Burke holds off Crawford to claim duathlon title

Auckland’s Mel Burke held off the challenge of Ironman star Gina Crawford in near perfect conditions to win the Contact National Duathlon title in Christchurch today, with Ben McHale claiming the men’s title from U23 elite Adam Milne.

Burke was in impressive form as she prepared for the upcoming World Duathlon Championships in Edinburg, proving too quick for Crawford over each of the three legs of the run – bike – run event.

“The hill on the first run was great and really got the legs going and the bike wasn’t too technical so was fast given the good overhead conditions as well. I was conscious of what was happening behind me but I was feeling good after the first run and once I hit the final run with that lead, I knew I had it. The main thing for me to work on now is my transition to save some time there.”

For Crawford it was a great training day in front of her home supporters, families and sponsors as she prepares for her upcoming Ironman events this summer and proof that she is in great shape at this stage of her preparation and training.

Wellington’s McHale was pleased with his performance, in particular improvement on the bike as he too looks towards the World Championships on September 3rd.

“I have been working on my biking now for about 18 months with the result being I am pretty comfortable on the bike now. The last lap on the bike I was feeling good and the legs were fresh but event then the downhill section on the run was really tough. Edinburgh (and the World Champs) will be really hilly though, so this is a good test in that regard.”

One of the most exciting races of the day came in the U19 Contact Schools Duathlon Nationals with Auckland Grammar’s Sam Morreau holding off Takapuna Grammar’s Andrew Ranford and Lachlan Davey, with just a matter of seconds separating the first five across the line.

Local athlete Mary-Jo Keys (Christchurch Girls High) proved too strong in the women’s U19 Schools category, winning by over a minute from Rangiora High student Jaye Atkin.

300 competitors enjoyed great conditions on the day with Event Manager for Tri NZ Haidee Stratford thrilled with the turnout.

“The growth in this event has been fantastic and the response from the athletes today superb. The course provided some challenges and yet we saw fast times in very good overhead conditions with no rain and reasonably warm temperatures for this time of the year. The local club and community has helped out superbly with volunteers and marshal’s to deliver a safe and successful event for all concerned.”

Contact National Duathlon Championships
Halswell, Christchurch
Standard Distance – 10km run, 40km bike, 5km run
Elite Women
1 Melanie Burke Auckland 2:07:02
2 Gina Crawford Canterbury 2:15:08
3 Susie Aviss Blenheim 2:19:29
Elite Men
1 Ben McHale Wellington 1:56:50
2 Adam Milne Canterbury 1:57:47
3 Glen McLeay Invercargill 2:00:37

U19 Schools National Championships
Sprint Distance, 5km run, 20km bike, 3km run
Men
1 Sam Morreau Auckland Grammar 1:06:38
2 Andrew Ranford Takapuna Grammar 1:06:42
3 Lachlan Davey Scots College 1:06:49
Women
1 Mary-Jo Keys Chch Girls High 1:17:19
2 Jaye Atkin Rangiora High 1:18:49
3 Ruebyn Bisshops St Kevins College 1:19:32

Complete results for all age group events can be found at www.triathlon.org.nz