:29
7. Irina Abysova (RUS) 0:01:32
8. Nicola Spirig (SUI) 0:01:35
9. Lisa Mensink (NED) 0:01:38
10. Emma Davis (IRL) 0:01:40
26th April 2008.
Kiwi triathlete Sam Warriner today collected her sixth ITU BG World Cup title with victory in Tongyeong, South Korea.
Sam winning in Tongyeong, South Korea
Photo credit: Simon Grimmett, triathlon.org
The Beijing bound Kiwi took control early in the run after a perfect race that saw her with the leading pack out of the 1500m swim and never lose contact with the leaders on the bike.
The Whangarei based athlete was thrilled with the win, especially given where she is at with regards her preparation for Beijing.
"Absolutely, I am so happy. I have just spent four months in New Zealand on the base phase of my training so to win at this stage is a bonus. There is such a long way to go yet, I am only making my transition from base to strength phase in training so yes, I'm really stoked with today."
Warriner emerged early in the run alongside teenage British athlete Holy Avil and Vendula Frintova (CZE) and went about putting in a number of surges to drop both. Frintova was the first to fall away and Avil went on the final time through transition as the athletes climbed a small incline.
Warriner was pleased with the run today.
"Of the three disciplines the run was probably the best, especially given the huge mileage I am doing in training, to actually lead from the front and when challenged to hold them off and be strong right through. The Swim was also good though, I was out with lead pack, which was the goal today."
Tongyeong ITU BG World Cup, South Korea 26 April 2008
Results: Elite Women
1. Sam Warriner (Whangarei, NZL) 1:49:49
2. Holly Avil (GBR) +0:00:09
3. Vendula Frintova (CZE) 0:00:31
4. Ai.Ueda (JPN) 0:00:57
5. Kirsten Sweetland (CAN) 0:01:18
6. Olga Zausaylova (RUS) 0:01:29
7. Irina Abysova (RUS) 0:01:32
8. Nicola Spirig (SUI) 0:01:35
9. Lisa Mensink (NED) 0:01:38
10. Emma Davis (IRL) 0:01:40
Friday, 25 April 2008
James Elvery April 2008 report
World Ranking- was:53 now:84.
Hi Everyone,
I hope you're well! It's starting to cool off here in Christchurch, so it'll very soon be time to once again migrate for the winter to the Northern Hemisphere. But first, a quick update for February, March and April!
I last wrote in January after returning from my South American adventure. I headed down to Wanaka and got stuck into some good solid base training. In February I moved up to the TriNZ altitude camp at the Snowfarm facility in the Cardrona Valley. This place is amazing. It sits at around 1400m on top of the mountain across the valley from the Cardrona Ski field, with stunning views of the surrounding mountain-tops. I lived and trained for 4 weeks there with a great training group in the one of the nicest locations in the World. We had John Hellemans and Rob Creasy looking after the coaching and sport science and master Chef Steve Gould whipping up a storm in the kitchen.
Everything was very professionally done and days were filled with sleeping eating and training. A good group of NZ Junior and U23 athletes were there and were joined by Kris Gemmell and 2 time German Olympian Anja Dittmer, Nicky Samuels, as well as the Hong Kong team, an athlete from Syria and a NZ 1500m Olympic Swim team hopeful Bryn Murphy.
The NZ summer was fantastic and everyone on the camp was really dedicated to their work. I took my training to a new level, and with the base work I did in December and the added benefits of altitude I was expecting some very good form.
Unfortunately it seemed to come too soon! In the middle of February I was absolutely flying. I came up to Auckland looking for a hit out in a Stroke n Stride with a 500m swim, 5k run. I came out of the water with Bevan Docherty and other guys about 20 seconds behind Brent Foster. I had a good transition and ran away from Bevan, catching Fozzie pretty quickly and cruising in for my first win of the season. It worried me a bit that the race had felt so easy as I still had 3 weeks until the NZ Champs in Early March and another 3 weeks until the Mooloolaba Olympic selection race at the end of March. As it turned out I was probably still in good enough form to do really well in Wellington but I was devastated when I woke up the day before with a really bad head cold! I started the race but had an average swim and was going backwards fast on the bike with a headache before pulling out.
It took me a while to get over the cold after Wellington and I never really felt the same again in March. With not finishing Wellington I went into the Mooloolaba World Cup without having raced a full triathlon since January. In order to gain Olympic selection the Kiwis had to finish within the top 5, and be the first kiwi across the line. The race was stacked with most of the best athletes in the world and it would have taken a very special performance for any of us to have achieved that.
I swam ok, coming out near the back of the entire field but still within touch of the leaders. The bike quickly became one big bunch of around 70 guys, and all was set for the run. The bike course was pretty tough though, with a little hill that we climbed 14 times, in the heat of an Australian summers day. I got off in about 25th place but soon realised that this wasn't my day. The legs felt heavy and I only really got into a rhythm in the last 2k. I finished a disappointing 52nd but was happy to have at least been in the frame for the Games this time around.
Terenzo Bozzone had an awesome race to finish 14th with the quality of field and deserved to be named as 3rd man in the NZ Olympic team. But it was not to be this time round. Hopefully the two of us will be able to race together in London in 4 years time. Congratulations to Shane Reed who has years of experience racing at the top level and will represent us well in Beijing.
From Mooloolaba we all headed to New Plymouth for the World Cup the following weekend. After two subpar performances I was determined to get something to show for my summer. The field was virtually the same as in Mooloolaba, but conditions were cooler, with a wetsuit swim.
I had a good swim and exited in the main pack just behind a lead group of 8. The gap quickly closed and I was in the front group of about 50 riding with Kris Gemmell and World No1 Javier Gomez. I was surprised that all the favourites let a breakaway slip off up the road with some decent runners in it, and looking back I should have jumped across, but that is easy to say in hindsight. The group got about a minute lead by the end of the bike. I managed to weasel my way up to the front of our bunch through the last few corners of the ride, and then had the fastest second transition split in the race to lead the group out onto the run. I was soon joined (briefly) by Gomez, Gemmell and Brad Kahlefeldt and for a moment felt like I was dreaming running with the top runners in the sport. They soon left me for dead however with Gomez running down all the breakaways for the win with a 29:37 10km run split on a hilly course!
My legs definitely felt better than the previous week and I was a solid 33rd in a good field. My run time was average for me; 33:40.
So looking back on the summer, I basically peaked too early and left my best form in a stroke n stride and a handful of training sessions. I took some risks and pushed a little bit too hard, but I think sometimes you have to experiment if you want to improve. I'm annoyed that I didn't achieve the results I had hoped over the summer, but I will definitely learn from the experience. I believe the level of fitness I got to was higher than I have been at before, and it has taken me a long time and a lot of hard work to get there. Now the challenge is just to get the timing right.
So now it's time to pick up a couple of degrees at my graduation ceremony and head off to Europe to race for some much needed cash! I'll be doing races in the French and German Grand Prix and Bundesliga as well as ITU European Cups all over the continent. Look out for the next update once I have something to report!
Thanks for your support.
Cheers
James
Hi Everyone,
I hope you're well! It's starting to cool off here in Christchurch, so it'll very soon be time to once again migrate for the winter to the Northern Hemisphere. But first, a quick update for February, March and April!
I last wrote in January after returning from my South American adventure. I headed down to Wanaka and got stuck into some good solid base training. In February I moved up to the TriNZ altitude camp at the Snowfarm facility in the Cardrona Valley. This place is amazing. It sits at around 1400m on top of the mountain across the valley from the Cardrona Ski field, with stunning views of the surrounding mountain-tops. I lived and trained for 4 weeks there with a great training group in the one of the nicest locations in the World. We had John Hellemans and Rob Creasy looking after the coaching and sport science and master Chef Steve Gould whipping up a storm in the kitchen.
Everything was very professionally done and days were filled with sleeping eating and training. A good group of NZ Junior and U23 athletes were there and were joined by Kris Gemmell and 2 time German Olympian Anja Dittmer, Nicky Samuels, as well as the Hong Kong team, an athlete from Syria and a NZ 1500m Olympic Swim team hopeful Bryn Murphy.
The NZ summer was fantastic and everyone on the camp was really dedicated to their work. I took my training to a new level, and with the base work I did in December and the added benefits of altitude I was expecting some very good form.
Unfortunately it seemed to come too soon! In the middle of February I was absolutely flying. I came up to Auckland looking for a hit out in a Stroke n Stride with a 500m swim, 5k run. I came out of the water with Bevan Docherty and other guys about 20 seconds behind Brent Foster. I had a good transition and ran away from Bevan, catching Fozzie pretty quickly and cruising in for my first win of the season. It worried me a bit that the race had felt so easy as I still had 3 weeks until the NZ Champs in Early March and another 3 weeks until the Mooloolaba Olympic selection race at the end of March. As it turned out I was probably still in good enough form to do really well in Wellington but I was devastated when I woke up the day before with a really bad head cold! I started the race but had an average swim and was going backwards fast on the bike with a headache before pulling out.
It took me a while to get over the cold after Wellington and I never really felt the same again in March. With not finishing Wellington I went into the Mooloolaba World Cup without having raced a full triathlon since January. In order to gain Olympic selection the Kiwis had to finish within the top 5, and be the first kiwi across the line. The race was stacked with most of the best athletes in the world and it would have taken a very special performance for any of us to have achieved that.
I swam ok, coming out near the back of the entire field but still within touch of the leaders. The bike quickly became one big bunch of around 70 guys, and all was set for the run. The bike course was pretty tough though, with a little hill that we climbed 14 times, in the heat of an Australian summers day. I got off in about 25th place but soon realised that this wasn't my day. The legs felt heavy and I only really got into a rhythm in the last 2k. I finished a disappointing 52nd but was happy to have at least been in the frame for the Games this time around.
Terenzo Bozzone had an awesome race to finish 14th with the quality of field and deserved to be named as 3rd man in the NZ Olympic team. But it was not to be this time round. Hopefully the two of us will be able to race together in London in 4 years time. Congratulations to Shane Reed who has years of experience racing at the top level and will represent us well in Beijing.
From Mooloolaba we all headed to New Plymouth for the World Cup the following weekend. After two subpar performances I was determined to get something to show for my summer. The field was virtually the same as in Mooloolaba, but conditions were cooler, with a wetsuit swim.
I had a good swim and exited in the main pack just behind a lead group of 8. The gap quickly closed and I was in the front group of about 50 riding with Kris Gemmell and World No1 Javier Gomez. I was surprised that all the favourites let a breakaway slip off up the road with some decent runners in it, and looking back I should have jumped across, but that is easy to say in hindsight. The group got about a minute lead by the end of the bike. I managed to weasel my way up to the front of our bunch through the last few corners of the ride, and then had the fastest second transition split in the race to lead the group out onto the run. I was soon joined (briefly) by Gomez, Gemmell and Brad Kahlefeldt and for a moment felt like I was dreaming running with the top runners in the sport. They soon left me for dead however with Gomez running down all the breakaways for the win with a 29:37 10km run split on a hilly course!
My legs definitely felt better than the previous week and I was a solid 33rd in a good field. My run time was average for me; 33:40.
So looking back on the summer, I basically peaked too early and left my best form in a stroke n stride and a handful of training sessions. I took some risks and pushed a little bit too hard, but I think sometimes you have to experiment if you want to improve. I'm annoyed that I didn't achieve the results I had hoped over the summer, but I will definitely learn from the experience. I believe the level of fitness I got to was higher than I have been at before, and it has taken me a long time and a lot of hard work to get there. Now the challenge is just to get the timing right.
So now it's time to pick up a couple of degrees at my graduation ceremony and head off to Europe to race for some much needed cash! I'll be doing races in the French and German Grand Prix and Bundesliga as well as ITU European Cups all over the continent. Look out for the next update once I have something to report!
Thanks for your support.
Cheers
James
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Kiwis racing ITU South Korea this weekend
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
24th April 2008.
The latest round of the ITU BG World Cup takes the elite of the Triathlon world to Tongyeong, South Korea this weekend and the Kiwis will be amongst another world class field with the Olympic Games looming large for many countries and individual athletes yet to qualify.
Bevan Docherty, Callum Millward and Graham O'Grady race in the elite men's race while Sam Warriner is the sole Kiwi in the women's race on Saturday afternoon New Zealand time.
For Docherty and Warriner it is a continuation of their build up to the Beijing Olympic Games in August while for Millward and O'Grady it is a rare opportunity to experience the thrill and pressure of a World Cup event.
World number 3 Docherty is cagey about his chances this weekend, admitting that racing speed is not his priority so early in the year.
"Everything is focused on Beijing, at the moment I am all about training and hammering my body as hard as I can so my race fitness is not in the best shape but training couldn't be going better."
World number 150 O'Grady is looking forward to a return to World Cup racing after effectively taking a year out in 2007 with frustrating illness and injury set backs.
"This feels like it has been a year in waiting, so naturally I am keen to step up and put a good number on the board. I have been training well since about November last year and since January have been working with new coach Mark Elliott. While I haven't raced in some time I feel I am in good shape and hoping for a good race on Saturday."
World number 202 Millward will be racing in just his third World Cup race and his first outside Australia and New Zealand. Like O'Grady the 24 year old was hindered by injury in 2007 and will be targeting a strong finish on Saturday to set up a good year in 2008.
Both the men's and women's races have attracted strong fields with a number of individuals and countries still chasing starting spots at Beijing.
Amongst the favourites in the men's will be former world champion Tim Don (GBR), Beijing bound Jan Frodeno of Germany, four-time world cup winner Rasmus Henning of Denmark.
In the women's race German Ricarda Lisk will be a threat while 2006 junior world champion Kirsten Sweetland from Canada opens her 2008 world cup season in Tongyeong as will teammate Lauren Groves who's coming off a silver medal performance at the PATCO Pan American Championships in Mazatlan, Mexico.
Also in the field will be Great Britain's promising youngster Hollie Avil who will compete in just her second elite world cup. Last year's junior world and European champion was impressive in her debut, taking bronze at the Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup earlier this month.
Schedule:
ITU BG World Cup, Tongyeong, South Korea: Saturday April 26th
Elite Women 1pm NZT
Elite Men 4pm NZT
24th April 2008.
The latest round of the ITU BG World Cup takes the elite of the Triathlon world to Tongyeong, South Korea this weekend and the Kiwis will be amongst another world class field with the Olympic Games looming large for many countries and individual athletes yet to qualify.
Bevan Docherty, Callum Millward and Graham O'Grady race in the elite men's race while Sam Warriner is the sole Kiwi in the women's race on Saturday afternoon New Zealand time.
For Docherty and Warriner it is a continuation of their build up to the Beijing Olympic Games in August while for Millward and O'Grady it is a rare opportunity to experience the thrill and pressure of a World Cup event.
World number 3 Docherty is cagey about his chances this weekend, admitting that racing speed is not his priority so early in the year.
"Everything is focused on Beijing, at the moment I am all about training and hammering my body as hard as I can so my race fitness is not in the best shape but training couldn't be going better."
World number 150 O'Grady is looking forward to a return to World Cup racing after effectively taking a year out in 2007 with frustrating illness and injury set backs.
"This feels like it has been a year in waiting, so naturally I am keen to step up and put a good number on the board. I have been training well since about November last year and since January have been working with new coach Mark Elliott. While I haven't raced in some time I feel I am in good shape and hoping for a good race on Saturday."
World number 202 Millward will be racing in just his third World Cup race and his first outside Australia and New Zealand. Like O'Grady the 24 year old was hindered by injury in 2007 and will be targeting a strong finish on Saturday to set up a good year in 2008.
