Sunday, March 9, 2008
Australia and New Zealand on top at Oceania Triathlon Championships
Moffatt dominates women's field, Reed has emotional win
Wellington, New Zealand (March 9, 2008) - Blustery but warm conditions greeted triathletes in the OCA Triathlon Oceania Championships in Wellington, New Zealand today where Australia's Emma Moffatt and Shane Reed of New Zealand won the elite women's and men's races respectively. Their wins give Australia and New Zealand a coveted spot on the start line of this summer's Olympic Triathlon in Beijing .
Moffat was hugely impressive and looked like she could run another ten kilometres when she crossed the line almost two minutes clear of her countrywoman and silver medalist Annabel Luxford. A further two minutes back was New Zealand 's Nicky Samuels in third.
The two Aussie's dominated the majority of the race exiting the water in the lead and pulling away on the bike with Kiwi Andrea Hewitt before Moffatt took command early on the run. Hewitt was unable to hang on to the pace, however, and was eventually passed by Samuels.
Moffat though was delighted with her days work in the trying conditions.
"That was bloody windy and tough the whole race but it was a good race, I felt great the whole day. My transition out of the bike and on to the run was great and from then I just ran solid and established what proved to be a winning lead. I have not tapered for this, I raced last week as well but the real aim is Mooloolaba in three weeks."
In contrast Luxford crossed the line suffering from a shin injury and immediately sought ice to soothe the pain and inflammation.
"The wind made that so tough today. I swam well and led into transition but lost some time as a shoe had fallen off my bike. I had to work hard early on to get back on the lead bunch. From there we worked well together but from the moment I hit the run I was feeling the shin and struggled for the most part. The injury has flared up in the last week or so, I'm just glad to have this race out of the way and I will look to sort it out when I get home."
The victory gives at least one Olympic spot to Australia but it does not guarantee that spot will go to Moffatt. Selection to Australia 's Olympic team is discretionary. Moffatt's win coupled with the high rankings of Luxford, Emma Snowsill and Felicity Abram means Australia is likely to field a full women's team of three in Beijing .
2008 Wellington OCA Triathlon Oceania Championships, New Zealand
Elite Women - Final Results
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Oceania Champion - Emma Moffat (AUS) 2:06:36
Silver - Annabel Luxford (AUS) 2:08:11
Bronze - Nicky Samuels (NZL) 2:10:30
4 - Andrea Hewitt (NZL) 2:10:47
5 - Samantha Warriner (NZL) 2:11:22
Click here for full provisional results
In the men's event, the story would be whether Australia could come away with a victory and claim a third Olympic spot. The traditional triathlon powerhouse is on the bubble and is currently in a position to only send two athletes to Beijing . Their chances were further hampered by the withdrawal of top contenders Craig Walton and Peter Robertson, who did not start the race.
That would leave the door open for Reed to take the win with team mate Bevan Docherty taking silver. Young James Seear of New Zealand had a strong race for third.
It was an emotional win for Reed.
"My grandfather passed away this week and the funeral was on Friday, but I'm sure he was up there watching over me today, I was very much racing for him today. I felt strong all day and I'm delighted obviously to win and also to book New Zealand a third spot at Beijing . I just hope I haven't peaked too early because I know have it all to do again in Mooloolaba in three weeks. I guess I just have to go there and win again."
A group of 15 athletes exited the water close together and headed out in the heavy winds for the 40-kilometre bike. It was a classic Trans-Tasman battle with the numbers split about even between the two nations.
Off the bike it quickly became evident it was a day for the more experienced and strong athletes with the wind buffeting the athletes around the picturesque Oriental Bay course with Kiwis Docherty, Reed and Kris Gemmell leading the way.
Out onto the run course Docherty was the first to surge with only Reed responding and eventually running clear to the adulation of the large pro-Kiwi crowd and the welcoming arms of his wife and young boy.
In winning Reed has secured a starting spot at the Beijing Olympics for New Zealand but knows he still has work to do to earn a start himself. The final New Zealand qualifier is the Mooloolaba BG Triathlon World Cup on March 30 th . The first New Zealand man and women across the line are eligible for nomination.
2008 Wellington OCA Triathlon Oceania Championships, New Zealand
Elite Men - Final Results
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Oceania Champion - Shane Reed (NZL) 1:55:29
Silver - Bevan Docherty (NZL) 1:55:42
Bronze - James Seear (NZL) 1:56:13
4 - Matt Hopper (AUS) 1:56:28
5 - Kris Gemmell (NZL) 1:56:48
Click here for full provisional results
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