Docherty Runs Into Silver At World Championships

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Bevan Docherty winning silver at the 2008 World Triathlon Championships.
Credit: Delly Carr/Triathlon.org

9th June 2008

For immediate release from Tri NZ, for more information visit www.triathlon.org

DOCHERTY RUNS INTO SILVER AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The elite men’s race at the World Triathlon Championships turned into a test of running ability after the bulk of the field exited the bike leg within seconds of each other with New Zealand number one Bevan Docherty securing the silver medal.

Docherty was to the fore throughout, exiting the water in second place and constantly testing the world class field at the head of the bike while also covering any attempts to break away.

Once on the run it was Docherty and world number one Javier Gomez who quickly asserted their authority, leaving a trail of world class contenders behind them in the cold conditions that have blighted the championships.

Docherty had a good day at the office.

“I felt really strong all day. The conditions didn’t bother me, our race was later and the weather came right but being a Taupo boy it helped me out for sure. I knew I was really fit and was strong all day. The swim was great; I controlled pace on bike and knew my running was going well.

Docherty said he keyed off Gomez in the run.

“I stayed with Gomez early in the run and knew if I stayed as long as I could it would put me in a medal position. I waited for the Gomez surge and went with him knowing it would drop a few of the others off the back, it did and I was comfortable in second

“I knew I had to position myself well off the bike but my feet were a bit numb and I struggled to get them in my shoes but I stayed with the plan, sat on Gomez, waited for the move and stayed with him.

“I’m super happy with this result but there is still work to be done and a lot more hard training, I’m sure I can raise it at least another 5% for Beijing.”

Those to feel the pinch and fall away included former World Champion Simon Whitfield (Canada), Matt Reed (USA), and another former World Champion Greg Bennett (AUS).

But Gomez proved too strong over the closing stages, winning by 24 seconds from Docherty, who adds silver to his gold medal at the 2004 event.

Docherty’s coach Mark Elliott has no doubt there is more in his Kiwi charge

“This race worked out well, exactly what we were looking for today. There is a bit more work to do; this race is really a base race for us in terms of timing towards Beijing. We are looking for something special in another race in a fortnight after two weeks off altitude, a replica of what we will do at the Olympics.”

The only other Kiwi in the men’s race was Clark Ellice who struggled to stay in touch after exiting the swim and eventually finished 68th.

2008 Triathlon World Championship, Vancouver
Elite Men

1 J. GOMEZ (ESP) 1:49:48.36 1:49:48.36
2 B. DOCHERTY (NZL) 1:50:12.64 +24.28
3 R. HUG (SUI) 1:50:17.34 +28.98
4 H. de VILLIERS (RSA) 1:50:18.64 +30.28
5 M. REED (USA) 1:50:27.86 +39.50
6 S. WHITFIELD (CAN) 1:50:27.90 +39.54
7 I. SYSOEV (RUS) 1:50:28.39 +40.03
8 T. MOULAI (FRA) 1:50:31.61 +43.25
9 P. TICHELAAR (CAN) 1:50:32.31 +43.95
10 I. VASILIEV (RUS) 1:50:34.65 +46.29
68 C. ELLICE (NZL) 2:00:11.75 +10:23.39

ENDS

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