Docherty And Tanner Victorious At Triathlon Nationals
The cream came to the top at the final round of the Contact Tri Series in Wellington today, a race that also carried National Championship honours and ITU Continental Cup points.
Beijing Olympic bronze medalist Bevan Docherty and world number 8 Debbie Tanner were victorious, Docherty running away from a huge group off the bike and Tanner kicking clear of Nicky Samuels (Wanaka) and Rebecca Spence (Auckland) after the three had ridden away from the women’s field on the 40km bike.
Conditions were superb if a little on the cold side, with little or no wind and overcast skies greeting the 600 competitors in the age group and elite races based at Waitangi Park on the Wellington waterfront.
The men’s race resembled a freight train with the field emerging from the water in one large group, all the pre-race favourites included with Bevan Docherty right in the thick of it.
Off the bike it was Wellington’s Martin van Barneveld who put the foot down, clearing out to a 50 metre lead with Docherty, Ellice and O’Grady in close attention.
Docherty made his move midway through the run, looking comfortable as he ran clear of Ellice and O’Grady by 20 seconds.
“Overall that was a good day,” said Docherty.
“The swim was flat and with the quality of the swimmers in the race it was always going to be tough to break away. The size of the break on the bike again meant we were all going to stay together and it would come down to the run. I would have liked a tougher bike but that’s okay.
”I paced myself well on the run and was never in any discomfort and finished strong. A national championship is nice for sure.”
The women’s race played out differently with the leading three of Tanner, Spence and Samuels riding together to put a couple of minutes on the field at the end of the run.
First out of transition was Tanner and for the first time this season the Beijing Olympian found her running rhythm to finish 13 seconds ahead of Samuels with Spence in third and winning the U23 title.
“I’m stoked, from the start that was a good race,” said Tanner.
“I looked around on the swim, so no one around other than Rebecca so put my head down and went for it. Nicky caught us on the bike and she and Rebecca worked so hard, we all did and put some time on Kate (McIlroy).
“The run was great, I feel like I am back in the groove for the first time this season. I have won a national title before but not for a while, I’m stoked, this is great.”
The under 23 titles were won by Tony Dodds (Wanaka) and Rebecca Spence (Auckland), both earning ITU points towards their U23 rankings. Dodds was delighted with his efforts.
“I’m really happy with that today. I have not been able to run all week with an Achilles strain, all I could do was aqua jogging so I wasn’t sure how I would go but it felt fine.”
All in all 600 competitors raced in age group races, many with an eye on qualifying for the World Championships on the Gold Coast in September. That team will be announced in the next 24 hours and posted on the Tri NZ website (www.triathlon.org.nz)
Tri NZ CEO Dave Beeche was delighted in a great finish to the Contact Tri Series season.
“We have enjoyed a great season with growth at all events, topped off with a superb turnout in good conditions today. The sport continues to grow with independent research showing us as the fastest growing sport in the country. That is down to all who are involved from the clubs to the private promoters and to series such as the Contact Tri Series.
“While today was about recognizing national champions and place getters in all age groups, this summer has also been about the beginners with the Contact 3:9:3 proving a great hit across the country.”
Contact Tri Series
Wellington
National Championship – Standard Distance
Elite Men
1 Bevan Docherty (Taupo) 1:52:59, 2 Clark Ellice (New Plymouth) 1:53:19, 3 Graham O’Grady (Hamilton) 1:53:26
Elite Women
1 Debbie Tanner (Auckland) 2:04:54, 2 Nikki Samuels (Wanaka) 2:05:07, 3 Kate McIlroy (Wgtn) 2:08:33
U23 Men
1 Tony Dodds (Wanaka) 1:53:49, 2 Ryan Sissons (Auckland) 1:53:54, 3 Jos Hoetjes (Christchurch) 1:54:09
U23 Women
1 Rebecca Spence (Auckland) 2:06:06, Jackie Seebold (Auckland) 2:09:58
Full results can be found at www.triathlon.org.nz
Photo: Mike Heydon