Top Results For Kiwis In Lausanne

Top Results For Kiwis In Lausanne

New Zealand triathletes have achieved top results in the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Age Group races in Lausanne this weekend.

Triathlon New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Dave Beeche, said over 100 kiwi athletes lined up at their respective start lines competing across 12 different age group categories.

“The final medals tally was three golds, two silvers and a bronze – a great result for the New Zealand contingent.”

In the men’s events, Tony Dodds came in 1st in the 18-19 age group with a finish time of 2:11:12.”

“There was a strong result in the men’s 20-24 age group event which could signal the emergence of possible new talent for future elite level racing,” Dave said.

Sam Mallard picked up a silver with a time of 2:07:17 and Tom Moyes collected a bronze with his finish of 2:08.59. New Zealand competitors Lee Greer and Ben Visser also came in fourth and sixth place respectively.

John Hellemans of Canterbury came in 1st in the 50-54 years category taking out his eighth World Championship title. He finished with a time of 2:17:27 after regaining lost ground during the run phase of the event.

In the women’s events, Fiona Mackay came in 2nd in the 30-34 age group with a time of 2:25:34. In the 70-74 age group Judith Barfoot picked up gold for her effort completing the event with a time of 3:37:34

“Traditionally, the age group World Championships have provided young athletes with the opportunity to develop and experience international competition at the highest level. It also gives older athletes up to the age of 90 international sporting honours,” Dave said.

This year’s team was the largest New Zealand age group team since the world championships which were held in Queenstown in 2003.

“With more than 60 per cent of the team representing the country for the first time, it’s a strong reflection of the growing popularity of the sport of triathlon in New Zealand.”

Success in the age group races comes one day before 12 of New Zealand’s high performance athletes prepare to compete in the men’s and women’s elite races at the ITU World Championships.

Terrenzo Bozzone, Hamish Carter, Bevan Docherty, Clark Ellice, Kris Gemmell and Shane Reed will all compete in the men’s elite race with Sam Walker as a non-travelling reserve.

Competing in the elite women’s race are Carmel Hanly, Andrea Hewitt, Taryn McLeod, Debbie Tanner, Samantha Warriner and Evelyn Williamson, with Jenny Cooper as a non-travelling reserve.

The elite women’s race kicks off at 8.45pm (New Zealand time) on Sunday 3 September, with the men’s race beginning at 11pm. Watch the race live at http://www.triathlon.org/?call=TVRnNQ==&keep=sh

Check out the race course at: http://www2.triathlon.org/tricast/2006/lausanne-map.htm

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