Both the men's and women's races have attracted strong fields with a number of individuals and countries still chasing starting spots at Beijing.
Amongst the favourites in the men's will be former world champion Tim Don (GBR), Beijing bound Jan Frodeno of Germany, four-time world cup winner Rasmus Henning of Denmark.
In the women's race German Ricarda Lisk will be a threat while 2006 junior world champion Kirsten Sweetland from Canada opens her 2008 world cup season in Tongyeong as will teammate Lauren Groves who's coming off a silver medal performance at the PATCO Pan American Championships in Mazatlan, Mexico.
Also in the field will be Great Britain's promising youngster Hollie Avil who will compete in just her second elite world cup. Last year's junior world and European champion was impressive in her debut, taking bronze at the Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup earlier this month.
Schedule:
ITU BG World Cup, Tongyeong, South Korea: Saturday April 26th
Elite Women 1pm NZT
Elite Men 4pm NZT
Ben Visser aims for top ten in Noumea
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
24th April 2008.
Meanwhile up and coming Kiwi triathlete Ben Visser will race in Noumea this weekend as he looks to make headway on the international triathlon circuit.
It is not the first time 21 year old Visser has raced at the event, one he is using as a stepping stone towards the Vancouver World Championships in June this year.
"I competed in the Noumea International Triathlon in 2005 where I finished 27th. This year I hope to get top 10. However if I feel strong in all three disciplines and stay on track for world champs, then I will also be happy. It is a non-drafting race but given the importance of the worlds, I won't change my bike position or freshen up too much."
The fact the race is a rare non drafting event and carries a reasonable prize purse will see a strong field of athletes' line up with the French in particular sending a strong representation.
For Visser though his goals are long term, beyond even Vancouver when he will line up in the elite U23 event.
"My longer terms goals are to be able to support myself comfortably in the next couple of years, confirm myself as one of the top NZ triathletes and then to go to London 2012. However because of my age I will be gunning for 2016 as well."
24th April 2008.
Meanwhile up and coming Kiwi triathlete Ben Visser will race in Noumea this weekend as he looks to make headway on the international triathlon circuit.
It is not the first time 21 year old Visser has raced at the event, one he is using as a stepping stone towards the Vancouver World Championships in June this year.
"I competed in the Noumea International Triathlon in 2005 where I finished 27th. This year I hope to get top 10. However if I feel strong in all three disciplines and stay on track for world champs, then I will also be happy. It is a non-drafting race but given the importance of the worlds, I won't change my bike position or freshen up too much."
The fact the race is a rare non drafting event and carries a reasonable prize purse will see a strong field of athletes' line up with the French in particular sending a strong representation.
For Visser though his goals are long term, beyond even Vancouver when he will line up in the elite U23 event.
"My longer terms goals are to be able to support myself comfortably in the next couple of years, confirm myself as one of the top NZ triathletes and then to go to London 2012. However because of my age I will be gunning for 2016 as well."
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Simon Whitfield moves to 2nd all-time world cup winner with Japan gold
Press Release: ITU via Triathlon New Zealand.
13 April 2008.
Ishigaki, Japan - Sydney Olympic Champion Simon Whitfield of Canada continues his quest for another Olympic title with a win at the Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup today. Whitfield showed a field of top Olympians that he still has kick in his legs to claim his 11th world cup title, in a time of 1 hour 51 minutes and 12 seconds. Close behind in second was 2007 big prize money winner Rasmus Henning of Denmark, 10 seconds back. Rounding out the podium was Russia's Ivan Vasiliev another 11 seconds back, who just managed to outlast a charging Peter Robertson of Australia. In fifth was Britain's Tim Don, who also ran back from over a minute deficit after the bike to finish in the top-5.
"That was good, a great way to start the year. I've been coming here for 12 years and never been close to the podium, "said Whitfield after his win, which ties him for second all-time world cup wins with Kiwi and fellow Olympic gold medalist Hamish Carter. "When I was running along I was thinking 'Come on, this might be my last time here so I have to win this thing'. It's my first win in Japan so it's a thrill, never done that."
As temperatures rose to almost 30 degrees Celsius with 100% humidity, 44 men dived into the warm coastal waters of Ishigaki harbour for the non-wetsuit swim. It was not until the second of the two-lap swim before a definite break was visible in the long line of starters with local favourite Hirokatsu Tayama of Japan leading the way. Despite a slow first lap Whitfield managed to finish strong, moving into the front group for the start of the hilly bike segment.
Just as in the women's race earlier, the efficient lead group continued to put time on their chasers throughout the 40-kilometre bike course, coming into second transition over a minute ahead of top contenders Robertson and Don.
Immediately moving the front of the hill-ridden run course was Whitfield, followed closely by Henning and Vasiliev. Vasiliev was the first to fall off the leader's pace at the 5-kilometre mark leaving the two world cup veterans. On the final downhill Whitfield would open up to drop Henning and run solo to the finish. Both Robertson and Don made a bid for the podium over the 10-kilometre run, coming within 6 seconds of a top-3. But neither had a chance at catching Whitfield as he made his first world cup win of 2008 look easy with a 31:43 run split.
With the strong performances so far in 2008 the Australian and Russian men have pulled ahead of Switzerland for the final spot to qualify three athletes for the Beijing Olympics. Olympic qualification ends on June 8th at the Vancouver BG Triathlon World Championships.
2008 Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup - 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run, 13 April 2008
Elite Men
Gold - Simon Whitfield (CAN) 1:51:12
Silver - Rasmus Henning (DEN) 1:51:22 +:10
Bronze - Ivan Vasiliev (RUS) 1:51:33 +:21
4 - Peter Robertson (AUS) 1:51:39 +:27
5 - Tim Don (GBR) 1:51:43 +:31
6 - Reto Hug (SUI) 1:51:46 +:34
7 - Alexander Brukhankov (RUS) 1:51:54 +:42
8 - Simon Thompson (AUS) 1:52:00 +:48
9 - Hirokatsu Tayama (JPN) 1:52:04 +:52
10 - Dmitriy Gaag (KAZ) 1:52:12 +1:00
Also
DNF - Kris Gemmell (withdrew on run leg)
13 April 2008.
Ishigaki, Japan - Sydney Olympic Champion Simon Whitfield of Canada continues his quest for another Olympic title with a win at the Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup today. Whitfield showed a field of top Olympians that he still has kick in his legs to claim his 11th world cup title, in a time of 1 hour 51 minutes and 12 seconds. Close behind in second was 2007 big prize money winner Rasmus Henning of Denmark, 10 seconds back. Rounding out the podium was Russia's Ivan Vasiliev another 11 seconds back, who just managed to outlast a charging Peter Robertson of Australia. In fifth was Britain's Tim Don, who also ran back from over a minute deficit after the bike to finish in the top-5.
"That was good, a great way to start the year. I've been coming here for 12 years and never been close to the podium, "said Whitfield after his win, which ties him for second all-time world cup wins with Kiwi and fellow Olympic gold medalist Hamish Carter. "When I was running along I was thinking 'Come on, this might be my last time here so I have to win this thing'. It's my first win in Japan so it's a thrill, never done that."
As temperatures rose to almost 30 degrees Celsius with 100% humidity, 44 men dived into the warm coastal waters of Ishigaki harbour for the non-wetsuit swim. It was not until the second of the two-lap swim before a definite break was visible in the long line of starters with local favourite Hirokatsu Tayama of Japan leading the way. Despite a slow first lap Whitfield managed to finish strong, moving into the front group for the start of the hilly bike segment.
Just as in the women's race earlier, the efficient lead group continued to put time on their chasers throughout the 40-kilometre bike course, coming into second transition over a minute ahead of top contenders Robertson and Don.
Immediately moving the front of the hill-ridden run course was Whitfield, followed closely by Henning and Vasiliev. Vasiliev was the first to fall off the leader's pace at the 5-kilometre mark leaving the two world cup veterans. On the final downhill Whitfield would open up to drop Henning and run solo to the finish. Both Robertson and Don made a bid for the podium over the 10-kilometre run, coming within 6 seconds of a top-3. But neither had a chance at catching Whitfield as he made his first world cup win of 2008 look easy with a 31:43 run split.
With the strong performances so far in 2008 the Australian and Russian men have pulled ahead of Switzerland for the final spot to qualify three athletes for the Beijing Olympics. Olympic qualification ends on June 8th at the Vancouver BG Triathlon World Championships.
2008 Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup - 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run, 13 April 2008
Elite Men
Gold - Simon Whitfield (CAN) 1:51:12
Silver - Rasmus Henning (DEN) 1:51:22 +:10
Bronze - Ivan Vasiliev (RUS) 1:51:33 +:21
4 - Peter Robertson (AUS) 1:51:39 +:27
5 - Tim Don (GBR) 1:51:43 +:31
6 - Reto Hug (SUI) 1:51:46 +:34
7 - Alexander Brukhankov (RUS) 1:51:54 +:42
8 - Simon Thompson (AUS) 1:52:00 +:48
9 - Hirokatsu Tayama (JPN) 1:52:04 +:52
10 - Dmitriy Gaag (KAZ) 1:52:12 +1:00
Also
DNF - Kris Gemmell (withdrew on run leg)
Monday, 14 April 2008
Emma Snowsill Triumphant in Japan
Press Release: ITU via Triathlon New Zealand.
13 April 2008.
Ishigaki, Japan - Australian superstar Emma Snowsill added to her extensive medal count today with a win at the Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup. Snowsill led from start to finish claiming her eighth world cup title in a time of 2 hours 3 minutes and 11 seconds. In second place, 29 seconds behind, was fellow Aussie and Olympic hopeful Erin Densham. A further 1 minute 45 seconds back in third was young Hollie Avil of Great Britain in her world cup debut, nipping home crowd favourite Juri Ide of Japan in an exciting sprint finish. In fifth position was Canadian Kathy Trembley.
"I just wanted to get out there and get a second hit out," said Snowsill after her second win of the season. "I felt like I had a bit more of a plateau, not so many ups and downs. I'm really happy, 2 for 2 what more can I ask for at this stage."
Right from the starter's horn, Snowsill quickly moved to the lead of the 41 women field stringing out a long line of athletes. The only women able to keep up to her were the British swimming trio of Helen Tucker, Jodie Swallow and Kerry Lang. These four would lead the entire swim while the remaining women battled it out behind. Another Aussie Olympic hopeful Felicity Abram, was caught amongst the white water of the chasers and would withdraw from the race early in the bike portion due to stomach ailments.
This lead group of four would be joined by four more at the start of the 40-kilometre hilly bike leg. This small break away made time intiially but was quickly caught however by a Nicola Spirig-led chase group of ten. The Swiss powerhouse single-handedly reeled in the leaders by the end of the first lap, pulling eventual medalists Densham and Avil to within striking distance. This group would efficiently conquer the 14 hills on the course, increasing the lead to over two minutes between them and the chase group, containing pre race favourites, Debbie Tanner of New Zealand and Anja Dittmer of Germany, by the second transition.
In her usual style, Snowsill would struggle through second transition to fall almost ten seconds behind, but blasted to the front in the first 500 metres and would never look back with a blistering 33:23 final 10-kilometre run split to grab top spot and her 16th career podium. Densham dug deep to pull within 30 seconds of Snowsill at the finish intending to persuade Australian Olympic selectors after a slow start to the season. Densham is one of four top Australian women fighting for two remaining Olympic spots. After trading the lead over the final five kilometres 18-year old and reigning World Junior Champion Avil of managed to nip Japan's Ide at the line for a bronze medal in her first world cup.
2008 Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup - 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run, 13 April 2008
Elite Women
Gold - Emma Snowsill (AUS) 2:03:11
Silver - Erin Densham (AUS) 2:03:40 +:29
Bronze - Hollie Avil (GBR) 2:05:25 +2:14
4 - Juri Ide (JPN) 2:05:30 +2:19
5 - Kathy Tremblay (CAN) 2:05:57 +2:46
6- Nicola Spirig (SUI) 2:06:05 +2:54
7 - Daniela Ryf (SUI) 2:06:20 +3:09
8 - Mariana Ohata (BRA) 2:06:30 +3:19
9 - Irina Abysova (RUS) 2:06:34 +3:23
10 - Lisa Huetthaler (AUT) 2:06:42 +3:31
Also
17 - Debbie Tanner (NZL) 02:08:24
13 April 2008.
Ishigaki, Japan - Australian superstar Emma Snowsill added to her extensive medal count today with a win at the Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup. Snowsill led from start to finish claiming her eighth world cup title in a time of 2 hours 3 minutes and 11 seconds. In second place, 29 seconds behind, was fellow Aussie and Olympic hopeful Erin Densham. A further 1 minute 45 seconds back in third was young Hollie Avil of Great Britain in her world cup debut, nipping home crowd favourite Juri Ide of Japan in an exciting sprint finish. In fifth position was Canadian Kathy Trembley.
"I just wanted to get out there and get a second hit out," said Snowsill after her second win of the season. "I felt like I had a bit more of a plateau, not so many ups and downs. I'm really happy, 2 for 2 what more can I ask for at this stage."
Right from the starter's horn, Snowsill quickly moved to the lead of the 41 women field stringing out a long line of athletes. The only women able to keep up to her were the British swimming trio of Helen Tucker, Jodie Swallow and Kerry Lang. These four would lead the entire swim while the remaining women battled it out behind. Another Aussie Olympic hopeful Felicity Abram, was caught amongst the white water of the chasers and would withdraw from the race early in the bike portion due to stomach ailments.
This lead group of four would be joined by four more at the start of the 40-kilometre hilly bike leg. This small break away made time intiially but was quickly caught however by a Nicola Spirig-led chase group of ten. The Swiss powerhouse single-handedly reeled in the leaders by the end of the first lap, pulling eventual medalists Densham and Avil to within striking distance. This group would efficiently conquer the 14 hills on the course, increasing the lead to over two minutes between them and the chase group, containing pre race favourites, Debbie Tanner of New Zealand and Anja Dittmer of Germany, by the second transition.
In her usual style, Snowsill would struggle through second transition to fall almost ten seconds behind, but blasted to the front in the first 500 metres and would never look back with a blistering 33:23 final 10-kilometre run split to grab top spot and her 16th career podium. Densham dug deep to pull within 30 seconds of Snowsill at the finish intending to persuade Australian Olympic selectors after a slow start to the season. Densham is one of four top Australian women fighting for two remaining Olympic spots. After trading the lead over the final five kilometres 18-year old and reigning World Junior Champion Avil of managed to nip Japan's Ide at the line for a bronze medal in her first world cup.
2008 Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup - 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run, 13 April 2008
Elite Women
Gold - Emma Snowsill (AUS) 2:03:11
Silver - Erin Densham (AUS) 2:03:40 +:29
Bronze - Hollie Avil (GBR) 2:05:25 +2:14
4 - Juri Ide (JPN) 2:05:30 +2:19
5 - Kathy Tremblay (CAN) 2:05:57 +2:46
6- Nicola Spirig (SUI) 2:06:05 +2:54
7 - Daniela Ryf (SUI) 2:06:20 +3:09
8 - Mariana Ohata (BRA) 2:06:30 +3:19
9 - Irina Abysova (RUS) 2:06:34 +3:23
10 - Lisa Huetthaler (AUT) 2:06:42 +3:31
Also
17 - Debbie Tanner (NZL) 02:08:24
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Bozzone storms to Xterra title
You've got to feel for Mark Leishman, and of course for Terenzo Bozzone. Without taking anything away from Shane Reed and the New Zealand triathlon Olympic selectors, Bozzone can feel hard done by after not being selected to go to Beijing.
