Gatorade Triathlon Series Race 3 Sandringham
If the triathlon gods all sat around and conspired to put together the perfect conditions to race a triathlon in they might have come up with the weather that was on offer in Melbourne this morning. A clear, warm day saw over 2000 athletes head along to the famed Sandringham course to contest Race Three of the Gatorade Triathlon Series. The race was also acting as the Victorian Olympic Distance Championship and as a qualifier in lieu of the now defunct National Series.
The day was giving the athletes a taste of the most pristine conditions as the race saw plenty of action a bit of controversey and the dominance of one man continue.
With a 1.5 km swim on offer first the likely scenario was a Peter Kerr, Adam Beckworth breakaway. Not to disappoint that is exactly how the race unfolded. The two got away with Brent Schuster and Jamie Rhodes. They had around 60 seconds on the next group that joined forces with the rest and included Craig McKenzie, Mitch Anderson, Josh Rix, Kris McKartney , Matt Bailey and Leigh Stabryla to name a few. In recent years that might have been cause for real concern for Kerr but he mobilised his fellow pros and 3 of them worked well together to get away. Beckworth was finding the pace hot and was not expected to be a huge threat on the run.
The women's race saw Maddie Oldfield exit the water with the ever smiling Elly Franks. Franks, a powerhouse on the bike, would prove to be a great ally for Oldfield as the two looked to gang up on Renee Lane, the winner of Race 1 of the series. Fiona Turner was also lurking but would have to make up a lot of road to get her nose in front.
Back in the men's bike, and while the lead group went on ahead the action was coming in the second bunch. Some blocking by some of the 'elites' saw to some heated words being exchanged between the athletes. There was even claims of some physical intimidation as the second group was waylaid from their task of chasing by some over zealous team mates. But more on that later.
Into T2 and it was going to be a race in 3 with Rhodes, Kerr and Schuster all searching for a State title and more points in the series. Peter Kerr is almost manic in his racing and he wanted to close off the challenges early and that's what he proceeded to do. With a blistering first 3 kms he made sure the only people around him were the spectators as he went to front and forced the pace. Triathletes often talk about the elastic when they race. It stretches and stretches until it breaks.
For Peter Kerr perfecting the art of elasticity this season has been a work in progress but with each passing race he gets better and better at it. He left his fellow escapees gasping as he cruised to the head of affairs never to be challenged for the day. His win, number 3 for the season, was an essay in control. His loping figure seems in tune with the tempo of the race and his joy at the finish line is infectious. This is a guy who loves to win and has fun doing so! Left in the Kerr wake was Brent Schuster and Jamie Rhodes.
If Madeline Oldfield's career as a triathlete ever fades she could take up poker. Oldfield's stoic facade and full time game face leave little to the imagination for her competitors. If she is struggling, you'd never know it. If she was flying, you'd have a hard time picking that too. But her talent for wearing down her rivals is well noted. This was the order of things today too.
Oldfield ran past a tiring Elly Franks as they left T2 and from then on the title was all hers. Behind her Fiona Turner came in third with Elly Franks a strong second. Renee Lane, winner of race one was a little off the pace after a heavy block of training but will be back to fight another day.
In the end an eventful days racing saw many new State Age Group champions crowned.
Results - Elite Men
- Peter Kerr 1:52:49
- Brent Schuster 1:53:17
- Jamie Rhodes 1:54:12
Results - Elite Women
- Madeline Oldfield 2:08:13
- Elly Franks 2:11:26
- Fiona Turner 2:18:44
Some highlights from Race 3:
- That sprint - Jarrad Lindsay King and Sasha Bondarenko Edward's sprint finish to the line. Racing in the ITU Junior category, both flew to the line and hit the tape at the same time with Lindsay King coming up victorious by .008 of a second. Way to race guys!
- The pro angst - There is a code of conduct and responsibility that comes with racing elite. If half the stories from that second pack of pros are true then there needs to be a few suspensions handed out. Not to mention the dangers of interfering with other racers while moving at 40+kmph. Memo to some of the pros - blocking in a local race? Give us a break!
- Miscalculation of the day - Has to go to Matt Bailey. The pro chose to swim sans wetsuit. He found himself out of the front group and in the mix with all the rest. He's good enough to be in the front group.. ummm if he wore a wetsuit! He'll only do that once!
- Repeat offender alert! Last round we talked about the whole skin coloured bike short faux paus. Well it was back again today. Ok let us state for the record, wet, skin coloured bike shorts are not the answer!!!
- Kirsten Norden - won the female 15-19 age group by a lazy 27 minutes.
- Ken Murley - Winning the Jack Clarke Memorial Trophy. From one legend to another.
- Phil Hanley - I wouldn't race this guy to the milk bar! He's that competitive. Another year another title.
- Mike Utton, Dave Meade and Danger Angus - All three race in the 35 - 39 category and the slowest of them clocked a 1:57. Tough being in that age group!
