Race report from Andrew Rowlings
CLUB SCENE
Racing was over a slightly longer distance for club members on Sunday, with a 1km swim, 30km cycle and 7.5km run scheduled to get the body ready for the fast-approaching Club Championships in Forster.
As predicted, there were some different faces on the podium, although they have all featured prominently in the past. Glen George led home the field, holding off a very fit Eddie Harrod and Guy Leckenby.
As she prepares to head to Busselton next month for the National All Schools Triathlon Championship, Tenielle Stubbs headed the women’s race and pushed the males for the majority of the event. Michelle Randall put in another well-rounded race to take second ahead of Jacinta Smithers.
The shorter race held in conjunction was dominated by Lachie Jacobs, with the fastest splits in all three disciplines, well ahead of Jai Lyons and Matt Burke.
Kalina Bennett again led the ladies home, with Joanne Lawler and Ashley Boogaard hot in pursuit.
With many members racing all around the country, there were still 86 participants on the day.
Next Sunday racing returns to the normal format for what will be the second last event of the season. Remember that you get an additional hour in bed beforehand, with Daylight Saving drawing to a close on Saturday night/Sunday morning.
IRONMAN MELBOURNE
Sounds like the inaugural IM Melbourne was a resounding success... an Australian winner in the men’s race, an incredible performance by the leading woman, some impressive debuts over the distance and generally favourable comments from participants after the event.
Craig Alexander started as favourite, and that status was verified with a sub 8-hour victory, pulling away from fellow veteran Cameron Brown over the final 12km of the run.
Only one woman, Chrissie Wellington, has gone quicker than Sunday’s winner, Caroline Steffen who blitzed the field on the bike to set up a commanding victory in just over 8 hours 34 minutes... less than 90 seconds outside Wellington’s world best time from South Africa last year.
The female pre-race favourite, Mirinda Carfrae could not match the bike speed of Steffen, but did notch a solid run to finish third.
For me, David Dellow making his Ironman debut, was a standout taking 5th with an 8:04 finish.
Or how about Kevin Ferguson notching a 9:02 at 53 years of age? Now that is impressive.
Our Coffs contingent also performed quite well, with all four happy with their result.
Paul Courtney nursed his Achilles through the run, still managing a 12:08:07 finish. He swam 1:13, rode 5:55:13 and ran 4:40:07... all on a less than cooperative leg.
Despite his rib injuries, John Fuller should be happy with his 12:45:20 time, comprising a 1:16:17 swim, 6:32:53 bike and 4:37:04 run.
Bragging rights have been retained by Cec Tempone, with a time almost two hours better than training partner Peter Wood. Cec took 1:20:03 in the water, 6:46:32 on the bike and then 6:33:13 for the marathon for a 14:57:08 finish time.
Woodsy became the first Coffs Triathlon Club member to take TWO DAYS to complete an event. He began at 7.15am on Sunday, and finished at 12.15am on Monday for a total of 16:47:48. A swim of 1:28:09, bike of 7:11:21 and run of 7:49:16 got him to the finish line with just over 12 minutes to spare before the cut off and course closure.
Entry for next year’s Melbourne race to be staged on March 24, 2013 opens this Friday at 11am. As usual, you will need to be quick!
MOOLOOLABAH
There were also members racing over the Olympic Distance at Mooloolabah in hot and very windy conditions.
Daniel Stein was the quickest of our male athletes, while Cat Benger led the Coffs ladies home.
Times did appear just a little on the slow side, with sea conditions and strong winds taking their toll.
Results from the Coffs crew follow (apologies if I have missed anyone, as there were 135 pages to sift through):
Daniel Stein 2:03:00, Richard Pearson 2:05:20, Ben Webeck 2:06:10, Jake Boyd 2:13:14, Reece Edwards 2:15:10, Cat Benger 2:27:59, Christine Lefeaux 2:30:15, Aimee Sutton 2:31:00, Sarah Brazenor 2:34:31, Lisa Alford 2:49:02, Michelle Clarke 3:25:59.
Not sure how true it is, but I have heard that two of our strongest cyclists in Richard Pearson and Ben Webeck were hammering along in the bike leg when a female flew past them, leaving them in open-mouthed amazement. Would like the race number of that girl to check out her bike split!
FOR SALE
Daniel Stein has a very fast Specialized Tarmac Expert 2009 for sale, size 52cm (suit male 165-175cm), full Shimano Ultegra SL groupset, some minor scratches and wear on frame and cranks.
It features a full carbon frame and comes with both Fizik Arione saddle and Shimano 105 pedals.
Contact Daniel if you are interested, or email me and I will forward your message. He is looking for somewhere around $1200.
I have a Giant TCR running Shimano DuraAce available, 54cm and suitable for someone between 174-182cm. The seller is looking for $700. Let me know if you want photos or further details.
NEW ZEALAND OFF ROAD REPORT: MOTATAPU – OFF ROAD TRI 2012
Tim Jacobs has submitted the following race report on a tri with a difference...
Just returned to Coffs after a week in Queenstown (NZ) mountain biking in some of New Zealand finest backcountry.
After some ‘minor travel problems’ leaving Coffs at 6.30am Friday and arriving in Queenstown on Saturday at 2.30am. We then put our bikes together and got sorted for the race. Only then to have a couple of hours sleep before getting up at 5.30am to get ready for the race that we came here for!
We arrived at Glendhu Bay, Wanaka – a lovely setting to start the race. After registering, it was down to business, bike racked, shoes/shirt etc. ready to go. Wetsuit was on, two swim caps on and earplugs in, time to test in the water. It took my breath away but I soon relaxed. The water temp was 17 degrees on a hot day, and considering it was 9am , it was far from warm. Although I was still ready to go, the water was like glass, great to swim in. I had a good swim, no cramps, just numb feet.
Transition went well, out of the water, wetsuit off and towelled off. Had a banana and a drink. Now, on with the bike gear and away towards Arrowtown, 47km away, over the Crown Ranges. The bike course climbed gradually with magnificent high country valleys, reaching the highest point at the 34km mark. More hill training at home would have made things a little easier. It was then all downhill from here.
13km to go and 6-7 river crossings, just to cool the legs down and keep those feet numb for a bit longer. The downhill was great fun but my legs (quads/calf) started to cramp. It wasn’t long before I had racked my bike, with bike shoes off and the runners on. Had another banana and drink and then I was off again. Not far down the track and my legs started to cramp again. A short delay with some stretching and more food (gel) and Endura did the trick.
Now, to start the run with the first hill, a steady climb about 2km up Tobin’s track. It then flattened out for a short distance, at this stage more hill training again at home would have made things more comfortable. Entering into a new feeling with calf muscles so hard. Continued on steadily climbing for another 7km (single track). Not a lot of running, mostly just solid walking. Then at the 9km mark and 1047m high, I have reached the highest point of the course which only means one thing, it is all downhill from here.
A better shoe selection would have helped me to do a better time.
Most of the way around there was magnificent views.
Once I was on the 4WD track it was a solid 5km run to the finish with the exception of some small hills and river crossings to sooth the heavy legs. After crossing the finish line with everybody cheering, it was over! Then I was off to the refreshment tent for a well-earned beer.
To anyone who gets the chance, I highly recommend this event, and above all the scenery alone is worth the trip.
| Tim |
2km swim |
47km bike |
15km run |
Overall |
| Times |
39.03 |
2:58.01 |
2:06.51 |
5:43.55 |
WISE WORDS
"Remember, the most important thing after choosing the right running shoe is ... choosing the left one."