Bozzone was lying on the massage table on Thurday feeling less than elated when someone suggested he give the Xterra a go. So he went down the day before the event, not unlike the time he snuck out of home to demolish the field and the record in the 2004 Taupo half ironman.
Bozzone emerged first from the water, and nipped through transition before holding his own on the first part of the bike leg. However before the single file section he had been passed by Tim Wilding. His deficit at the end of the bike was three and a half minutes, but he was able to run down the three in front of him and win by 20 seconds from Palmerston North's Leishman.
"I'm not sure about the (Xterra) worlds," said Bozzone. "I want to give the world half ironman a decent shot. The year is still young and I haven't mapped out my programme yet."
It may be that the half ironman is Bozzone's best distance, especially after his record breaking foray at the Wildflower a couple of years back. Former Wildflower winners read like a whos who of triathlon legends.
Tokoroa's Sonia Foote easily took her third national crown by more than three minutes over Susie Wood and defending champion and ironman star Gina Ferguson who had exited the water first but couldn't hold Foote on the bike.
Xterra results Rotorua, 12 April 2008
Pro Men (Swim, Bike, Run, Total)
1. Terenzo Bozzone 0:12:21 1:12:04 0:42:44 2:07:09
2. Mark Leishman 0:15:49 1:07:14 0:44:26 2:07:29
3. Scott Thorne 0:14:57 1:07:28 0:46:23 2:08:48
4. Tim Wilding 0:14:18 1:06:21 0:50:24 2:11:03
5. Klayten Smith 0:14:48 1:12:29 0:44:54 2:12:11
6. Jason Chalker 0:13:33 1:12:45 0:46:34 2:12:52
7. James Kennedy 0:16:09 1:12:29 0:45:14 2:13:52
8. Shane Vincent 0:15:35 1:10:40 0:48:13 2:14:28
9. Graham Wadsworth 0:15:37 1:13:30 0:46:05 2:15:12
10. Andrew Young 0:14:18 1:17:09 0:43:58 2:15:25
Pro Women (Swim, Bike, Run, Total)
1. Sonia Foote 0:18:52 1:17:27 0:51:59 2:28:18
2. Susie Wood 0:17:24 1:20:48 0:53:22 2:31:34
3. Nic Leary 0:16:59 1:23:49 0:53:18 2:34:06
4. Gina Ferguson 0:13:56 1:29:47 0:50:45 2:34:28
5. Fiona Docherty 0:15:28 1:31:06 0:48:21 2:34:55
6. Nina Pedersen 0:16:39 1:24:07 0:56:28 2:37:14
7. Evelyn Williamson 0:14:03 1:31:58 0:52:09 2:38:10
8. Catherine Dunn 0:17:07 1:23:01 0:58:21 2:38:29
9. Eloise Fry 0:19:24 1:25:13 0:57:53 2:42:30
10. Meagan Stewart 0:14:53 1:30:17 1:00:07 2:45:17
Full results at www.xterranz.com
Bozzone was lying on the massage table on Thurday feeling less than elated when someone suggested he give the Xterra a go. So he went down the day before the event, not unlike the time he snuck out of home to demolish the field and the record in the 2004 Taupo half ironman.
Bozzone emerged first from the water, and nipped through transition before holding his own on the first part of the bike leg. However before the single file section he had been passed by Tim Wilding. His deficit at the end of the bike was three and a half minutes, but he was able to run down the three in front of him and win by 20 seconds from Palmerston North's Leishman.
"I'm not sure about the (Xterra) worlds," said Bozzone. "I want to give the world half ironman a decent shot. The year is still young and I haven't mapped out my programme yet."
It may be that the half ironman is Bozzone's best distance, especially after his record breaking foray at the Wildflower a couple of years back. Former Wildflower winners read like a whos who of triathlon legends.
Tokoroa's Sonia Foote easily took her third national crown by more than three minutes over Susie Wood and defending champion and ironman star Gina Ferguson who had exited the water first but couldn't hold Foote on the bike.
Xterra results Rotorua, 12 April 2008
Pro Men (Swim, Bike, Run, Total)
1. Terenzo Bozzone 0:12:21 1:12:04 0:42:44 2:07:09
2. Mark Leishman 0:15:49 1:07:14 0:44:26 2:07:29
3. Scott Thorne 0:14:57 1:07:28 0:46:23 2:08:48
4. Tim Wilding 0:14:18 1:06:21 0:50:24 2:11:03
5. Klayten Smith 0:14:48 1:12:29 0:44:54 2:12:11
6. Jason Chalker 0:13:33 1:12:45 0:46:34 2:12:52
7. James Kennedy 0:16:09 1:12:29 0:45:14 2:13:52
8. Shane Vincent 0:15:35 1:10:40 0:48:13 2:14:28
9. Graham Wadsworth 0:15:37 1:13:30 0:46:05 2:15:12
10. Andrew Young 0:14:18 1:17:09 0:43:58 2:15:25
Pro Women (Swim, Bike, Run, Total)
1. Sonia Foote 0:18:52 1:17:27 0:51:59 2:28:18
2. Susie Wood 0:17:24 1:20:48 0:53:22 2:31:34
3. Nic Leary 0:16:59 1:23:49 0:53:18 2:34:06
4. Gina Ferguson 0:13:56 1:29:47 0:50:45 2:34:28
5. Fiona Docherty 0:15:28 1:31:06 0:48:21 2:34:55
6. Nina Pedersen 0:16:39 1:24:07 0:56:28 2:37:14
7. Evelyn Williamson 0:14:03 1:31:58 0:52:09 2:38:10
8. Catherine Dunn 0:17:07 1:23:01 0:58:21 2:38:29
9. Eloise Fry 0:19:24 1:25:13 0:57:53 2:42:30
10. Meagan Stewart 0:14:53 1:30:17 1:00:07 2:45:17
Full results at www.xterranz.com
'Powered by Velvet' wins 2008 Southern Traverse
Press Release: Southern Traverse Ltd.
13th April 2008.
The Fairydown Southern Traverse at Hanmer Springs has been won by the experienced North Island based Powered by Velvet team, just over two hours ahead of their closest rivals, Icebreaker R & R Sport.
As the winning team Powered by Velvet has gained an entry into the prestigious Adventure Racing World Championships in Brazil in August.
The formidable team and includes Coast to Coast guru George Christison, Sonya Clark, Chris Morrissey and Rhys Burns who are all highly proficient and skilled adventure racers.
Powered by Velvet at the finish line in Hanmer Springs.
From left, Chris Morrissey, Sonya Clark, Rhys Burns, George Christison
Photo credit: Stan Van Jaarsveld.
The team completed the race in 21 hours 44 minutes but was strongly challenged over the 199km course by the Icebreaker R&R Sport team which crossed the finish in 23hours 54 minutes. Icebreaker is made up of Dunedin and Queenstown athletes Matt Woods, Haydn Key, Mark Williams and Sarah Fairmaid who all have a high profile in adventure racing.
A key feature of interest was the sisterly rivalry between Clark and Fairmaid, who are both expert racers in their own right.
"It is always good to race against each other and at times we can even catch up out on the course which we did during the overnight trek," says Clark.
The Southern Traverse was first held in 1991 and returned this year to a classic format of three days rather than the longer five day event. Nine teams from throughout New Zealand competed.
"We wanted to go back to a shorter race format with an emphasis on navigation, avoid the traditional extreme physical exhaustion for athletes but still provide a night time racing element," says Race Director Geoff Hunt.
"I think we have achieved that and although we only attracted a small field there was some fantastic competition and the teams were very excited about the terrain.”
He says the course which included 90 kms of mountain biking, four trekking stages totalling 75kms and a 34km paddling stage used some incredible country.
"We had technical mountain biking, orienteering which required careful navigation and route choice combined with magnificent views."
The course started on Friday (April 11) with a mountain bike ride from Hanmer to Acheron on the Molesworth Road, a mountain trek in the Maukuratawhai area and a short bike road to the finish of the stage via Jacks Pass.
Teams stopped at the end the first stage and began the second stage, a 24 hour race within the main event, at midnight on Friday heading into the Mt Garfield region. A kayaking section on the Boyle, Hope and Waiau Rivers followed early Saturday morning, leading to a mountain bike ride through the Amuri Hills over the Leslie Pass. At the transition teams headed up Mt Percival on a mountain trek before switching back to mountain bikes and cycling via the Jollies Saddle to the 24 Hour race finish in Hanmer.
At 6.00am today (Sunday April 13) the final stage – a rogaine style orienteering section which included biking and trekking-was held over six hours to complete the overall event at mid-day.
At the start of this morning's competition Powered by Velvet was 90 minutes ahead of Icebreaker R & R Sport and was determined to hold off the challenge to win the Classic Traverse title.
The two teams were neck and neck for much of the race until the Saturday mountain bike section when Icebreaker R & R Sport had a mechanical problem with one of their bikes which slowed them down.
"That's all part of it and you can't get stressed about it," commented Key.
Christison says the contest with Icebreaker R & R Sport was intense and they were well aware the race could go any way.
"It's never over until you cross the line and it was always going to be close. Anything can happen, you just need to break a bike chain and things change."
An under 23 team from Dunedin made up of up-and-coming adventure racers Dougal Allan, Mike Walker, Mattie Graham and Emmah Ussher, who raced under the banner of One2onemultisport.co.nz, was disappointed not to make the cut on Saturday before the trek to Mount Percival.
"We were amped and really wanted to continue, it was an awesome course particularly the mountain biking," says Allan. "It's been a real experience for us to race in a field with teams like Powered by Velvet and Icebreaker R & R Sport. It's also helped out navigational skills to do a race like the Traverse."
Hunt was delighted to have the young team in the event and hopes to encourage others in the future.
"It is time to have more young racers like this coming through for the good of the sport. It was unfortunate that an under 23 North Island team was not able to compete as planned but I am sure we will see a lot more of all these young athletes."
13th April 2008.
The Fairydown Southern Traverse at Hanmer Springs has been won by the experienced North Island based Powered by Velvet team, just over two hours ahead of their closest rivals, Icebreaker R & R Sport.
As the winning team Powered by Velvet has gained an entry into the prestigious Adventure Racing World Championships in Brazil in August.
The formidable team and includes Coast to Coast guru George Christison, Sonya Clark, Chris Morrissey and Rhys Burns who are all highly proficient and skilled adventure racers.
Powered by Velvet at the finish line in Hanmer Springs.
From left, Chris Morrissey, Sonya Clark, Rhys Burns, George Christison
Photo credit: Stan Van Jaarsveld.
The team completed the race in 21 hours 44 minutes but was strongly challenged over the 199km course by the Icebreaker R&R Sport team which crossed the finish in 23hours 54 minutes. Icebreaker is made up of Dunedin and Queenstown athletes Matt Woods, Haydn Key, Mark Williams and Sarah Fairmaid who all have a high profile in adventure racing.
A key feature of interest was the sisterly rivalry between Clark and Fairmaid, who are both expert racers in their own right.
"It is always good to race against each other and at times we can even catch up out on the course which we did during the overnight trek," says Clark.
The Southern Traverse was first held in 1991 and returned this year to a classic format of three days rather than the longer five day event. Nine teams from throughout New Zealand competed.
"We wanted to go back to a shorter race format with an emphasis on navigation, avoid the traditional extreme physical exhaustion for athletes but still provide a night time racing element," says Race Director Geoff Hunt.
"I think we have achieved that and although we only attracted a small field there was some fantastic competition and the teams were very excited about the terrain.”
He says the course which included 90 kms of mountain biking, four trekking stages totalling 75kms and a 34km paddling stage used some incredible country.
"We had technical mountain biking, orienteering which required careful navigation and route choice combined with magnificent views."
The course started on Friday (April 11) with a mountain bike ride from Hanmer to Acheron on the Molesworth Road, a mountain trek in the Maukuratawhai area and a short bike road to the finish of the stage via Jacks Pass.
Teams stopped at the end the first stage and began the second stage, a 24 hour race within the main event, at midnight on Friday heading into the Mt Garfield region. A kayaking section on the Boyle, Hope and Waiau Rivers followed early Saturday morning, leading to a mountain bike ride through the Amuri Hills over the Leslie Pass. At the transition teams headed up Mt Percival on a mountain trek before switching back to mountain bikes and cycling via the Jollies Saddle to the 24 Hour race finish in Hanmer.
At 6.00am today (Sunday April 13) the final stage – a rogaine style orienteering section which included biking and trekking-was held over six hours to complete the overall event at mid-day.
At the start of this morning's competition Powered by Velvet was 90 minutes ahead of Icebreaker R & R Sport and was determined to hold off the challenge to win the Classic Traverse title.
The two teams were neck and neck for much of the race until the Saturday mountain bike section when Icebreaker R & R Sport had a mechanical problem with one of their bikes which slowed them down.
"That's all part of it and you can't get stressed about it," commented Key.
Christison says the contest with Icebreaker R & R Sport was intense and they were well aware the race could go any way.
"It's never over until you cross the line and it was always going to be close. Anything can happen, you just need to break a bike chain and things change."
An under 23 team from Dunedin made up of up-and-coming adventure racers Dougal Allan, Mike Walker, Mattie Graham and Emmah Ussher, who raced under the banner of One2onemultisport.co.nz, was disappointed not to make the cut on Saturday before the trek to Mount Percival.
"We were amped and really wanted to continue, it was an awesome course particularly the mountain biking," says Allan. "It's been a real experience for us to race in a field with teams like Powered by Velvet and Icebreaker R & R Sport. It's also helped out navigational skills to do a race like the Traverse."
Hunt was delighted to have the young team in the event and hopes to encourage others in the future.
"It is time to have more young racers like this coming through for the good of the sport. It was unfortunate that an under 23 North Island team was not able to compete as planned but I am sure we will see a lot more of all these young athletes."
Saturday, 12 April 2008
New Zealand Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
12th April 2008.
Lake Karapiro - The New Zealand Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships took place at Lake Karapiro today with well over 300 athletes turning out in perfect conditions.
With the numbers up the quality and depth in all races was also superb, with Triathlon New Zealand Youth Development Officer Scott Larsen impressed with the skill on display.
"Today has been an outstanding day. We have seen great racing at a great venue with great numbers in all age groups but most importantly we have some top quality athletes coming through.
None more so than U19 boy’s winner Edward Rawles, he was possibly a standout today and will go on to represent New Zealand at the World Championships this year in Vancouver.
The find of the day was probably Aaron Barclay, winner of the U16 boys. The South Island is talking this kid up as the next Bozzone in terms of possible impact on the junior ranks."
Racing continues tomorrow (Sunday) with 140 teams and 600 athletes lining up in the teams racing.
