Docherty Wins Tongyeong ITU World Championship Series in Epic Sprint Finish

Bevan Docherty from New Zealand outsprinted Australia's Brad Kahlefeldt to win the opening leg of the Dextro Energy Triathlon - ITU World Championship Series as they crossed the line together in 1:50:25. A photo finish awarded victory to the Kiwi in the $150,000 event held in the Korean city of Tongyeong.

Docherty and Kahlefeldt had been to the fore throughout all three disciplines, swimming well within the main group before keeping out of trouble during the 40km cycle which saw France's three time European Champion, Frederic Belaubre breakaway with Mark Fretta from the USA as they took a one minute advantage over the main group onto the run. The Russian pairing of Dmitry Polyansky and Alexander Brukhankov started the run 30 seconds off the lead in between the leaders and the chasing pack.

Polyansky quickly ran down Belaubre to head the race whilst the main chase group of Kahlefeldt, Docherty, New Zealand's Kris Gemmell and Jarrod Shoemaker from the USA closed down the Russian.

Kahlefeldt and the two Kiwis made contact with Polyansky as they started the final 2.5km run lap, however the Russian was able to hang onto the back of them and held onto third as Gemmell failed to go with the hard surges being laid down by the Aussie.

Coming into the homestraight Kahlefeldt had a small lead, however a slip in the final few metres allowed Docherty's desperate lunge to take the win as his chest crossed the line a hairsbreadth ahead of the Australian.

"It's all a blur, when it comes down to those sort of situations," admitted Docherty. "It's just mind over body. I couldn't really feel my legs but they wanted to go forward. Brad got a bit of a lead on me and I came back and inched in front and we both just went for the line. It was a case of just cross your fingers and go for it!"

"Deep down I know I have a pretty good sprint. That was my game plan going into the Olympic Games but unfortunately it didn't quite go my way. This time it paid off but that Olympic gold medal is going to haunt me and until I achieve that I'm not going to stop."

I was more than happy with my result, but of course I wanted to win," said Kahlefeldt. "I felt really good out there and kept trying to push the pace through the twisty and windy sections on the run but I was waiting for Bevan to come around me. In the home straight he got past, then I came over the top of him, then he came back in front and I just gave it 100 percent. I've been in these situations before when it's oh so close, and I knew I just had to give it everything in such a big race."

Tongyeong Dextro Energy Triathlon - ITU World Championship
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Elite Men - Official Results
Gold - Bevan Docherty (NZL) 1:50:25
Silver - Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) 1:50:25
Bronze - Dmitry Polyansky (RUS) 1:50:30 +0:05
4th - Kris Gemmell (NZL) 1:50:40 +0:15
5th - Steffen Justus (GER) 1:50:43 +0:18
6th - Jarrod Shoemaker (USA) 1:50:47 +0:22
7th - Alexander Brukhankov (RUS) 1:50:47 +0:22
8th - Laurent Vidal (FRA) 2:04:25 1:50:47 +0:22
9th - Tim Don (GBR) 1:51:01 +0:36
10th - Courtney Atkinson (AUS) 1:51:06 +0:41

Dextro Energy Triathlon - ITU World Championship Rankings
After Race One of Eight
1. Bevan Docherty (NZL) 800pts
2. Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) 740pts
3. Dmitry Polyansky (RUS) 685pts
4. Kris Gemmell (NZL) 633pts
5. Steffen Justus (GER) 586pts

For more information on the Dextro Energy Triathlon - ITU World Championship Series, please visit www.triathlon.org