Race Twelve - Sunday 17 March 2019

With thanks to our race day sponsors, Ventoux Cycles and PhysAbility.

It’s seems so long since our last club race, alas, the weather was kind to us today with perfect conditions for racing.

53 wrapped their timing chips on their left ankle and took to racing with great enthusiasm .

Terrific to see a number of our members back in action after various injuries caused some lengthy time on the sidelines.

Jack McLaughlin put behind the devastating loss of his beloved Bulldogs to scorch the field in the enticer. Consistent training paying off for Jack.

Fantastic to see Jen Booth back in action. Jen grabbed 2nd.

Jen has been battling a long term injury, but has always remained upbeat and positive and a great support to everyone else.
Nice to see Sue Flanders be rewarded for persistence and consistency , placing 3rd.
Kath Robson , Jackson Boyd and Bec Varney all had a good day out.
Well done to Hanna Legge. There is no stopping Hanna who has had a very busy schedule over the past few months and is enjoying the friendly environment.

With a few of the big guns away, today's male event was wide open.
A number of the lads have been off injured and were at club racing for the first time this season

Plenty of starting line banter was had , but with the fastest run split of the day, Trev Fidge was able to give 2nd placer Matt Moffat a head start and run him down.
Both lads coming off injury concerns to put in a mighty effort.
Ultra consistent Pat Brennan filled 3rd with only 90secs between the top 3.
Chris Hodge smoked his bike leg, 2nd fastest for the day, while Shaun Bayndrian was solid, with his main focus now being Port 70.3 .
Mark 'glamping' Griffiths is another returning from injury, his focus was to get through unscathed, he achieved fastest time in the 10 min wave.

Chris Hamilton looked strong on the run, great to see Sam Smyth back. Shaun Lawer is another on the comeback trail, while Mick Stubbs had his customary lightening fast swim.

Tom Handel smashed all comers in the swim and claimed the days honours in the 5 min wave.

Solid performances from Lloyd Mason, Pete Giddings and Pete Roberts kept himself in control.

Terrific efforts from Ian Howchin, Tony Cross and Leon Petrohelos. Adam Cross continues to improve, and nice to see Gordon Abbott back for his first club race of the season.
Kenny Crabb proved to strong for Pete Woods, an easy 4mins in front, but Woodsey has been resting in readiness for Port IM.

The ladies event was keenly contested as always, Shannon O'Hara working herself to a win by 90 secs from Mel Sylvester with Mayoress of Mylsetom, Kate Marsden in 3rd place
A Huge run split from Emma Packer , 3rd fastest for the day with a 20:07 .
Stepping up to the 5 min wave for the first time, Alira Bayndrian charged out of the water giving the RD a hip n shoulder, muttering something about slowing her down, whatever 🤣🤣 . For someone that only started swimming 2 years ago, Alira has shown amazing improvement across the 3 disciplines .

Georgia Ensbey clearly loves the water, 2nd quickest of the day, barely getting wet.
Katrina McFarlane just pipped Marg Roberts, both having a great tussle.
Caron Mackie raced well, and Kristen Pigram enjoyed some time out on course while Nashy and the kids got out on course to give some hi 5's.

Always smiling, Wendy Maley was solid again, and Elizabeth Arif is starting to get dividends for her training efforts.
Well done to both Fi McPherson and Vicki Tillott, both looking strong on the bike leg.
Mick Darlow was brave again, tipped out of his chair, he got back in and continued charging to the finish line.

Huge thanks to the volunteers, in particular those that answered the call for some last minute slots to be filled.

A little further north, and an underdone Mick Ylinen due to injury and Isaiah Koopmans tackled the Mooloolaba course in the National Age Championships.
Both boys doing exceptionally well in the under 20 category, as Isaiah claimed 3rd place and Mick just behind him in 4th place. Both having solid swims to exit with the leaders, then smoked it out on the bike, having 2nd and 3rd fastest splits.
It was in the run leg that they both dug deep and showed true mental strength of character to push through the hot and humid conditions.

Our next race is the teams challenge event. If you would like to participate, please go online to register. We will be able marry up the fast and not so fast as a team, making it as even as possible for all.

End of season trip to Byron Bay is fast approaching. It's a cracker of a weekend, Friday night allows us to sample what Saturday night will brings us, 🎊🎤🥂🥃🍺
Racing is after lunch Saturday, so no early starts 👏👏👏
It's a fantastic way to celebrate the season with fellow club members, and if you can sing or play a musical instrument, then President Paul,is keen to sign you up for some 🎤🎤🎤
Reserve your accommodation before it's sold out. Website has all the details.

Club uniform order.....last chance for the season. Order by March 20, that's Wednesday , to have your outfit ready for Port, or Byron Bay.
Catfish.com.au to place your order.

Best of luck to everyone with your training, see you on the training track.

PT