New Zealand Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships Results, 12 April 2008
U19 Boys
1. Edward Rawles Francis Douglas Memorial 57.01
2. Sam Osbourne Western Heights 57.35
3. Michael Poole Auckland Grammar 58.13
U19 Girls
1. Rebecca Kingsford Matamata College 1.07.40
2. Sophie Corbidge Kristen School 1.08.12
3. Maddy Brunton Waikato Diocesan 1.08.34
U16 Boys
1. Aaron Barclay Gore High School 46.29
2. Cameron Todd Taupo Nui-a Tia 46.51
3. Joshua Kenyon Taupo Nui-a Tia 47.01
U16 Girls
1. Deborah Lynch St Mary’s Wellington 53.31
2. Shea Reardon Taupo Nui-a Tia 54.50
3. Courtney Grenfell Chilton St James 55.22
U14 Boys
1. Nick King Rangitoto College 40.08
2. Oliver Smith St Pauls Collegiate 40.35
3. Alex Heaney Te Kauwhata College 41.00
U14 Girls
1. Christie Jamieson St KEntigerns College 44.34
2. Sonia Williams Taupo Nui-a Tia 44.47
3. Danielle McKenzie Rangitoto College 45.11
Year 8 Boys
1. Matt Grenfell Hutt International Boys 27.12
2. Kieran Coates Rangitaiki Independent 28.55
3. Elliott Wright Kings Auckland 29.08
Year 8 Girls
1. Alice McFall Aquinas College 30.04
2. Nicole Van der Kaay Taupo Intermediate 30.15
3. Susannah Lynch Sacred Heart, Wellington 30.27
Year 7 Boys
1. Taylor Reid Campion College 29.58
2. Glen Fraser Taupo Intermediate 30.21
3. Mathew Roets Murrays Bay Intermediate 30.49
Year 7 Girls
1. Ella Reardon Taupo Intermediate 33.00
2. Stephanie Johnson Taupo Intermediate 3.23
3. Phoebe Treseder Iona College 34.11
12th April 2008.
Lake Karapiro - The New Zealand Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships took place at Lake Karapiro today with well over 300 athletes turning out in perfect conditions.
With the numbers up the quality and depth in all races was also superb, with Triathlon New Zealand Youth Development Officer Scott Larsen impressed with the skill on display.
"Today has been an outstanding day. We have seen great racing at a great venue with great numbers in all age groups but most importantly we have some top quality athletes coming through.
None more so than U19 boy’s winner Edward Rawles, he was possibly a standout today and will go on to represent New Zealand at the World Championships this year in Vancouver.
The find of the day was probably Aaron Barclay, winner of the U16 boys. The South Island is talking this kid up as the next Bozzone in terms of possible impact on the junior ranks."
Racing continues tomorrow (Sunday) with 140 teams and 600 athletes lining up in the teams racing.
New Zealand Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships Results, 12 April 2008
U19 Boys
1. Edward Rawles Francis Douglas Memorial 57.01
2. Sam Osbourne Western Heights 57.35
3. Michael Poole Auckland Grammar 58.13
U19 Girls
1. Rebecca Kingsford Matamata College 1.07.40
2. Sophie Corbidge Kristen School 1.08.12
3. Maddy Brunton Waikato Diocesan 1.08.34
U16 Boys
1. Aaron Barclay Gore High School 46.29
2. Cameron Todd Taupo Nui-a Tia 46.51
3. Joshua Kenyon Taupo Nui-a Tia 47.01
U16 Girls
1. Deborah Lynch St Mary’s Wellington 53.31
2. Shea Reardon Taupo Nui-a Tia 54.50
3. Courtney Grenfell Chilton St James 55.22
U14 Boys
1. Nick King Rangitoto College 40.08
2. Oliver Smith St Pauls Collegiate 40.35
3. Alex Heaney Te Kauwhata College 41.00
U14 Girls
1. Christie Jamieson St KEntigerns College 44.34
2. Sonia Williams Taupo Nui-a Tia 44.47
3. Danielle McKenzie Rangitoto College 45.11
Year 8 Boys
1. Matt Grenfell Hutt International Boys 27.12
2. Kieran Coates Rangitaiki Independent 28.55
3. Elliott Wright Kings Auckland 29.08
Year 8 Girls
1. Alice McFall Aquinas College 30.04
2. Nicole Van der Kaay Taupo Intermediate 30.15
3. Susannah Lynch Sacred Heart, Wellington 30.27
Year 7 Boys
1. Taylor Reid Campion College 29.58
2. Glen Fraser Taupo Intermediate 30.21
3. Mathew Roets Murrays Bay Intermediate 30.49
Year 7 Girls
1. Ella Reardon Taupo Intermediate 33.00
2. Stephanie Johnson Taupo Intermediate 3.23
3. Phoebe Treseder Iona College 34.11
New players put pressure on Southern Traverse field
Press Release: Southern Traverse Limited.
12th April 2008.
The two man team, Currie Brothers, proved that fresh legs have an advantage when they led the trekking stage in the Mt Garfield area through the night and arrived on target, neck and neck with Powered by Velvet on the kayaking leg.
The 24 hour section of the Fairydown Southern Traverse started at midnight last night and all teams are expected home in Hanmer by midnight tonight.
Glenn and Braden Currie joined the field last night for the 24 hour stage and had a slight edge on the four man lead teams, Powered by Velvet and Icebreaker R & R Sport, emerging from the trek at the transition area at 5.25am. Powered by Velvet clocked in at 5.33am while Team Geraldine and Icebreaker R &R Sport came in together at 5.54am and 5.55am respectively.
Currie Brothers and Powered by Velvet paddled together for much of the 34km paddle on the Boyle, Hope and Waiau Rivers arriving in tandem at the checkpoint.
"There were some tricky little bits on the paddle, it was really boney in parts," says Braden whose skills as a paddler were recognised in this year's Coast to Coast.
The field is now well spread out and the Mt Garfield trek has proved challenging for some of the teams. Milan Brodina of Team Geraldine says there was "a lot of bush bashing, very hard work."
A 30km mountain bike section , which follows the paddle, is on a gruelling course via Amuri Hills, Leslie Pass and The Hossack and Race Director Geoff Hunt estimates it will take between four and five hours.
The front teams are running fairly much to Hunt's schedule which will see the leaders in Hanmer around 7.00pm tonight.
Hunt is pleased with the response from competitors to the course and although there was light rain early this morning the day has cleared to provide ideal race conditions.
12th April 2008.
The two man team, Currie Brothers, proved that fresh legs have an advantage when they led the trekking stage in the Mt Garfield area through the night and arrived on target, neck and neck with Powered by Velvet on the kayaking leg.
The 24 hour section of the Fairydown Southern Traverse started at midnight last night and all teams are expected home in Hanmer by midnight tonight.
Glenn and Braden Currie joined the field last night for the 24 hour stage and had a slight edge on the four man lead teams, Powered by Velvet and Icebreaker R & R Sport, emerging from the trek at the transition area at 5.25am. Powered by Velvet clocked in at 5.33am while Team Geraldine and Icebreaker R &R Sport came in together at 5.54am and 5.55am respectively.
Currie Brothers and Powered by Velvet paddled together for much of the 34km paddle on the Boyle, Hope and Waiau Rivers arriving in tandem at the checkpoint.
"There were some tricky little bits on the paddle, it was really boney in parts," says Braden whose skills as a paddler were recognised in this year's Coast to Coast.
The field is now well spread out and the Mt Garfield trek has proved challenging for some of the teams. Milan Brodina of Team Geraldine says there was "a lot of bush bashing, very hard work."
A 30km mountain bike section , which follows the paddle, is on a gruelling course via Amuri Hills, Leslie Pass and The Hossack and Race Director Geoff Hunt estimates it will take between four and five hours.
The front teams are running fairly much to Hunt's schedule which will see the leaders in Hanmer around 7.00pm tonight.
Hunt is pleased with the response from competitors to the course and although there was light rain early this morning the day has cleared to provide ideal race conditions.
Competition heats up amongst Southern Traverse leading teams
Press Release: Southern Traverse Limited.
11th April 2008.
The heat was turned up at the front of the field in the second stage of the Fairydown Southern Traverse in Hanmer today with Powered by Velvet crossing the finish line just seven minutes ahead of Icebreaker R & R Sport after a gruelling 35km trek.
The cut off for the day's racing is at 9.00pm and the second day start is scheduled for midnight at Windy Point, launching the toughest section of the race.
Icebreaker R & R Sport was ahead by a few minutes at the first transition this morning but Powered by Velvet was able to sneak into the second transition just ahead of them at 5.35pm and had already left for the 6km bike ride to the finish before Icebreaker arrived at 5.42pm.
Powered by Velvet crossed the finish at 5.59pm with Icebreaker R & R Sport putting the hammer down to go across the line at 6.06pm.
Race Director Geoff Hunt was pleased with how the 35 km trekking stage in the Maukuratawhai panned out with teams moving in a range of different directions through the checkpoints.
"Teams didn't know if their decision making about which route to take was correct or not. But it adds excitement because if you stay together then you race together and that's no fun."
The teams agreed.
"We didn't know where anyone else was," says Powered by Velvet's Chris Morrissey. "It was tough out there but if we had raced together all day that would have been stressful and we would have been shattered. It was strange not knowing where the others were but it was quite good to have it that way."
Mark Williams of Icebreaker R & R Sport says the terrain was awesome.
"Beautiful ridgelines, lovely beech forest, great views back down the valley. It definitely made it much more interesting with everyone going different ways."
Several teams, who have crossed the finish line, have incurred penalties for missing a checkpoint which will be assessed in the overall results.
Teams have several hours rest before heading to Windy Point for the midnight start for the 24 hour section of the race which includes kayaking, mountain biking and mountain trekking.
11th April 2008.
The heat was turned up at the front of the field in the second stage of the Fairydown Southern Traverse in Hanmer today with Powered by Velvet crossing the finish line just seven minutes ahead of Icebreaker R & R Sport after a gruelling 35km trek.
The cut off for the day's racing is at 9.00pm and the second day start is scheduled for midnight at Windy Point, launching the toughest section of the race.
Icebreaker R & R Sport was ahead by a few minutes at the first transition this morning but Powered by Velvet was able to sneak into the second transition just ahead of them at 5.35pm and had already left for the 6km bike ride to the finish before Icebreaker arrived at 5.42pm.
Powered by Velvet crossed the finish at 5.59pm with Icebreaker R & R Sport putting the hammer down to go across the line at 6.06pm.
Race Director Geoff Hunt was pleased with how the 35 km trekking stage in the Maukuratawhai panned out with teams moving in a range of different directions through the checkpoints.
"Teams didn't know if their decision making about which route to take was correct or not. But it adds excitement because if you stay together then you race together and that's no fun."
The teams agreed.
"We didn't know where anyone else was," says Powered by Velvet's Chris Morrissey. "It was tough out there but if we had raced together all day that would have been stressful and we would have been shattered. It was strange not knowing where the others were but it was quite good to have it that way."
Mark Williams of Icebreaker R & R Sport says the terrain was awesome.
"Beautiful ridgelines, lovely beech forest, great views back down the valley. It definitely made it much more interesting with everyone going different ways."
Several teams, who have crossed the finish line, have incurred penalties for missing a checkpoint which will be assessed in the overall results.
Teams have several hours rest before heading to Windy Point for the midnight start for the 24 hour section of the race which includes kayaking, mountain biking and mountain trekking.
Friday, 11 April 2008
Debbie Tanner and Kris Gemmell in Ishigaki
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand (on behalf of ITU).
10 April 2008.
Ishigaki, Japan - The longest running world cup in ITU history will be staged this Sunday in Ishigaki, the southern most city in Japan. A tough course in hot humid conditions will offer athletes a similar setting to the Olympic venue in Beijing. Many top athletes have traveled to Japan for this year's Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup including Australian Emma Snowsill who won the season opener in her home country two weeks ago. The three-time world champion is expected to clash with New Zealand's Debbie Tanner for gold, two of the premiere runners in the sport. Japanese fans will be cheering a large home team that includes double Olympian Kiyomi Niwata and Juri Ide who's coming off a top ten performance at the highly competitive Mooloolaba BG Triathlon World Cup.
A stellar men's field will tackle the demanding Ishigaki course after the women's race. Expected to challenge for the podium are a host of world, Olympic and European champions including Canadian Simon Whitfield and Frederic Belaubre, who both make their 2008 debuts this Sunday, Tim Don of Great Britain and Kiwi Kris Gemmell, who took bronze here last year. The locals will be pulling for Hirokatsu Tayama who last year broke through to become the first Japanese triathlete to ever win a world cup.
Valuable ITU Olympic qualifying points will be on the line along with a $100,000 USD prize purse. The race will be standard Olympic distance: 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike, 10-kilometer run.
10 April 2008.
Ishigaki, Japan - The longest running world cup in ITU history will be staged this Sunday in Ishigaki, the southern most city in Japan. A tough course in hot humid conditions will offer athletes a similar setting to the Olympic venue in Beijing. Many top athletes have traveled to Japan for this year's Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup including Australian Emma Snowsill who won the season opener in her home country two weeks ago. The three-time world champion is expected to clash with New Zealand's Debbie Tanner for gold, two of the premiere runners in the sport. Japanese fans will be cheering a large home team that includes double Olympian Kiyomi Niwata and Juri Ide who's coming off a top ten performance at the highly competitive Mooloolaba BG Triathlon World Cup.
A stellar men's field will tackle the demanding Ishigaki course after the women's race. Expected to challenge for the podium are a host of world, Olympic and European champions including Canadian Simon Whitfield and Frederic Belaubre, who both make their 2008 debuts this Sunday, Tim Don of Great Britain and Kiwi Kris Gemmell, who took bronze here last year. The locals will be pulling for Hirokatsu Tayama who last year broke through to become the first Japanese triathlete to ever win a world cup.
Valuable ITU Olympic qualifying points will be on the line along with a $100,000 USD prize purse. The race will be standard Olympic distance: 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike, 10-kilometer run.
Southern Traverse 2008 gets underway in Hanmer
Press Release: Southern Traverse Limited.
11th April 2008.
Teams in the 2008 Fairydown Southern Traverse set off from the centre of Hanmer at 9.00am this morning to undertake the challenging 199km course which will finish on Sunday.
The first 20km mountain biking section took competitors through a scenic route on the Molesworth Station road to Acheron where they began a tough 35km trek in the Maukuratawhai area.
The experienced Icebreaker R & R Sport team led the way in to the first transition at 10.08 just one minute ahead of the North Island Powered by Velvet team. The two are picked to have a high profile in the event in what is being billed as a North versus South challenge.
To add to the rivalry Sarah Fairmaid in the Icebreaker R & R Sport team and Sonya Clark who is in the Powered by Velvet team are sisters.
They joked at the start that it would be more than just sisterly rivalry with the family honour at stake!
The field includes a number of experienced athletes and well known names in adventure racing circles. But this year too, a young up and coming under 23 team is competing from the Dunedin/Queenstown area, and has high hopes of achieving a good result.
One2onemultisport.co.nz is represented by Mike Walker and Dougal Allan, Mattie Graham and Emmah Ussher who have had excellent results in a number of events including the Coast to Coast and the Goldrush.
A North Island under 23 team was forced to withdraw at the eleventh hour which was disappointing for the South Island team who looked forward to the age group challenge.
This year's Southern Traverse returns to the classic three day format with a twist.
Competitors will finish at 9.00pm tonight at Clarence Valley Road transition area and the race will restart three hours later at midnight at Windy Point.
During the 35km trek to the transition area the teams will need to pass 14 checkpoints and those that miss any will be penalised an hour for each missed CP.
Similarly teams who reach Clarence Valley Road after 9.00pm will also be penalised.
"So don't be late," warned race director Geoff Hunt during the competitor briefing. "You still have to make your way to the second race day start at midnight."
Icebreaker R & R Sport's Haydn Key who first competed in a Southern Traverse in 1995 and has been a regular participant ever since likes the format.
"I think this will be a very tactical race and because we know we are all going to get some sleep tonight we will probably go out a lot harder."
He says the Hanmer region was the drawcard for his team "to get out and have a lot of fun together as friends."
Hunt estimates the 35km trek, followed by a six kilometre mountain bike section, finishing at Clarence Valley Road will take between 6 -10 hours and once teams arrive at the transition area they will be picked up by their support crews and delivered to the start of the next mountain trek stage at midnight.
