Golden run continues for Snowsill - Atkinson finally strikes gold in Noosa

Australia’s Olympic triathlon champion, Emma Snowsill has continued her golden streak claiming a fifth Noosa title despite a limited preparation, while team mate Courtney Atkinson claimed his first after a string of second places spanning more than a decade.

Following the pint sized victor to claim second placed was fellow Olympian and bronze medallist, Emma Moffat, with talented junior Sarah Crowley of South Australia rounding out the top three.

Snowsill who admits to doing minimal training post Beijing, managed to exit the water with a massive 38 second lead on her closest competitors Melissa Trims and Emma Moffatt.

Out of transition Snowsill put in a powerhouse bike leg to extend her lead by a further minute heading into the run, where she hit her stride to come home with a lead of almost three minutes.

“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 glowing Emma Snowsill.

“I think 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,” said Emma.

In the men’s racing Olympian, Courtney Atkinson took out first place with Sunshine Coast local, David Dellow, claiming second for the second year in a row with young gun Jimmy Seear of Brisbane rounding out the podium.


A pack of four 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.

Just after the 13 kilometre mark Atkinson made his move 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 and Seear, the next group of seven were a further 3.5 minutes adrift.

Atkinson stormed out onto the final 10 kilometre run determined to put more distance into the chasers knowing that the next group contained run specialists Dellow, New Zealander Kris Gemmell and Peter Robertson.

But the hot course specialist was determined to finally crack a win at Noosa and was unheeded crossing the line for a comfortably win in the end.

Dellow continued his run of second places, finishing behind Craig Walton last year with the surprise packet Seear claiming third, his biggest career win in the elite ranks.

"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.

"I guess it proves you train hard and you get the results.

"After the Games I took time to enjoy the festivities and had a good week of just relaxing in Beijing.

"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.

It was a disappointing day for three time World Champion Peter Robertson, who finished in ninth place, with Robertson just claiming a bad day and feeling flat mid way on the bike leg.

A further 5500 triathletes were also part of the 26th Noosa Triathlon this morning competing as individuals or part of a team.

Results:
Men
1/Courtney Atkinson Gold Coast 1:46.38
2/ David Dellow Sunshine Coast 1:48:38
3/Jimmy Seear Brisbane 1:48:47
4/Kris Gemmell New Zealand 1:48:57
5/Josh Amberger Brisbane 1:50:07

Women
1/Emma Snowsill Mermaid Waters 1:59:39
2/Emma Moffatt Brisbane 2:03:02
3/Sarah Crowley South Australia 2:03:30
4/Kiyomi Niwata Japan 2:06:09
5/Ashley Finaughty Brisbane 2:09:01