Home Town Hero In Taupo Half Ironman

Taupo’s Duncan Milne has won this year’s Pearl Izumi Taupo Half Ironman while Melissa Holt topped off a busy fortnight to be the fastest female home.

Milne (4:09.22) held off Auckland’s Brodie Madgwick by five minutes and Mt Manganui’s Blair Jordan, who was a further five minutes back.

Fresh from her victory in the Workout Zone Women’s Road Race at the Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge two weeks ago, Melissa Holt won the women’s race ahead of Jessica Lawson (Tauranga) and Ali Hollinton (Napier)

Almost 950 entrants took place in what is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s most highly rated Half Ironman races – organisers were particularly pleased with a 45% increase in team entries from last year which added to the fun and friendly atmosphere of the event.

The fastest team was a Taupo mens team of Mitchell Nairn, Patrick Bevin and John Glanville – Nairn and Bevin took out the swim and run legs respectively and each earned $250 cash as a prize for their efforts.

“The Taupo Half Ironman continues to grow from strength to strength – as always, the Taupo community gets right behind the event and we’re looking forward to putting on an even better event next year,” said Event Director Wayne Reardon.

Keen triathletes should mark December 11th in their diaries for the 2010 Taupo Half Ironman.