11th April 2008.
Teams in the 2008 Fairydown Southern Traverse set off from the centre of Hanmer at 9.00am this morning to undertake the challenging 199km course which will finish on Sunday.
The first 20km mountain biking section took competitors through a scenic route on the Molesworth Station road to Acheron where they began a tough 35km trek in the Maukuratawhai area.
The experienced Icebreaker R & R Sport team led the way in to the first transition at 10.08 just one minute ahead of the North Island Powered by Velvet team. The two are picked to have a high profile in the event in what is being billed as a North versus South challenge.
To add to the rivalry Sarah Fairmaid in the Icebreaker R & R Sport team and Sonya Clark who is in the Powered by Velvet team are sisters.
They joked at the start that it would be more than just sisterly rivalry with the family honour at stake!
The field includes a number of experienced athletes and well known names in adventure racing circles. But this year too, a young up and coming under 23 team is competing from the Dunedin/Queenstown area, and has high hopes of achieving a good result.
One2onemultisport.co.nz is represented by Mike Walker and Dougal Allan, Mattie Graham and Emmah Ussher who have had excellent results in a number of events including the Coast to Coast and the Goldrush.
A North Island under 23 team was forced to withdraw at the eleventh hour which was disappointing for the South Island team who looked forward to the age group challenge.
This year's Southern Traverse returns to the classic three day format with a twist.
Competitors will finish at 9.00pm tonight at Clarence Valley Road transition area and the race will restart three hours later at midnight at Windy Point.
During the 35km trek to the transition area the teams will need to pass 14 checkpoints and those that miss any will be penalised an hour for each missed CP.
Similarly teams who reach Clarence Valley Road after 9.00pm will also be penalised.
"So don't be late," warned race director Geoff Hunt during the competitor briefing. "You still have to make your way to the second race day start at midnight."
Icebreaker R & R Sport's Haydn Key who first competed in a Southern Traverse in 1995 and has been a regular participant ever since likes the format.
"I think this will be a very tactical race and because we know we are all going to get some sleep tonight we will probably go out a lot harder."
He says the Hanmer region was the drawcard for his team "to get out and have a lot of fun together as friends."
Hunt estimates the 35km trek, followed by a six kilometre mountain bike section, finishing at Clarence Valley Road will take between 6 -10 hours and once teams arrive at the transition area they will be picked up by their support crews and delivered to the start of the next mountain trek stage at midnight.
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
The North Face Peak to Peak 15th edition hits Queenstown in July
Press Release: Southern Traverse Limited.
9 April 2008.
The The North Face Peak to Peak, New Zealand's leading edge winter multisport event, is being staged in Queenstown for the 15th consecutive year on July 19 2008 and will attract some of the country's most high profile multisport athletes.
The race starts high on the Remarkables Ski Area and finishes on the other side of the valley at Coronet Peak Ski Area incorporating skiing/snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, running and cycling over the 44km course.
Race Director Geoff Hunt says numbers for the prestigious race are increasing all the time and while elite athletes like Mark Williams, Eric Billoud, or Haydn Key continue to create record winning times, the Peak to Peak is achievable for all levels of competitors.
"For people who like to do multisport events or want to start out, the Peak to Peak offers a great opportunity either to race as an individual or in a team. While the top of the field battles it out for individual honours it is the teams' event which always creates the most interest and camaraderie."
The North Face New Zealand Sales Manager Jackie Murray says the Peak to Peak is the ideal event to showcase the The North Face range.
"Being a multisport winter event it covers all our gear from footwear to running and biking clothing and ski gear. The race is an icon event, the organisation is fantastic and we have an excellent association as title sponsor," she says. "What we love about the Peak to Peak is that all the competitors, at what ever level, get so much enjoyment out of participating."
The race begins with a 2km ski or snowboard on The Remarkables down to the access road and is followed by a 17km mountain bike down the gruelling high altitude road to the shores of Lake Wakatipu at Frankton.
A 7km paddle on the lake is completed in Queenstown Bay where the changeover is made for a 9km run from Queenstown, through Arthurs Point to the Coronet Alpine Hotel near the Coronet Peak turnoff.
The last stage which is always hotly contested is a 9km cycle up the challenging ski area road to the base building and the finish line.
Race categories include male, female and veteran individuals. The teams' sections includes female, mixed, business house, school or veteran.
"Every year there is growing interest in the Peak to Peak," says Hunt. "We are seeing more women and more teams taking part in particular and there is always a huge buzz around the event. There is something about standing at the top of The Remarkables and looking across to Coronet Peak at the finish line, and knowing that is the goal to achieve."
"People who complete the race for the first time find it hard to express just how satisfying that achievement is."
2007 results:
1st Men Open Category, Dougal Allan 2.17.06
1st Women Open Category, Sarah Fairmaid 2.41.48
1st Team Open: PhysioMed, 2.08.06
9 April 2008.
The The North Face Peak to Peak, New Zealand's leading edge winter multisport event, is being staged in Queenstown for the 15th consecutive year on July 19 2008 and will attract some of the country's most high profile multisport athletes.
The race starts high on the Remarkables Ski Area and finishes on the other side of the valley at Coronet Peak Ski Area incorporating skiing/snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, running and cycling over the 44km course.
Race Director Geoff Hunt says numbers for the prestigious race are increasing all the time and while elite athletes like Mark Williams, Eric Billoud, or Haydn Key continue to create record winning times, the Peak to Peak is achievable for all levels of competitors.
"For people who like to do multisport events or want to start out, the Peak to Peak offers a great opportunity either to race as an individual or in a team. While the top of the field battles it out for individual honours it is the teams' event which always creates the most interest and camaraderie."
The North Face New Zealand Sales Manager Jackie Murray says the Peak to Peak is the ideal event to showcase the The North Face range.
"Being a multisport winter event it covers all our gear from footwear to running and biking clothing and ski gear. The race is an icon event, the organisation is fantastic and we have an excellent association as title sponsor," she says. "What we love about the Peak to Peak is that all the competitors, at what ever level, get so much enjoyment out of participating."
The race begins with a 2km ski or snowboard on The Remarkables down to the access road and is followed by a 17km mountain bike down the gruelling high altitude road to the shores of Lake Wakatipu at Frankton.
A 7km paddle on the lake is completed in Queenstown Bay where the changeover is made for a 9km run from Queenstown, through Arthurs Point to the Coronet Alpine Hotel near the Coronet Peak turnoff.
The last stage which is always hotly contested is a 9km cycle up the challenging ski area road to the base building and the finish line.
Race categories include male, female and veteran individuals. The teams' sections includes female, mixed, business house, school or veteran.
"Every year there is growing interest in the Peak to Peak," says Hunt. "We are seeing more women and more teams taking part in particular and there is always a huge buzz around the event. There is something about standing at the top of The Remarkables and looking across to Coronet Peak at the finish line, and knowing that is the goal to achieve."
"People who complete the race for the first time find it hard to express just how satisfying that achievement is."
2007 results:
1st Men Open Category, Dougal Allan 2.17.06
1st Women Open Category, Sarah Fairmaid 2.41.48
1st Team Open: PhysioMed, 2.08.06
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Rotorua half ironman entries open with early bird offer
Entries for the 2008 Rotorua half ironman are now open, with a special early bird offer. If you enter before midnight Sunday 13th April, you will receive two cycle tops and dri-fit running caps instead of the standard one of each.
This is the tenth anniversary of the "Hooksie half" which used to be held in Taupo. The last five years have seen cycle tops included in the race pack, with the popular version 2, a sleeveless, full zip orange and blue being the one chosen to be be rebranded for the commemorative tenth edition.
These tops are fantastic for warm weather riding. The sleeveless design allows for good ventilation, and when the sweat really starts to pour on the long climbs they can be unzipped all the way down, gender issues permitting that is. They look good, have great pockets, and material has a good feel and great moisture handling properties. I have to say these tops are better than those of the last three years. Great choice Hooksie.
I was standing at the finish line of the Wanaka Challenge waiting for that huge moment - the last man home. The town's main street, closed for the event, was packed to the hilt, and finally he emerged from the shadows to the acclaim of the screaming crowd. What was he wearing? A Taupo half cycle top, of course!
In another innovation entrants can choose, at the time of entering online, to receive their race pack by courier. This means you don't have to bother with registration the night before the event, and of course if you don't make it to the start line, you get your goodies anyway. And a double set of top and hat would cost you most of your $195.00 entry fee at your local cycle outlet.
If you thinking of doing a half ironman next summer, this is a fantastic choice. Read more and enter online at www.half.co.nz
This is the tenth anniversary of the "Hooksie half" which used to be held in Taupo. The last five years have seen cycle tops included in the race pack, with the popular version 2, a sleeveless, full zip orange and blue being the one chosen to be be rebranded for the commemorative tenth edition.
These tops are fantastic for warm weather riding. The sleeveless design allows for good ventilation, and when the sweat really starts to pour on the long climbs they can be unzipped all the way down, gender issues permitting that is. They look good, have great pockets, and material has a good feel and great moisture handling properties. I have to say these tops are better than those of the last three years. Great choice Hooksie.
I was standing at the finish line of the Wanaka Challenge waiting for that huge moment - the last man home. The town's main street, closed for the event, was packed to the hilt, and finally he emerged from the shadows to the acclaim of the screaming crowd. What was he wearing? A Taupo half cycle top, of course!
In another innovation entrants can choose, at the time of entering online, to receive their race pack by courier. This means you don't have to bother with registration the night before the event, and of course if you don't make it to the start line, you get your goodies anyway. And a double set of top and hat would cost you most of your $195.00 entry fee at your local cycle outlet.
If you thinking of doing a half ironman next summer, this is a fantastic choice. Read more and enter online at www.half.co.nz
Monday, 7 April 2008
Javier Gomez imperious, Emma Moffat looking good for Beijing
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
6th April 2008.
Australian Emma Moffat may well have booked herself a spot at the Beijing Olympic Games with victory at the ITU BG World Cup at New Plymouth today, while Spaniard Javier Gomez has laid down the standard with a stunning victory in the men's race.
New Plymouth was the second of three Olympic trials for the Australians and Moffat is not attending the third in Ishigaki so knew she had to put it on the line today. She did just that in comfortably running clear of U23 World Champion Lisa Norden and countrywoman Felicity Abram.
Emma Moffat winning in New Plymouth.
Photo courtesy of Triathlon New Zealand.
"I guess I can go in with a little bit of confidence now with a little bit less pressure," said the Australian after her second World Cup win.
"I had a good swim and didn't get hit or battered so that takes away a lot of anxiety."
Training on the Gold Coast for six months paid off for Sweden's Norden who came in second, backing up from her third place finish at Mooloolaba last weekend.
"I'm going to be on a buzz for quite a while, it will last me for about a week. I had a very good run (last week) and didn't really know if I was going to be able to pull out another one of those runs but I think I'm in pretty good form at the moment."
Leading the Kiwis home in seventh was Nicky Samuels who overcame the disappointment of missing Olympic selection during the week to put on a brave display to lead the field off the bike, knowing that was her best chance of a top finish.
She was stoked with making the top ten especially coming just days after missing out on selection for Beijing.
"It would be a good experience for me to go this year and to perhaps even help Sam Warriner out if she wanted to give it a go and I could break away on the bike or something like that. But never mind I've got four more years down the track because I'm younger than the others."
Fellow New Zealander Samantha Warriner followed Samuels across the finish line in eighth place. Before the race she talked about working on her swimming but was disappointed with her run today.
"I was running really well in training so I'm a little bit gutted about that. Perhaps it was too much work on the bike. To get top ten though in my first World Cup of the season is pleasing and where I want to be. I have a few things to work on and it is still a long way to the Olympics so yeah, it was okay."
In the men's race it was an incredible fifteenth consecutive podium and ninth win in those fifteen races for Spaniard Javier Gomez.
The world number one was imperious in running down a one minute deficit on six athletes heading out on the ten kilometre run, turning out an incredible sub 30 minute time to simply outclass one of the strongest fields assembled in the sport.
Javier Gomez winning in New Plymouth.
Photo courtesy of Triathlon New Zealand.
"Yeah I was feeling so good on the run," said the likeable Spaniard.
"I had a good run last weekend. Today was even better and I think I did a very complete race from the swim to the run. I'm just so happy with my job."
"But no, it wasn't easy. We have to work hard and break away with 12 or 13 guys and we start to run with 1 minute back so I have to run fast from the start. I'm very happy with the start of the run today."
Left in his wake were world number two Brad Kahledfelt (AUS), Andrew Johns (GBR) and Kiwi charger Kris Gemmell who himself ran close to a 30 minutes for the ten kilometres.
Johns result was a fillip for the experienced Brit who could not get into the field in Mooloolaba last week as he makes a late play for Beijing, his third today made the trip down under worthwhile.
The race had earlier lost some of its shine for the big local crowd when Beijing bound New Plymouth resident Shane Reed withdrew after failing in his race to repair his back, injured in a fall at Mooloolaba last weekend.
Bevan Docherty did not feature either, withdrawing during the swim leg citing fatigue and tiredness after peaking two weeks ago. While not happy it was something he expected given the stage of his preparation and training with bigger races coming later in the season.
Gemmell was fulsome in his praise of the world number one Gomez.
"Initially though I thought he was panicking a bit to be honest. Like in the bike he started going to the front and I thought oh he's doing some work! The guy can just run it's unbelievable, I spoke about it before the race that some athletes can somehow be so consistent over such a period and yet still look to peak in Beijing."
"I'm just not one of those but come to think of it there's no way I thought I was going to run that fast today so I'm way ahead of schedule."
"You just saw the benchmark of triathlon now, you know. It's unbelievable."
Bozzone had a strong face through the swim and bike legs, featuring at or near the head of the field and led out on to the run. But as in Mooloolaba, he faded in the run to finish 24th.
"I'm not recovering properly after last weekend and maybe giving it a bit much out there in the swim and the bike. I just wanted to come down here as it's been a while since I've raced in New Zealand and the crowds are great and I've received so much support from Kiwis in the past and wanted to come down here and make it a good race for them. Sorry I couldn't make it up the front."
Results ITU BG World Cup, New Plymouth 6 April 2008.
Elite Women
1. Emma Moffatt (AUS) 2.01.01
2. Lisa Norden (SWE) 2.01.06
3. Felicity Abram (AUS) 2.01.16
4. Daniela Ryf (SUI) 2.01.47
5. Liz Blatchford (GBR) 2.01.49
Also
7. Nicky Samuels (Whangarei) 2.02.09
8. Sam Warriner (Whangarei) 2.02.42
10. Andrea Hewitt (Christchurch) 2.03.02
36. Carmel Hanley (Auckland) 2.10.41
40. Kelly Bruce (Auckland) 2.16.21
DNF Anna Elvery
DSQ Katherine Anton
Elite Men
1. Javier Gomez (SPN) 1.47.33
2. Brad Kahledfeldt (AUS) 1.48.03
3. Andrew Johns (GBR) 1.48.16
4. Kris Gemmell (NZ) 1.48.26
5. Peter Croes (BEL) 1.48.30
Also
24. Terenzo Bozzone (Auckland) 1.50.10
33. James Elvery (Auckland) 1.51.32
52. Clark Ellice (Auckland) 1.55.56
54. Ben Visser (Auckland) 1.56.53
56. Martin Van Barneveld (Auckland) 1.57.23
6th April 2008.
