Gemmell and Holland win in front of huge crowds at Takapuna

The Takapuna streets were jammed packed for the latest round of the Contact Tri Series and fans were not disappointed with both elite races concluding with sprint finishes.

It was not only a tight racing but a spectacular international field on the start line and the overseas guests didn’t disappoint – taking 3 of the 6 medals on offer.

Kris Gemmell and Ryan Sissons gave the Kiwi fans something to cheer about though, tussling for line honours in a sprint finish with Gemmell defending his Takapuna title by just one second from 21 year old Sissons. French athlete and world number 6 Laurent Vidal came in third.

Race favourite, Bevan Docherty was forced to pull over and change his wheel after a puncture on the first lap of the bike. Despite the set back the two time Olympic medalist showed his class as he continued to finish in 17th place.

Gemmell was disappointed for his mate but delighted to win in such an incredible atmosphere.

“It was such a shame to have that happen to Bevan, it could have been a great sprint finish between us on our home soil. It was such a great atmosphere out there though, there were so many people making so much noise, it felt like a World Champs with the crowd out there today.

“And I have to say it really helped, this sort of format is so hard, you’re just on the limit the whole time, if you go a little bit too hard a little bit too soon it can be over for you.”

While disappointed for Docherty, he was pleased to see a Kiwi take second place.

“I am working with Ryan as a mentor through Triathlon New Zealand High Performance Programme, I might have to stop telling him my tips.” Gemmell laughed at the finish line.

“He is a super talented athlete and is going really well.”

Sissons was a model student for Gemmell today, sitting on his wheel the entire ride.

“I knew Gemmell was the strongest runner in our pack, so I just sat in and followed him as best I could,” said the 21 year old.

His tactic paid off as the two dropped Vidal, Tony Dodds and Clark Ellice in the final lap of the run.

Racing in certainly one of the strongest international fields assembled for some years in New Zealand, it was not the Kiwis day today with Great Britain athlete Vicky Holland and the Czech Republic’s Vendula Frintova crossing in first and second respectively. Andrea Hewitt was the first Kiwi across the line with Kate McIlroy in fourth and Debbie Tanner in fifth.

Currently racked 76th in the world, Holland was very happy with her day.

“It was very hard but worth it. We have been training in Canberra and came across just for this race – it is my first race of the year, my first time racing in New Zealand – so I am very happy with how things went.”

“Today’s conditions were perfect really, perhaps a bit hot for a Great Britain athlete – but the atmosphere and the crowd were amazing – I loved it.”

Current World Duathlon Champion, Frintova was pleased with her race but also for her team mate.

“Vicky and I have been training together for several weeks together, we have the same coach. Last week we were running together through the streets of Canberra and today we were sprinting through the streets of Takapuna. It was very special.”

Hewitt made it two bronze medals for her household, matching boyfriend Laurent Vidal’s third place

“My goal today was to run well, I achieved. It was fast but I felt good for this time of the year.”

It was a disappointing day for Sam Warriner who suffered a freak accident early in the bike, crashing to the main street and requiring medical assistance to cuts and abrasions and a broken wrist.

Warriner’s race number had become entangled in her front wheel coming out of transition and while Warriner removed the number and belt, the plastic clip was caught in the wheel and soon jammed, bringing Warriner to a sudden halt.

Warriner was upbeat despite the disappointment.

“The news is actually quite good, the break is the best you can have if you are going to break a wrist and will only keep me out for about ten days, but in that time I will still be on the bike and doing some running so this won’t slow me down. I was feeling great out there and am looking forward to a big year, this won’t slow me down.”

Earlier in the day, hundreds of people took part in various triathlon distances, all experiencing the closed street race circuit and the wonderful atmosphere on a brilliantly fine and hot day on the North Shore.

Contact Tri Series
Race 6 – Takapuna
500m swim, 16km bike, 4.2km run

Elite Men
1. Kris Gemmell Palmerston North 47:20
2. Ryan Sissons Auckland 47:22
3. Laurent Vidal France 47:30
4. Tony Dodds Wanaka 47:33
5. Clark Ellice New Plymouth 47:36

Elite Women
1. Vicky Holland Great Britain 50:14
2. Vendula Frintova Czech Republic 50:15
3. Andrea Hewitt Christchurch 50:17
4. Kate McIlroy Wellington 50:18
5. Debbie Tanner Auckland 51:16