Atkinson & Snowsill 1st ... daylight 2nd
Snowsill's reputation and legend is continuing to grow while Atkinson, stung after a self confessed below-average Olympics, has come back rejuvenated into a sport that, at times, shows no compassion.
For Australia’s Olympic triathlon champion, Emma Snowsill it was business as usual as she continued her golden streak, claiming a 5th Noosa title despite a limited preparation. Following Snowsill to claim 2nd place was fellow Olympian and bronze medallist, Emma Moffat. Talented South Australian Junior Sarah Crowley rounded out the top three.
Snowsill, who admits to doing minimal training since Beijing, managed to exit the water with a massive 38 second lead on her closest competitors, Melissa Trims and Emma Moffatt. That about did it as 'Snowy's' trademark lightning bike leg meant that she was out of sight early and then out of reach once she racked her steed and took off to enjoy her Sunday run in Noosa.
“I think the two and half month break has really freshened me up a bit, I didn’t really know what to expect going into today’s race. I would not normally prepare for any other race like the way I have this one today,” said a clearly stoked Emma Snowsill."The fact that is because it is Noosa it really brings out something special in me. When I hit the course I feel the same way I did ten years ago, except I have learnt a little bit more and I know how to gauge myself a little bit better....but to be out here in the atmosphere here in Noosa I just love it,” she said.
In the men’s racing, Olympian Courtney Atkinson took out 1st place with Sunshine Coast local, David Dellow, claiming 2nd for the second year in a row, with young gun Jimmy Seear of Brisbane rounding out the podium. A pack of 4 Queenslanders were the first to emerge from with water including Josh Amberger leading out, followed by Atkinson, Seear and Dellow leaving behind them a pack of 15, including Peter Robertson, in their wake. The maroon clad trio set about the task of staying in front of more than 5,000 competitors. Atkinson however had other ideas.
Atkinson made his move just after the 13 kilometre mark, establishing a small break from Josh Amberger and Dellow. He then continued to extend this lead and by the end of the 40km had over a minute to this pair. Seear and the next group of 7 were a further 3 minutes adrift. Atkinson stormed out onto the final 10 kilometre run determined to put more distance into the chasers armed with the knowledge that the next group contained run specialists Dellow, New Zealander Kris Gemmell and Peter Robertson. The vision beamed back to the throng amassed at the start/finish line showed Atkinson on the edge of his seat and clearly treating his body like a rental car. When his gap widened, the fat lady reached for the microphone and let fly.
"I've come second here in Noosa so many times and it's always been in a running race by someone different. This is the first time in a long time that I've come here really ready to race,” said Atkinson. "I really pushed hard on the bike today. I knew the young guys were out to prove themselves. It's their one big chance to really step up and make a name for themselves. "There have been ups and downs over the years and this year, being in shape for the Olympics, it was pretty easy to just continue on for a couple of months,” said Atkinson.
The Noosa triathlon is clearly king in Australia. The sensational venue, slick event organisation and sheer numbers of both participants and spectators makes for a brilliant weekend. if you've never done this race before, book early and go!
Men
- Courtney Atkinson Gold Coast 1:46.38
- David Dellow Sunshine Coast 1:48:38
- Jimmy Seear Brisbane 1:48:47
- Kris Gemmell New Zealand 1:48:57
- Josh Amberger Brisbane 1:50:07
Women
- Emma Snowsill Mermaid Waters 1:59:39
- Emma Moffatt Brisbane 2:03:02
- Sarah Crowley South Australia 2:03:30
- Kiyomi Niwata Japan 2:06:09
- Ashley Finaughty Brisbane 2:09:01