Australian Emma Moffat may well have booked herself a spot at the Beijing Olympic Games with victory at the ITU BG World Cup at New Plymouth today, while Spaniard Javier Gomez has laid down the standard with a stunning victory in the men's race.
New Plymouth was the second of three Olympic trials for the Australians and Moffat is not attending the third in Ishigaki so knew she had to put it on the line today. She did just that in comfortably running clear of U23 World Champion Lisa Norden and countrywoman Felicity Abram.
Emma Moffat winning in New Plymouth.
Photo courtesy of Triathlon New Zealand.
"I guess I can go in with a little bit of confidence now with a little bit less pressure," said the Australian after her second World Cup win.
"I had a good swim and didn't get hit or battered so that takes away a lot of anxiety."
Training on the Gold Coast for six months paid off for Sweden's Norden who came in second, backing up from her third place finish at Mooloolaba last weekend.
"I'm going to be on a buzz for quite a while, it will last me for about a week. I had a very good run (last week) and didn't really know if I was going to be able to pull out another one of those runs but I think I'm in pretty good form at the moment."
Leading the Kiwis home in seventh was Nicky Samuels who overcame the disappointment of missing Olympic selection during the week to put on a brave display to lead the field off the bike, knowing that was her best chance of a top finish.
She was stoked with making the top ten especially coming just days after missing out on selection for Beijing.
"It would be a good experience for me to go this year and to perhaps even help Sam Warriner out if she wanted to give it a go and I could break away on the bike or something like that. But never mind I've got four more years down the track because I'm younger than the others."
Fellow New Zealander Samantha Warriner followed Samuels across the finish line in eighth place. Before the race she talked about working on her swimming but was disappointed with her run today.
"I was running really well in training so I'm a little bit gutted about that. Perhaps it was too much work on the bike. To get top ten though in my first World Cup of the season is pleasing and where I want to be. I have a few things to work on and it is still a long way to the Olympics so yeah, it was okay."
In the men's race it was an incredible fifteenth consecutive podium and ninth win in those fifteen races for Spaniard Javier Gomez.
The world number one was imperious in running down a one minute deficit on six athletes heading out on the ten kilometre run, turning out an incredible sub 30 minute time to simply outclass one of the strongest fields assembled in the sport.
Javier Gomez winning in New Plymouth.
Photo courtesy of Triathlon New Zealand.
"Yeah I was feeling so good on the run," said the likeable Spaniard.
"I had a good run last weekend. Today was even better and I think I did a very complete race from the swim to the run. I'm just so happy with my job."
"But no, it wasn't easy. We have to work hard and break away with 12 or 13 guys and we start to run with 1 minute back so I have to run fast from the start. I'm very happy with the start of the run today."
Left in his wake were world number two Brad Kahledfelt (AUS), Andrew Johns (GBR) and Kiwi charger Kris Gemmell who himself ran close to a 30 minutes for the ten kilometres.
Johns result was a fillip for the experienced Brit who could not get into the field in Mooloolaba last week as he makes a late play for Beijing, his third today made the trip down under worthwhile.
The race had earlier lost some of its shine for the big local crowd when Beijing bound New Plymouth resident Shane Reed withdrew after failing in his race to repair his back, injured in a fall at Mooloolaba last weekend.
Bevan Docherty did not feature either, withdrawing during the swim leg citing fatigue and tiredness after peaking two weeks ago. While not happy it was something he expected given the stage of his preparation and training with bigger races coming later in the season.
Gemmell was fulsome in his praise of the world number one Gomez.
"Initially though I thought he was panicking a bit to be honest. Like in the bike he started going to the front and I thought oh he's doing some work! The guy can just run it's unbelievable, I spoke about it before the race that some athletes can somehow be so consistent over such a period and yet still look to peak in Beijing."
"I'm just not one of those but come to think of it there's no way I thought I was going to run that fast today so I'm way ahead of schedule."
"You just saw the benchmark of triathlon now, you know. It's unbelievable."
Bozzone had a strong face through the swim and bike legs, featuring at or near the head of the field and led out on to the run. But as in Mooloolaba, he faded in the run to finish 24th.
"I'm not recovering properly after last weekend and maybe giving it a bit much out there in the swim and the bike. I just wanted to come down here as it's been a while since I've raced in New Zealand and the crowds are great and I've received so much support from Kiwis in the past and wanted to come down here and make it a good race for them. Sorry I couldn't make it up the front."
Results ITU BG World Cup, New Plymouth 6 April 2008.
Elite Women
1. Emma Moffatt (AUS) 2.01.01
2. Lisa Norden (SWE) 2.01.06
3. Felicity Abram (AUS) 2.01.16
4. Daniela Ryf (SUI) 2.01.47
5. Liz Blatchford (GBR) 2.01.49
Also
7. Nicky Samuels (Whangarei) 2.02.09
8. Sam Warriner (Whangarei) 2.02.42
10. Andrea Hewitt (Christchurch) 2.03.02
36. Carmel Hanley (Auckland) 2.10.41
40. Kelly Bruce (Auckland) 2.16.21
DNF Anna Elvery
DSQ Katherine Anton
Elite Men
1. Javier Gomez (SPN) 1.47.33
2. Brad Kahledfeldt (AUS) 1.48.03
3. Andrew Johns (GBR) 1.48.16
4. Kris Gemmell (NZ) 1.48.26
5. Peter Croes (BEL) 1.48.30
Also
24. Terenzo Bozzone (Auckland) 1.50.10
33. James Elvery (Auckland) 1.51.32
52. Clark Ellice (Auckland) 1.55.56
54. Ben Visser (Auckland) 1.56.53
56. Martin Van Barneveld (Auckland) 1.57.23
Saturday, 5 April 2008
Graham O'Grady continues return to form winning age group race in New Plymouth
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
5 April 2008.
Graham O'Grady continued his recent run of good form with victory at the World Tri Festival in New Plymouth today, taking out the standard distance age group race.
After a season to forget when the 26 year old athlete was dogged by illness and injury, O'Grady has been putting in some big miles in training and has high hopes for the remainder of 2008.
"That was a tough course out there today and to be honest I felt a little flat so am glad to have won," said O'Grady.
"I will continue with my training and have secured a start at a World Cup race in Korea in three weeks so that is the short term goal, otherwise it is just getting back into the swing of things and improving my ranking."
"It was a good race for me to step up and get back into the swing of things. I had a bad start, but I stuck to my race plan and it paid off."
O'Grady did admit to finding the course a real challenge, with New Plymouth's swell and calf-cramping hills pushing him hard all day.
"I don't feel too bad, but it's a really tough course. The swim was choppy with an undulating bike ride."
In second place was one of New Zealand's leading age group athletes, Andrew Curtayne (Auckland), who saw the race as a chance to 'empty the tanks.'
"It was just a good hit out for me."
Unlike most, the hills gave under-23 New Zealand Elite Triathlon squad member Julia Grant an advantage.
The 22-year-old from Christchurch came first in the women's race.
"I like this course because of the hills, especially on the bike ride, it works in my favour."
Grant was third coming out of the swim leg which put her in the perfect attacking position.
Fellow Cantabrian, Johanna van Dooran followed Grant to the podium in second place. It was van Dooran's first attempt at the standard triathlon distance after four years of competing in shorter events.
World Tri Festival, Standard Distance Age Group Triathlon, 5th April 2008
Men
1. Graham O'Grady, Hamilton 1.58.18
2. Andrew Curtayne, Auckland 2.00.49
3. Rob Creasy, Auckland 2.05.42
Women
1. Julia Grant, Christchurch 2.20.59
2. Johanna van Doorn, Christchurch 2.25.30
3. Gili Zuckerman, Israel 2.27.09
5 April 2008.
Graham O'Grady continued his recent run of good form with victory at the World Tri Festival in New Plymouth today, taking out the standard distance age group race.
After a season to forget when the 26 year old athlete was dogged by illness and injury, O'Grady has been putting in some big miles in training and has high hopes for the remainder of 2008.
"That was a tough course out there today and to be honest I felt a little flat so am glad to have won," said O'Grady.
"I will continue with my training and have secured a start at a World Cup race in Korea in three weeks so that is the short term goal, otherwise it is just getting back into the swing of things and improving my ranking."
"It was a good race for me to step up and get back into the swing of things. I had a bad start, but I stuck to my race plan and it paid off."
O'Grady did admit to finding the course a real challenge, with New Plymouth's swell and calf-cramping hills pushing him hard all day.
"I don't feel too bad, but it's a really tough course. The swim was choppy with an undulating bike ride."
In second place was one of New Zealand's leading age group athletes, Andrew Curtayne (Auckland), who saw the race as a chance to 'empty the tanks.'
"It was just a good hit out for me."
Unlike most, the hills gave under-23 New Zealand Elite Triathlon squad member Julia Grant an advantage.
The 22-year-old from Christchurch came first in the women's race.
"I like this course because of the hills, especially on the bike ride, it works in my favour."
Grant was third coming out of the swim leg which put her in the perfect attacking position.
Fellow Cantabrian, Johanna van Dooran followed Grant to the podium in second place. It was van Dooran's first attempt at the standard triathlon distance after four years of competing in shorter events.
World Tri Festival, Standard Distance Age Group Triathlon, 5th April 2008
Men
1. Graham O'Grady, Hamilton 1.58.18
2. Andrew Curtayne, Auckland 2.00.49
3. Rob Creasy, Auckland 2.05.42
Women
1. Julia Grant, Christchurch 2.20.59
2. Johanna van Doorn, Christchurch 2.25.30
3. Gili Zuckerman, Israel 2.27.09
Rotorua teenagers dominate early on day two at New Plymouth
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
5 April 2008.
The Beginners Triathlon began proceedings on day two of the World Tri Festival in New Plymouth today and it was the youngsters who dominated.
Local Government might be commissioning studies into the effects of Rotorua's sulphur smelling air but clearly it is doing something right for Sam Osbourne and Cati Pearson, both of whom came home first in the sprint distance event.
Sixteen year old Osbourne crossed the line first for the boys with the finesse of a seasoned professional.
"I'm a bit sore but I've done a fair few triathlons before."
The Western Heights High School student was happy with his performance and was looking forward to enjoying the rest of the weekend.
"I'm down here to watch the pros race," said Osbourne in reference to tomorrow's ITU BG World Cup races.
Cati Pearson (17) who led the girls home has been competing in triathlons for two years after becoming involved at school.
"It's amazing I've finally won one."
She is now focusing on doing well in the New Zealand Schools Triathlon Championships. The event will be held at Lake Karapiro on the 12th of April 2008.
There is an obvious rivalry among New Zealand's up-and-coming triathletes.
John Glanville (16) from Taupo-Nui-A-Tia College came second in the men's race, using the event as a warm up for Glanville in preparation for the National Secondary schools competition.
"I enjoy racing against these guys. It's really competitive. I'm poked...nah I'm good."
Meanwhile one of the biggest cheers of the day was reserved for local sporting identity Howie Tamati. The CEO of Sport Taranaki was coerced into competing by Tri NZ some months ago and despite not being able to swim when he said yes, he loved every minute of his first triathlon.
The first-time triathlete has been something of a figure head for locals, paving the way for other new comers to also take up the challenge at Ngamotu beach.
Tamati had a busy week leading up to the race but the hours of training paid off for the former Rugby League hooker.
"I didn't really get the rest that I needed. But I did better than I thought. I actually finished and I didn't walk. I really enjoyed the swimming side of things."
Tamati would definitely do it again and is already looking for his next goal.
For many taking part the event was taking it to the next level in terms of their personal achievements.
Celine Filbee, from Hawera, has competed in the shorter Women's Triathlon three times.
"That's a much shorter race. This is a step up and I'm pleased because I'm not hurting."
For 21-year-old Dani Bardell finishing the race was a personal achievement.
"I feel pretty tired but pretty ecstatic that I pushed through. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I wanted to see how far I could push through death!"
Thankfully Dardell didn't quite push that far!
First timer Les Elliot (36) from New Plymouth didn't do much training for the event except for a couple of weeks in the pool.
"I feel good but I got cramp on the bike."
It cost him a few positions but he made up for it on the run. Like Tamati Elliot was pleased he managed to finish and would have another go.
"Going the distance was the best thing about it."
5 April 2008.
The Beginners Triathlon began proceedings on day two of the World Tri Festival in New Plymouth today and it was the youngsters who dominated.
Local Government might be commissioning studies into the effects of Rotorua's sulphur smelling air but clearly it is doing something right for Sam Osbourne and Cati Pearson, both of whom came home first in the sprint distance event.
Sixteen year old Osbourne crossed the line first for the boys with the finesse of a seasoned professional.
"I'm a bit sore but I've done a fair few triathlons before."
The Western Heights High School student was happy with his performance and was looking forward to enjoying the rest of the weekend.
"I'm down here to watch the pros race," said Osbourne in reference to tomorrow's ITU BG World Cup races.
Cati Pearson (17) who led the girls home has been competing in triathlons for two years after becoming involved at school.
"It's amazing I've finally won one."
She is now focusing on doing well in the New Zealand Schools Triathlon Championships. The event will be held at Lake Karapiro on the 12th of April 2008.
There is an obvious rivalry among New Zealand's up-and-coming triathletes.
John Glanville (16) from Taupo-Nui-A-Tia College came second in the men's race, using the event as a warm up for Glanville in preparation for the National Secondary schools competition.
"I enjoy racing against these guys. It's really competitive. I'm poked...nah I'm good."
Meanwhile one of the biggest cheers of the day was reserved for local sporting identity Howie Tamati. The CEO of Sport Taranaki was coerced into competing by Tri NZ some months ago and despite not being able to swim when he said yes, he loved every minute of his first triathlon.
The first-time triathlete has been something of a figure head for locals, paving the way for other new comers to also take up the challenge at Ngamotu beach.
Tamati had a busy week leading up to the race but the hours of training paid off for the former Rugby League hooker.
"I didn't really get the rest that I needed. But I did better than I thought. I actually finished and I didn't walk. I really enjoyed the swimming side of things."
Tamati would definitely do it again and is already looking for his next goal.
For many taking part the event was taking it to the next level in terms of their personal achievements.
Celine Filbee, from Hawera, has competed in the shorter Women's Triathlon three times.
"That's a much shorter race. This is a step up and I'm pleased because I'm not hurting."
For 21-year-old Dani Bardell finishing the race was a personal achievement.
"I feel pretty tired but pretty ecstatic that I pushed through. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I wanted to see how far I could push through death!"
Thankfully Dardell didn't quite push that far!
First timer Les Elliot (36) from New Plymouth didn't do much training for the event except for a couple of weeks in the pool.
"I feel good but I got cramp on the bike."
It cost him a few positions but he made up for it on the run. Like Tamati Elliot was pleased he managed to finish and would have another go.
"Going the distance was the best thing about it."
Friday, 4 April 2008
Javier Gomez plays his cards close ahead of New Plymouth cup
Press release: Triathlon New Zealand.
4 April 2008.
World number one ranked triathlete Javier Gomez is a warm favourite for Sunday's ITU BG New Plymouth World Cup for a reason, he keeps winning.
In his last fourteen ITU BG World Cup appearances the quietly spoken Spaniard has been on the podium every time and won eight of those races.
Often he has done so with his now trademark surge during the ten kilometre run leg, usually around the four or five kilometre mark. When quizzed at today's press conference previewing Sunday's race, he wasn't prepared to give too much away.
"I am not the only one to beat, a lot of guys are here with chances, the last fourteen races are awesome but it is always hard to win, to be on the podium. I always try to go at 4 or 5km but sometimes I change it but I feel better like that so I continue to use the tactic. But no, it all depends on how I feel on the race, I never know when I will go it all depends on if you feel strong or not, I will see on Sunday."
