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Gatorade Triathlon Series - Race 3 'Sandy'

The day dawned dry much to the collective relief of race organisers. Added to that, the wind went elsewhere leaving almost perfect conditions for the athletes. The gun went off at 7.15am sending many racers into the unknown. For many it was their first attempt at the longer distance but for the elites it was a chance to break away from the sprint distance mold.

The swim was it's usual battleground with Jamie Rhodes and Geelong's own Adam Beckworth leading out. Rhodes took the initiative and left T1 with around a 40 second gap on the posse of pursuers. The first big casualty was Tim Porter who missed the pack in the swim and was losing time quickly. Rhodes then set about the job of building his lead but was always going to up against it with the likes of Schuster, Brett Cooper and Tyson Mahon driving the bunch.

In the women's race, Renae Lane had a flyer in the water and was a full 30 seconds ahead of last year's winner Madeleine Oldfield. Oldfield, who races like a seasoned campaigner and who seems to be getting better with every race, was living up to her reputation as the race favorite as she went into stalk mode, taking young Charlotte McShane with her. Lane battled well for the first half of the bike but no doubt thought safety in numbers might be the go and soon was riding with those she tried to burn.

The men's race was living up to expectations with the lead pack content to let Rhodes dangle off the front some 30 seconds up the road. There was no real urgency in the chase but the collective power of the group brought Rhodes back into the fold by 25km into the bike. This was Rhodes' only trump card and he must have been thinking through the run where his main opponent Brent Schuster had all the mojo. For the women it was a case of run and see. A prospect that must have delighted Oldfield.

The run was a formality in both races. Schuster is whippet-thin and runs very well. He put the hammer down early and shut the door on his rivals by the 3rd kilometre. Jaime Rhodes ran well to take out second with a surprising effort coming from Adam Beckworth for third. Beckworth, more noted as a swimmer, has changed his focus to the bike and run and showed it paid off today. But Schuster was in a world of his own today. He proved to be both tactically smart as well as in fine form.

The same has to be said about Madeleine Oldfield. Running like she had a stolen DVD player under her arm, Oldfield quickly disappeared up the road never to be seen again. Lane ran well but has legs tuned for the longer races. McHenry came in third and should be stoked with this result as she's still a junior.

All in all another great day of racing and finally a swim for those who are aquatically minded. Some of the other highlights of the day were:

• Stephen Foster - The little man from Seaford is still charging hard and took out second in his age group. Stephen was instrumental in the early days of Australian Triathlon as a one of the pioneers of the Aussie invasion of the U.S. He can still crank it up too!
• Kristian McCartney - this one falls into the bizarre file with Kristian missing the elite swim start and joining in halfway. He also took part in the chase for Jaimie Rhodes. The likeable McCartney must have been having one of those days but sheesh! don't effect the race!
• Some of the veterans - This series must be one of the most hotly contested in the country. When the likes of Sean Bruce, Sean Foster, Anne Martin and Mick Varker are stomping around the course you know it is going to be a fast day. Check out their times on the Supersprint website.. impressive.
• The Jack Clark award - A nice speech made by Ian Clarke (who also can fly and should be mentioned above) and a great award for those in the 60+ catergory.
• 'Fashionistas' - The two guys out there wearing white lycra.... you know it gets see through when its' wet!! Enough said.

Results for the Elite Category - Race 3 Gatorade Triathlon Series

Men

1. Brent Schuster
2. Jamie Rhodes
3. Adam Beckworth

Women

1. Madeleine Oldfield
2. Renae Lane
3. Charlotte McShane