It was a short course weekend with racing in both Tasmania and Vic/NSW boarder.
After an extended time out of racing due to injury it was great to see Sarah Hardy back out on the track doing what she does best. Making her return at the Devonport Duathlon Sarah stretched her legs out finishing 2nd in her age group. It has been a test in patience for Sarah making her way back from injury and a testament to her character and love of the life style and competing that made it all the worthwhile being patient on the comeback. Welcome back Sarah!
To the NSW/Victorian border and 5 MEC athletes made the trip for some race practice ahead of goal events later this year and all lined up for the standard distance event.
Talia Goddard got to bring her swim back into play after a winter of racing duathlons and working on her running. T lead out of the water as expected and finished off with a strong run, finishing 5th in her age group. Another event later this year to give a test over the long distance and then back to work this time on building her bike strength.
Martin Sprong had showed good form over the winter through the duathlons and Saturday was a test to see where his swim was at. It proved to be in good shape and he set to work on his strength on the bike and finished off with a good run to finish 5th. A great first season in Triathlon for Martin with more to come.
Photo: Todd R Brewer Photography
Peter Smith pieced together a solid day across swim, bike and run and even in his own words surprised himself with how well his legs faired late in the run (even if they weren’t feeling great) to carry him home to a strong finish. The build to his first IM in Busselton is well on the way with all very much on track.
Simon Miller finally got to gauge what he has gained from the swim training he has put in over the winter in his race and while we are not ones for comparing times as conditions and courses change, however his improvement over 1.5km is undoubted give or take course discrepancies. Simon took a spill on the bike early through a chicane but got up and carried on for a good ride and a signature strong run. A week out of the water to let the skin heal and Simon will be raring to go at Challenge Shepparton.
Stuart White was keen to get some swim practice heading into the triathlon season and backed up from the Melbourne Marathon only the week before. Stuart was another one who has improved in the water over the winter and steered it home with a good ride and run and building confidence for his event in early December.
An acknowledgment goes to the organisers over the Yarrawonga and Mulwala event. It is great to see events like this on the calendar and the Saturday afternoon start time a great initiative to making accessible for many athletes and was a well run event.