Gomez was in great form in victory at Mooloolaba last weekend and will have to contend with a very strong Kiwi contingent, including one very happy local boy in Shane Reed upon hearing of his Olympic selection last night.
"This is the most exciting moment of my life apart from marriage and the birth of my son, I just couldn't believe it. I was doing some University work on the computer at home when I got the call, I did the thumbs up to Tammy (Wife), she danced down hallway, I then hung up and I did the same dance."
Upon revealing his candidacy for next season's 'Dancing with the Stars', Reed explained the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
"It has been a long time coming. I first had the Olympics as a goal at eight years when I was swimmer. The family moved to Aussie for swimming but I have been doing triathlon now for fifteen years, this is my passion. I missed the first two Olympics but to make the third is incredible."
Reed felt for his friend and competitor Terenzo Bozzone and said he had heard from his closest rival for Beijing.
"Well actually he texted me this morning and said congratulations, we'll catch up this weekend for a coffee and have a chat about it. It seemed like he was really happy for me which was great."
Similarly delighted was fellow Kiwi Andrea Hewitt who will also race on Sunday knowing she too has been confirmed for Beijing.
"The Olympics is huge, I had the two selection races, did my best but did not make top five which would have guaranteed selection but last night I got the call to say I had been selected. I was at the airport, waiting for coach John Hellemans, it was a special evening of quiet celebration and phone calls."
Australian Emma Moffat does not have that luxury however and is taking part on Sunday knowing this is her last chance to impress Australian Olympic selectors, something that she admits can be distracting.
"The Aussie team is definitely a hard team to get on; there are four going for two spots. I am in contention but you have to prove yourself, we have this race and Ishigaki to prove and show what we can do but I'm not going to Ishigaki. I've put all my eggs in this basket so I hope I go well. You have race the season with two plans, one Olympic and one non-Olympic."
Races get underway on Sunday at midday (Elite Women) and 2.30pm (Elite Men) and will bring the curtain down on a weekend full of triathlon activity as New Plymouth hosts the World Tri Festival with events kicking off today with the Weet-Bix Tryathlon for children with close to 1,000 local Taranaki children taking part at Ngamotu Beach.
4 April 2008.
World number one ranked triathlete Javier Gomez is a warm favourite for Sunday's ITU BG New Plymouth World Cup for a reason, he keeps winning.
In his last fourteen ITU BG World Cup appearances the quietly spoken Spaniard has been on the podium every time and won eight of those races.
Often he has done so with his now trademark surge during the ten kilometre run leg, usually around the four or five kilometre mark. When quizzed at today's press conference previewing Sunday's race, he wasn't prepared to give too much away.
"I am not the only one to beat, a lot of guys are here with chances, the last fourteen races are awesome but it is always hard to win, to be on the podium. I always try to go at 4 or 5km but sometimes I change it but I feel better like that so I continue to use the tactic. But no, it all depends on how I feel on the race, I never know when I will go it all depends on if you feel strong or not, I will see on Sunday."
Gomez was in great form in victory at Mooloolaba last weekend and will have to contend with a very strong Kiwi contingent, including one very happy local boy in Shane Reed upon hearing of his Olympic selection last night.
"This is the most exciting moment of my life apart from marriage and the birth of my son, I just couldn't believe it. I was doing some University work on the computer at home when I got the call, I did the thumbs up to Tammy (Wife), she danced down hallway, I then hung up and I did the same dance."
Upon revealing his candidacy for next season's 'Dancing with the Stars', Reed explained the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
"It has been a long time coming. I first had the Olympics as a goal at eight years when I was swimmer. The family moved to Aussie for swimming but I have been doing triathlon now for fifteen years, this is my passion. I missed the first two Olympics but to make the third is incredible."
Reed felt for his friend and competitor Terenzo Bozzone and said he had heard from his closest rival for Beijing.
"Well actually he texted me this morning and said congratulations, we'll catch up this weekend for a coffee and have a chat about it. It seemed like he was really happy for me which was great."
Similarly delighted was fellow Kiwi Andrea Hewitt who will also race on Sunday knowing she too has been confirmed for Beijing.
"The Olympics is huge, I had the two selection races, did my best but did not make top five which would have guaranteed selection but last night I got the call to say I had been selected. I was at the airport, waiting for coach John Hellemans, it was a special evening of quiet celebration and phone calls."
Australian Emma Moffat does not have that luxury however and is taking part on Sunday knowing this is her last chance to impress Australian Olympic selectors, something that she admits can be distracting.
"The Aussie team is definitely a hard team to get on; there are four going for two spots. I am in contention but you have to prove yourself, we have this race and Ishigaki to prove and show what we can do but I'm not going to Ishigaki. I've put all my eggs in this basket so I hope I go well. You have race the season with two plans, one Olympic and one non-Olympic."
Races get underway on Sunday at midday (Elite Women) and 2.30pm (Elite Men) and will bring the curtain down on a weekend full of triathlon activity as New Plymouth hosts the World Tri Festival with events kicking off today with the Weet-Bix Tryathlon for children with close to 1,000 local Taranaki children taking part at Ngamotu Beach.
Andrea Hewitt and Shane Reed added to Olympic triathlon team!
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
4 March 2008.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee today confirmed the final selections for both the men's and women's Triathlon at the Beijing Olympic Games in August.
Andrea Hewitt and Shane Reed were today announced to join Sam Warriner, Debbie Tanner, Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell on the start line in Beijing.
In ratifying the nominations of Hewitt and Reed and confirming their selection for Beijing, the New Zealand Olympic Selectors commented on the rigorous process that Tri NZ undertook in the selection of their athletes for the Beijing Olympic Games.
"The New Zealand Olympic selectors are satisfied that Triathlon New Zealand has undergone a robust, transparent and fair selection process in nominating the final two athletes to the New Zealand Olympic Team to Beijing," said Mike Stanley, New Zealand Olympic selector. "
"The athletes named today will complete one of our strongest triathlon teams at an Olympic Games yet. They've demonstrated their ability to finish in the top 16 at Beijing 2008 and meet NZOC selection criteria. We're delighted to welcome them to the team."
Neither Hewitt nor Reed finished high enough at the 2007 Beijing World Cup or the 2008 ITU BG World Cup in Mooloolaba to automatically qualify for Beijing under Tri NZ selection criteria. The criteria were clearly signposted to all athletes well in advance.
So too was the discretion of the Tri NZ selectors to make the final decision with regards nominations to the NZ Olympic Selectors should athletes not qualify according to those criteria set by Tri NZ, the International Triathlon Union and the NZOC.
This process has been critical to a sport that has a great history of success and boasts strong depth and strength in both men's and women's elite categories. Competition for places on the Tri NZ Beijing Olympic team was always going to be fierce as a result.
Tri NZ CEO Dave Beeche acknowledged the work of the Tri NZ selectors (Josie Sinclair, Rick Wells, Lyne Pattle) and the difficult task they faced.
"This decision was a clearly a difficult one with each athlete merit's considered by the selectors in making their decision and while it is a tough call for those who miss out, today is one of celebration for Andrea and Shane, both of whom will join Sam, Debbie, Bevan and Kris and represent their country and Tri NZ with pride and distinction in Beijing."
"Our independent selection panel has managed a tough selection process in a robust and thorough manner in reaching their conclusion.
"Our depth and quality of elite athletes brings headaches when it comes to team selection for events such as the Olympics and World Championships. Essentially someone is going to be unlucky to miss out, as has been the case here."
Hewitt and Reed will race this weekend in the ITU BG World Cup event at New Plymouth, a perfect way to celebrate their selection in front of a partisan home crowd and media, more especially for Reed who will step out of his own home on Sunday morning to race in front of family, friends and his home town supporters.
Nicky Samuels and Terenzo Bozzone have both been named as official reserves in the event of injury or illness ruling anyone unfit to compete in Beijing. Again it is testament to the strength of the sport and these two athletes that should either one be called upon to represent New Zealand, both the NZOC and Triathlon New Zealand are confident they would do so with the clear potential of finishing inside the top sixteen, an NZOC performance measure for New Zealand athletes competing at the games.
Stephen Farrell, Tri NZ High Performance Director and Olympic Team Leader, is pleased the team is finalized.
"Now that the extremely tough decision on the selection of the third athlete for the New Zealand Olympic men's and women's teams has been made we can concentrate on the challenge of turning potential into medals at Beijing.
"The expectation may be high after gold and silver medals from Hamish and Bevan at Athens but the reality is that the six Olympic triathlon medals up for grabs in Beijing will be as elusive as any in the competition.
"We are one of the earliest countries to name their full triathlon team which gives our athletes more time for optimal Olympic Games preparation. We believe we have genuine medal prospects amongst the men's and women's teams along with teams from approximately a dozen other countries. The vagaries of triathlon mean that race results on a given day are somewhat unpredictable. We know we have that we have to be 100% on our game to turn that potential into reality."
Athlete Bios
Andrea Hewitt
26 years of age (turned 26 on April 4)
Height: 1.60 metres
Racing Category: Elite
Best Performances:
U23 World Champion 2005 – Gamagori, Japan
3rd Commonwealth Games 2006 - Melbourne, Australia
1st Kitzbuhel ITU World Cup 2007 – Austria
BG International Rookie Triathlete of the year
2007 Achievements
1st Kitzbuhel ITU BG World Cup
2nd Madrid ITU BG World Cup
4th Wellington ITU Oceania Cup
6th Mooloolaba ITU BG World Cup
Year end ranking 15
Shane Reed
34 years of age
Nickname: Snuffie
Marital Status: Married to Tammy Reed with son Lucas
Height: 184cm
Education / Occupation: Studying towards a Bachelor in Graphic Design
Best Performances:
1st ITU Noosa 1999
1st ITU Hungry 2004
1st Oceania Championships 2008
2007 Achievements:
4th Ishigaki ITU BG World Cup
8th Mooloolaba ITU BG World Cup
9th Edmonton ITU BG World Cup
16th Des Moines ITU BG World Cup
Year end ranking 25
4 March 2008.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee today confirmed the final selections for both the men's and women's Triathlon at the Beijing Olympic Games in August.
Andrea Hewitt and Shane Reed were today announced to join Sam Warriner, Debbie Tanner, Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell on the start line in Beijing.
In ratifying the nominations of Hewitt and Reed and confirming their selection for Beijing, the New Zealand Olympic Selectors commented on the rigorous process that Tri NZ undertook in the selection of their athletes for the Beijing Olympic Games.
"The New Zealand Olympic selectors are satisfied that Triathlon New Zealand has undergone a robust, transparent and fair selection process in nominating the final two athletes to the New Zealand Olympic Team to Beijing," said Mike Stanley, New Zealand Olympic selector. "
"The athletes named today will complete one of our strongest triathlon teams at an Olympic Games yet. They've demonstrated their ability to finish in the top 16 at Beijing 2008 and meet NZOC selection criteria. We're delighted to welcome them to the team."
Neither Hewitt nor Reed finished high enough at the 2007 Beijing World Cup or the 2008 ITU BG World Cup in Mooloolaba to automatically qualify for Beijing under Tri NZ selection criteria. The criteria were clearly signposted to all athletes well in advance.
So too was the discretion of the Tri NZ selectors to make the final decision with regards nominations to the NZ Olympic Selectors should athletes not qualify according to those criteria set by Tri NZ, the International Triathlon Union and the NZOC.
This process has been critical to a sport that has a great history of success and boasts strong depth and strength in both men's and women's elite categories. Competition for places on the Tri NZ Beijing Olympic team was always going to be fierce as a result.
Tri NZ CEO Dave Beeche acknowledged the work of the Tri NZ selectors (Josie Sinclair, Rick Wells, Lyne Pattle) and the difficult task they faced.
"This decision was a clearly a difficult one with each athlete merit's considered by the selectors in making their decision and while it is a tough call for those who miss out, today is one of celebration for Andrea and Shane, both of whom will join Sam, Debbie, Bevan and Kris and represent their country and Tri NZ with pride and distinction in Beijing."
"Our independent selection panel has managed a tough selection process in a robust and thorough manner in reaching their conclusion.
"Our depth and quality of elite athletes brings headaches when it comes to team selection for events such as the Olympics and World Championships. Essentially someone is going to be unlucky to miss out, as has been the case here."
Hewitt and Reed will race this weekend in the ITU BG World Cup event at New Plymouth, a perfect way to celebrate their selection in front of a partisan home crowd and media, more especially for Reed who will step out of his own home on Sunday morning to race in front of family, friends and his home town supporters.
Nicky Samuels and Terenzo Bozzone have both been named as official reserves in the event of injury or illness ruling anyone unfit to compete in Beijing. Again it is testament to the strength of the sport and these two athletes that should either one be called upon to represent New Zealand, both the NZOC and Triathlon New Zealand are confident they would do so with the clear potential of finishing inside the top sixteen, an NZOC performance measure for New Zealand athletes competing at the games.
Stephen Farrell, Tri NZ High Performance Director and Olympic Team Leader, is pleased the team is finalized.
"Now that the extremely tough decision on the selection of the third athlete for the New Zealand Olympic men's and women's teams has been made we can concentrate on the challenge of turning potential into medals at Beijing.
"The expectation may be high after gold and silver medals from Hamish and Bevan at Athens but the reality is that the six Olympic triathlon medals up for grabs in Beijing will be as elusive as any in the competition.
"We are one of the earliest countries to name their full triathlon team which gives our athletes more time for optimal Olympic Games preparation. We believe we have genuine medal prospects amongst the men's and women's teams along with teams from approximately a dozen other countries. The vagaries of triathlon mean that race results on a given day are somewhat unpredictable. We know we have that we have to be 100% on our game to turn that potential into reality."
Athlete Bios
Andrea Hewitt
26 years of age (turned 26 on April 4)
Height: 1.60 metres
Racing Category: Elite
Best Performances:
U23 World Champion 2005 – Gamagori, Japan
3rd Commonwealth Games 2006 - Melbourne, Australia
1st Kitzbuhel ITU World Cup 2007 – Austria
BG International Rookie Triathlete of the year
2007 Achievements
1st Kitzbuhel ITU BG World Cup
2nd Madrid ITU BG World Cup
4th Wellington ITU Oceania Cup
6th Mooloolaba ITU BG World Cup
Year end ranking 15
Shane Reed
34 years of age
Nickname: Snuffie
Marital Status: Married to Tammy Reed with son Lucas
Height: 184cm
Education / Occupation: Studying towards a Bachelor in Graphic Design
Best Performances:
1st ITU Noosa 1999
1st ITU Hungry 2004
1st Oceania Championships 2008
2007 Achievements:
4th Ishigaki ITU BG World Cup
8th Mooloolaba ITU BG World Cup
9th Edmonton ITU BG World Cup
16th Des Moines ITU BG World Cup
Year end ranking 25
Sam Warriner and Kris Gemmell look forward to their first World Cup of the season
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
3 April 2008.
Sam Warriner begins her Beijing countdown in New Plymouth while Kris Gemmell enjoys a rare chance to drive to work.
New Zealand triathlete Warriner begins her path to Beijing in New Plymouth on Sunday when she lines up in the ITU BG World Cup race at midday New Zealand time.
The Whangarei based athlete may have set herself for just the one peak this year at the Games in August but is keen to perform well at home.
