Samuels stunning in wet Wanaka

The Contact Tri Series moved to the stunning setting of Wanaka today for round three in the seven event series but anyone hoping for warm temperatures, blue skies and flat water was soon disappointed.

Conditions were average throughout the day and worsened to some of the worst racing conditions you will see for a summer triathlon with heavy rain, thunder and near darkness enveloping the athletes and the thousands of supporters who lined the streets to watch the action.

Local star Nicky Samuels rewarded their perseverance and commitment, Samuels was all class as she simply rode away from the field in winning the Contact Cup Race over the sprint distance.

The world number 33 led out of the water but had close company in Luxembourg’s Elizabeth May and 20 year old Rebecca Spence (Auckland).

Heading out on to the tight criterium style course it was expected the three would work together in treacherous conditions after a downpour soaked the streets of Wanaka just minutes before the race began. But Samuels had other ideas and rode away from the field, taking 15 seconds a lap from world number 13 May and former World Junior Duathlon and World Junior Time Trial champion Spence.

With each lap the lead extended, much to the delight of the thousands of locals who lined the course to cheer on one of their own. A chasing pack soon emerged on the tail of May and Spence and it included former World Mountain Running champion Kate McIllroy, a recent recruit to the sport and runner up in Rotorua in round one of the series last November.

Samuels continued to work hard, winning with ease but not without effort. May cleared out from a tiring Spence and McIlroy ran superbly to finish third, just seconds down on May.

Samuels was delighted with her night’s work.

“It is great to race and to win in front of the home fans. Despite the rain there were people right around the course and making plenty of noise so a big thanks to the local people.

“I expected to have company on the bike but turned around and found I was on my own so just put my head down and rode to my own pace and plan. The course was great and once the rain stopped and dried about half way through there was no issue with regards the road surface.”

Elizabeth May was full of praise for Samuels.

“Nicky rode such a strong race. I am not bike fit by any means but even if I was I doubt I could have stayed with Nicky. She is notorious on the World Cup circuit for her ability on the bike and was too strong today. But I am happy with my swim and with my run so for this early in the season, I am pleased with the race.”

Conditions worsened considerably for the men’s race with dark skies and constant rain seeing temperatures plummet and the road surface become slick and slippery at every turn.

A large bunch came out of the water in close proximity and after one lap of the ten lap 20km bike course was soon together and jostling for position. Amongst them was Ryan Sissons (Auckland), local hope Tony Dodds, Martin Van Barneveld (Wellington), Clark Ellice (New Plymouth) and Ben Pattle (Auckland).

John Atkinson (Wellington) made a brave break on the bike, leading into transition by 30 seconds, knowing he did not have the running legs to go toe to toe with some of the aforementioned athletes.

That lead didn’t last, with Sissons, Van Barneveld, Ellice and Dodds moving clear one lap into the 3 lap run course in the by now constant rain and closing darkness. It made for a stunning spectacle regardless with the large crowd lapping up each move and counter move, shouting support through the rain.

Sissons made his move heading into the last lap and it proved decisive as he won by 5 seconds from Dodds who out sprinted Ellice by just one second in a thrilling finale to a great days racing.

Sissons knew he had the running legs to win.

“I exited the water in the lead group and worked hard on the bike, trying a couple of times to get away but each time the group chased me down. I then decided to sit early in the run, knowing I had good running legs at the moment.

“I moved with one lap to go, surging as we went past on the lakefront for the last time and then again over the grass on the back of the course. That was when I broke them and had it won, it was just a case of maintaining my form through to the finish.

“What a crowd too, it was such a buzz racing in front of such a big and vocal crowd, especially in these conditions.”

Contact Cup - Sprint distance 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run

Elite Men

1 Ryan Sissons, Auckland, 54.00

2 Tony Dodds, Wanaka, 54.05

3 Clark Ellice, New Plymouth, 54.06

4 Martin van Barneveld, Wellington, 54.24

5 Ben Pattle, Auckland, 54.27

Elite Women

1 Nicky Samuels, Wanaka, 57.53

2 Elizabeth May, Luxembourg, 59.23

3 Kate McIlroy, Wellington, 59.39

4 Jacqui Seebold, 1.00.26

5 Kelly Bruce, 1.01.19