firstoffthebike.com - Races

Griffin & Baker rule in Shep

“I feel so good that I might jog another lap (of the 7km run course)”, said Griffin when interviewed at the finish line, showing the form that has been with him throughout his U.S sojourn and will hopefully stick around for the next few weeks when he tackles Ironman Western Australia. Griff went off and ran a lazy 10 km post race - another chance to get miles into the legs prior to Ironman WA.

Griffin also congratulated event organisers, the Shepparton Triathlon Club, for staging such a well-organised event. “The volunteers out on the course were sensational. I will definitely aim to be back here in 2009. It’s really given me that final bit of confidence for Busselton, that I know everything’s on track”.

South Australia's Matty White finished second, almost five minutes behind Griffin, just managing to hold off Peter Loveridge (NSW) who had a scorching run leg which earned him the final place on the podium. Loveridge might have been ruing the decision to use a disc wheel as the wind took hold of it on the course to make sections of his ride even more challenging. Jason Shortis finished fourth in just under four hours, in another good hit-out pre-Ironman Western Australia.

In an interesting sidebar, 'Shorto' (Jason Shortis) was apparently spotted on the course handing out drinks to the athletes after he had finished his day.

The women’s race was also a one-sided affair, with ACT’s Kat Baker easily winning from Elly Franks and Abigail Bayley.“Awesome! I was using this race as a final hard session before my first Ironman in three weeks, so I am stoked to have won today”, said 21 year old Baker. Baker finished ahead of Elly Franks who had some bike issues during the ride no doubt holding her back.

Over 650 triathletes from around Australia competed in the Half Ironman, while another 200 triathletes took on the challenge of the 'Hexman', a shorter triathlon (633m swim, 30km ride and 7km run), which was also held this morning and taken out by James Davy.

The inside word from the TO's (technical officials) was that this year's event was very honest which is a great sign given the nature of the course. But the story of the day is Leon Griffin. Could he be adding Ironman Champion to his name in a few short weeks?

RESULTS – Men's Race (times are: Overall/Swim/Bike/Run)

1. Leon Griffin 3:53:13 23:22 2:15:32 1:14:17
2. Matty White 3:56:59 23:23 2:15:20 1:18:14
3. Peter Loveridge 3:57:20 23:34 2:17:38 1:16:14
4. Jason Shortis 3:59:55 25:09 2:16:30 1:18:14

Women's Race (times are: Overall/Swim/Bike/Run)

1. Kat Baker 4:26:05 25:05 2:31:35 1:29:23
2. Elly Franks 4:33:52 25:39 2:34:55 1:33:16
3. Abigail Bayley 4:35:22 26:33 2:37:17 1:31:30