"As an athlete you always want to perform well at home. I'm going to have a lot of friends and sponsors in New Plymouth and of course I want to race well in front of them. I always give it 100% at any race and this Sunday won't be any different. But that said I've done no speed work at all, I'm getting toward the end of a big block of base training. Just last week I ran 150km's so I've really got no expectations."
The heavy workload and no speed work does not mean Warriner has not tapered at all however, in fact she enjoyed something of a rare luxury earlier this week.
"Yes I've tapered, it's actually the first time this year I've had a complete day off training, Wednesday was a total rest day, and the only thing I did was go into Okato School down here in New Plymouth and present some certificates at assembly. I'll have a couple of easy days leading into the event, just the normal really."
Warriner arrives in New Plymouth fresh off running a personal best at the National 5,000m track championships last weekend, confirmation that her training is progressing well.
As for the ones to keep an eye on, aside from the other Kiwis Warriner says our Trans Tasman neighbours will be as tough as ever.
"The Australians are using New Plymouth as one of three selection races for the Olympics so the Aussie girls will be out to impress. Emma Moffat finished one place above me in the World Rankings last year so she'll definitely be here to race. Lisa Norden finished 3rd last weekend in the first round of the ITU World Cup and being just 22 she's got the ability to recover quickly and have another good race this weekend.
"I'm just going to be focusing on 'Sam Warriner' though. The older I get the more I realise that you really can only control your own race, the only person who can beat Sam Warriner on the day is me."
Fellow Kiwi Gemmell meanwhile is his usual upbeat self before heading into his first World Cup race of the season. Like Warriner, Gemmell stayed away from Mooloolaba, preferring to open his account at New Plymouth.
"It's been a long summer of training here in the beautiful Manawatu. But there comes a moment when its time to jump in the ring and go a few rounds. And no better time than when the best in the world come down to our shores to race in my backyard. I never would have thought when I started my professional triathlon career that I would be able to just jump in my car and drive to a World Cup event from my own home."
The world number five in 2007 says he is in good shape and is looking forward to putting some of his training methods into a race day situation.
"My training has been going really well and I'm looking forward to the race. As most will know I like to race with my heart on my sleeve and this week will be no different. I know the areas I've been working on over the summer months. And I'll be using it to apply any sort of pressure I can on the rest of the boys."
New Plymouth ITU BG World Cup, April 6
Elite women: Midday
Elite men: 2.30pm
3 April 2008.
Sam Warriner begins her Beijing countdown in New Plymouth while Kris Gemmell enjoys a rare chance to drive to work.
New Zealand triathlete Warriner begins her path to Beijing in New Plymouth on Sunday when she lines up in the ITU BG World Cup race at midday New Zealand time.
The Whangarei based athlete may have set herself for just the one peak this year at the Games in August but is keen to perform well at home.
"As an athlete you always want to perform well at home. I'm going to have a lot of friends and sponsors in New Plymouth and of course I want to race well in front of them. I always give it 100% at any race and this Sunday won't be any different. But that said I've done no speed work at all, I'm getting toward the end of a big block of base training. Just last week I ran 150km's so I've really got no expectations."
The heavy workload and no speed work does not mean Warriner has not tapered at all however, in fact she enjoyed something of a rare luxury earlier this week.
"Yes I've tapered, it's actually the first time this year I've had a complete day off training, Wednesday was a total rest day, and the only thing I did was go into Okato School down here in New Plymouth and present some certificates at assembly. I'll have a couple of easy days leading into the event, just the normal really."
Warriner arrives in New Plymouth fresh off running a personal best at the National 5,000m track championships last weekend, confirmation that her training is progressing well.
As for the ones to keep an eye on, aside from the other Kiwis Warriner says our Trans Tasman neighbours will be as tough as ever.
"The Australians are using New Plymouth as one of three selection races for the Olympics so the Aussie girls will be out to impress. Emma Moffat finished one place above me in the World Rankings last year so she'll definitely be here to race. Lisa Norden finished 3rd last weekend in the first round of the ITU World Cup and being just 22 she's got the ability to recover quickly and have another good race this weekend.
"I'm just going to be focusing on 'Sam Warriner' though. The older I get the more I realise that you really can only control your own race, the only person who can beat Sam Warriner on the day is me."
Fellow Kiwi Gemmell meanwhile is his usual upbeat self before heading into his first World Cup race of the season. Like Warriner, Gemmell stayed away from Mooloolaba, preferring to open his account at New Plymouth.
"It's been a long summer of training here in the beautiful Manawatu. But there comes a moment when its time to jump in the ring and go a few rounds. And no better time than when the best in the world come down to our shores to race in my backyard. I never would have thought when I started my professional triathlon career that I would be able to just jump in my car and drive to a World Cup event from my own home."
The world number five in 2007 says he is in good shape and is looking forward to putting some of his training methods into a race day situation.
"My training has been going really well and I'm looking forward to the race. As most will know I like to race with my heart on my sleeve and this week will be no different. I know the areas I've been working on over the summer months. And I'll be using it to apply any sort of pressure I can on the rest of the boys."
New Plymouth ITU BG World Cup, April 6
Elite women: Midday
Elite men: 2.30pm
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
North vs South challenge promoted at 2008 Fairydown Southern Traverse
Press Release: Southern Traverse Ltd.
2nd April 2008.
The 2008 Fairydown Southern Traverse at Hanmer Springs (April 11,12,13) is being billed as a North and South Island challenge with strong teams emerging from throughout New Zealand.
"We want to create an additional challenge within the Classic Southern Traverse both amongst the senior teams and the younger under 23 teams which are entering for the first time this year," says Race Director Geoff Hunt. "We think the competitors will enjoy the increased competition."
The North Island Powered by Velvet, fresh from winning the ARC in Coromandel this march is likely to make a tough contest of the race. Coast to Coast guru George Christensen leads a formidable team of Sonya Clark, Chris Morrissey and Rhys Burns who are highly proficient and skilled adventure racers.
From the South Island the Icebreaker R&R Sport team comprising Dunedin and Queenstown athletes has an enviable racing pedigree. The names Haydn Key, Matt Woods and Mark Williams are synonymous with adventure racing in New Zealand, and together with leading women's competitor Sarah Fairmaid, are expected to lead the South Island charge.
To mark the inaugural entry of under 23 teams from both the north and south a special trophy will be awarded to the winning team in this sector.
Hunt is excited about the prospects of having young newcomers in the well established event. "The Southern Traverse is an iconic race and to ensure the traditions will be carried on we need to start encouraging younger athletes which is why we are offering free entry to these teams this year."
Hunt has recently carried out a course check around Hanmer and says route choice will be vital to team's success.
"The trekking on the first day will have 16 controls and just two checkpoints with a 12 hour time limit. There will also be two mountain bike rides totally around two hours which leaves around 10 hours to collect as many controls as possible. The teams that judge the distance to the finish line carefully will be able to achieve the maximum number of controls and get there by the cut off time. After that time penalties will be imposed."
The course will provide a lot of interest and diverse terrain.
"The highest of the hills we are traversing is 1575m but again the route choice by teams will be important and will decide how much altitude they will have to climb the first day, bearing in mind that at midnight they will start into the second part of the course with an initial uphill climb of almost 1000m."
Teams will start arriving in the Hanmer Springs resort late next week for the three day challenge.
2nd April 2008.
The 2008 Fairydown Southern Traverse at Hanmer Springs (April 11,12,13) is being billed as a North and South Island challenge with strong teams emerging from throughout New Zealand.
"We want to create an additional challenge within the Classic Southern Traverse both amongst the senior teams and the younger under 23 teams which are entering for the first time this year," says Race Director Geoff Hunt. "We think the competitors will enjoy the increased competition."
The North Island Powered by Velvet, fresh from winning the ARC in Coromandel this march is likely to make a tough contest of the race. Coast to Coast guru George Christensen leads a formidable team of Sonya Clark, Chris Morrissey and Rhys Burns who are highly proficient and skilled adventure racers.
From the South Island the Icebreaker R&R Sport team comprising Dunedin and Queenstown athletes has an enviable racing pedigree. The names Haydn Key, Matt Woods and Mark Williams are synonymous with adventure racing in New Zealand, and together with leading women's competitor Sarah Fairmaid, are expected to lead the South Island charge.
To mark the inaugural entry of under 23 teams from both the north and south a special trophy will be awarded to the winning team in this sector.
Hunt is excited about the prospects of having young newcomers in the well established event. "The Southern Traverse is an iconic race and to ensure the traditions will be carried on we need to start encouraging younger athletes which is why we are offering free entry to these teams this year."
Hunt has recently carried out a course check around Hanmer and says route choice will be vital to team's success.
"The trekking on the first day will have 16 controls and just two checkpoints with a 12 hour time limit. There will also be two mountain bike rides totally around two hours which leaves around 10 hours to collect as many controls as possible. The teams that judge the distance to the finish line carefully will be able to achieve the maximum number of controls and get there by the cut off time. After that time penalties will be imposed."
The course will provide a lot of interest and diverse terrain.
"The highest of the hills we are traversing is 1575m but again the route choice by teams will be important and will decide how much altitude they will have to climb the first day, bearing in mind that at midnight they will start into the second part of the course with an initial uphill climb of almost 1000m."
Teams will start arriving in the Hanmer Springs resort late next week for the three day challenge.
Taranaki prepares for world tri festival
Press Release: Triathlon New Zealand.
2 April 2008.
Taranaki is gearing up for an invasion of a nice kind as triathletes from all corners of the world and the country descend upon New Plymouth for the World Tri Festival starting on Friday, incorporating the ITU BG World Cup race on Sunday.
Tri NZ CEO Dave Beeche said the weekend of activity is a celebration of all that is good in the sport with something for everyone.
"From Friday New Plymouth will be a buzz with activity and events to suit everyone willing to ‘give it a go'. Appropriately we will start with the children in the latest round in the Weet-Bix Tryathlon on Friday then progress to the beginner and standard distance age group races on the Saturday before ending with the elites in the BG World Cup races on Sunday.
"Increasingly we are seeing New Zealanders of all backgrounds and abilities coming to or returning to the sport, each with their own objectives and goals. While the elite athletes are the highlight of the weekend and the main focus for media, the team at Tri NZ is equally concerned with delivering a quality experience in the other events, the entire weekend will be a lot of fun."
Former Kiwi League legend Howie Tamati is one of those taking part in the sport for the first time and while he might be a bit worried about the odd knee pain here or there, he is looking forward to the beginner's triathlon immensely.
"I can't wait for the race to come around on Saturday now, although I am a little nervous as this is my first event and not so long ago I couldn't even swim a few lengths in the pool.
"The key though is I am getting fit and enjoying the benefits in my everyday life. A fit body leads to a fit mind with less sickness, tiredness and overall greater energy levels. This World Tri Festival offers events for all of us to have a go at, I don't care what your background, age or level of fitness, and we should all be taking part and then watching the very best in the world race on the Sunday.
"The event might have challenged me but in turn I guess I am challenging every other person in our region to take part. If I can, there is no reason why everyone else can't make the same commitment."
Elite athletes are starting to arrive with New Zealanders at or near the top of the billing in Sunday's elite World Cup races. Sam Warriner and Andrea Hewitt will be amongst those to contend in the women's race with strong opposition from 2007 world number two Emma Moffat (AUS) and rising star and World U23 Champion Lisa Norden (SWE).
Vanessa Fernandez (POR) and Annabel Luxford (AUS) are late withdrawals from the event, opening the door further for the likes of the leading Kiwis or Oceania Champion Moffat to pick up a World Cup win.
In the men's race all eyes will be on world number one Javier Gomez after he began his season with a second place at Mooloolaba last weekend. It will be the first visit to New Plymouth for the Spaniard but his second to New Zealand after winning the U23 World Championships in Queenstown in 2004.
Kiwis Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell will be amongst the challengers to Gomez while Terenzo Bozzone will be looking for an improved showing after his 14th place at Mooloolaba last weekend.
So to will Shane Reed who will almost certainly race on his ‘home track' for the final time. The 34 year old has indicated that regardless of selection for the Beijing Olympic Games team, 2008 is a year in which he is winding down his 15 year career at the top.
News of the final selections for Beijing are expected at some stage this week but no time has yet been confirmed for this announcement.
The true global nature of the sport is reflected in the stunning statistic that sees in excess of 30 countries represented on the start line. From Israel to Costa Rica to Kazakstan to Finland to Mexico to Zimbabwe, to Syria and everywhere in between, triathletes and their supporters are descending on New Plymouth this weekend.
2 April 2008.
Taranaki is gearing up for an invasion of a nice kind as triathletes from all corners of the world and the country descend upon New Plymouth for the World Tri Festival starting on Friday, incorporating the ITU BG World Cup race on Sunday.
Tri NZ CEO Dave Beeche said the weekend of activity is a celebration of all that is good in the sport with something for everyone.
"From Friday New Plymouth will be a buzz with activity and events to suit everyone willing to ‘give it a go'. Appropriately we will start with the children in the latest round in the Weet-Bix Tryathlon on Friday then progress to the beginner and standard distance age group races on the Saturday before ending with the elites in the BG World Cup races on Sunday.
"Increasingly we are seeing New Zealanders of all backgrounds and abilities coming to or returning to the sport, each with their own objectives and goals. While the elite athletes are the highlight of the weekend and the main focus for media, the team at Tri NZ is equally concerned with delivering a quality experience in the other events, the entire weekend will be a lot of fun."
Former Kiwi League legend Howie Tamati is one of those taking part in the sport for the first time and while he might be a bit worried about the odd knee pain here or there, he is looking forward to the beginner's triathlon immensely.
"I can't wait for the race to come around on Saturday now, although I am a little nervous as this is my first event and not so long ago I couldn't even swim a few lengths in the pool.
"The key though is I am getting fit and enjoying the benefits in my everyday life. A fit body leads to a fit mind with less sickness, tiredness and overall greater energy levels. This World Tri Festival offers events for all of us to have a go at, I don't care what your background, age or level of fitness, and we should all be taking part and then watching the very best in the world race on the Sunday.
"The event might have challenged me but in turn I guess I am challenging every other person in our region to take part. If I can, there is no reason why everyone else can't make the same commitment."
Elite athletes are starting to arrive with New Zealanders at or near the top of the billing in Sunday's elite World Cup races. Sam Warriner and Andrea Hewitt will be amongst those to contend in the women's race with strong opposition from 2007 world number two Emma Moffat (AUS) and rising star and World U23 Champion Lisa Norden (SWE).
Vanessa Fernandez (POR) and Annabel Luxford (AUS) are late withdrawals from the event, opening the door further for the likes of the leading Kiwis or Oceania Champion Moffat to pick up a World Cup win.
In the men's race all eyes will be on world number one Javier Gomez after he began his season with a second place at Mooloolaba last weekend. It will be the first visit to New Plymouth for the Spaniard but his second to New Zealand after winning the U23 World Championships in Queenstown in 2004.
Kiwis Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell will be amongst the challengers to Gomez while Terenzo Bozzone will be looking for an improved showing after his 14th place at Mooloolaba last weekend.
So to will Shane Reed who will almost certainly race on his ‘home track' for the final time. The 34 year old has indicated that regardless of selection for the Beijing Olympic Games team, 2008 is a year in which he is winding down his 15 year career at the top.
News of the final selections for Beijing are expected at some stage this week but no time has yet been confirmed for this announcement.
The true global nature of the sport is reflected in the stunning statistic that sees in excess of 30 countries represented on the start line. From Israel to Costa Rica to Kazakstan to Finland to Mexico to Zimbabwe, to Syria and everywhere in between, triathletes and their supporters are descending on New Plymouth this weekend.
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