McIlroy goes from mountains to Triathlon

Round one of the Contact Tri Series took place at Rotorua’s Blue Lake today, with strong representation in all races from the Contact 3:9:3 for beginners to the Contact Trophy for elite athletes.

The surprise package of the day was the runner up finish for former World Mountain Running champion Kate McIlroy. The 27 year old quietly entered the event without fanfare but soon had tongues wagging as she emerged from the 1500m swim in second place, a position she held through to the finish.

McIlroy was coy about a change to triathlon fulltime though.

“I’m not sure about a fulltime switch, I’m still undecided at the moment but will do a few more of the Contact Tri Series this summer, maybe not the next race (Whangamata) though, I think I need a bit more training under the belt first.

“The run today was tough, my legs were quite dead after the bike and I wasn’t sure what I had left. Biking is certainly the area I need most work on, and today being non drafting didn’t help, I much prefer when I can draft on the bike leg.”

She is certainly in good hands if the bike leg is her weakest, with renowned triathlon and cycling coach Greg Fraine coaching the Wellington athlete.

In the men’s Contact Trophy race it was a first victory for Ryan Sissons. One of the next generation of New Zealand triathletes, 20 year old Sissons swam strongly to exit the water in the main pack and held on bravely to defending series champion Stephen Sheldrake on the bike before running clear on the two lap circuit of Blue Lake.

“I was keen to see how the swim went today, it is something I have been working on for the past few months and when I came out in touch with the leaders, I knew I was in with a shot.

“The bike was good, I love the hills and this course has brutal hills. I wasn’t sure I would stay with Stephen but managed to do that, and I then knew I had some good running legs at the moment to win it.”

World U23 bronze medalist Martin Van Barneveld ran strongly into second place with Liam Scopes grabbing third ahead of a tiring Sheldrake. For Sheldrake it was a brave return to competition after undergoing major knee surgery during winter.

Rebecca Spence was spent after the race, the former Rangitoto College student running herself to a standstill on the undulating Blue Lake course in what was her first serious hit out of the year.

“I just wanted the race to finish, that was so tough and reinforces that I need to do so much more running. I am injury free at the moment though and aim to do some more miles in training then take on the four ‘cup’ races in the Contact Series.”

Spence had built a comfortable seven minute lead on Sarah Bryant and McIlroy leading into the run, with McIlroy taking an impressive six minutes out of that lead by the end of the 11km around the Blue Lake.

Bryant, a former World U19 age group champion, held on for third and a place on the podium.

U19’s Qualify for Youth Olympic Games

The U19 race today doubled as a selection race for the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in January next year. The first two athletes across the line in both men’s women’s events booked their places to Australia, with the third spot left to the discretion of the selectors.

As expected in the men’s race it was Jos Hoetjes crossing in first from Tom Davidson and Edward Rawles.

Hoetjes was delighted to race so well in his first race of the summer.

“The run was tough but then the first race is always hard. It is great to get into the season and build from here. The Youth Olympics in Aussie will be a great experience and an added bonus this summer.”

In the women’s U19 it was a newcomer stealing the limelight and hinting at a good career in the sport. Theresa Adam was a comfortable winner from Rebecca Kingsford and Megan Blackett.

Aucklander Adam has crossed over from water polo and looks a real prospect.

“I have played at the top level in water polo and decided to dabble in the stroke and strike and enjoyed that so thought I would give triathlon a go. I have only just started cycling this year so I have so much to learn but I am definitely enjoying it and will give the sport a go this summer.”

Hoetjes, Davison, Adam and Kingsford can all now effectively book their tickets to the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in January.

Beginners Love the Contact 3:9:3

The Contact 3:9:3 proved a huge hit with first time and novice triathletes, attracting a strong field of men and women of all ages with the relative ease of a 300m swim, 9km bike and 3km run.

Amongst those to participate for the first time was 31 year old Georgina (George) Green from Hamilton.

“I decided to give this a go out of guilt at seeing my mum take on these sorts of events back in England. It has been great fun and it was certainly a great feeling of achievement at making the finish line. I was nervous at the start, especially about the swim but managed okay.”

The race sees participants swim close to shore, often in depth that allows them to stand if they feel the need while also providing flat and easy bike and run courses. Each of the Contact Tri Series events will host a 3:9:3 as the sport looks to encourage newcomers or old friends back into the fold.

Results

Contact Trophy 1500m swim, 40km bike, 11km run

Elite Men: 1 Ryan Sissons (Auckland) 2:08:59; 2 Martin van Barneveld (Wellington) 2:10:58; 3 Liam Scopes (Auckland) 2:14:36;

Elite Women: 1 Rebecca Spence (North Shore) 2:28:52; 2 Kate McIlroy (Wellington) 2:29:48; 3 Sarah Bryant (Dunedin) 2:32:42;

U19 – Youth Olympics qualifying race 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run

Men: 1 Jos Hoetjes (Christchurch) 53:24; 2 Tom Davison (Christchurch) 53:44; 3 Edward Rawles (Inglewood) 53:49

Women: 1 Theresa Adam (Auckland) 1:02:37; 2 Rebecca Kingsford (Tirau) 1:03:23; 3 Megan Blackett (Auckland) 1:04:25

Complete results will be posted at www.triathlon.org.nz