Hi Team,

Well in one of the biggest openings to a domestic season I have ever been involved in – I must say what an effort by all involved at Tri Alliance over the course of the weekend.  It started on Saturday in absolutely fine weather with the first timer’s clinic that Tri Alliance run for free attracting over 100 people.  Madness.  It was fantastic to see so many new comers to the sport but also a few from last year who might have just wanted to freshen up their skills and knowledge.   The clinic and set up was first class as was the usual event put on by the Race organizers – Supersprint.

The day came, and I must say for a coach standing around watching and timing etc it was very fresh indeed.  Conditions were ok but there a bit of wind around which made the bay choppy and the bike a little windy.  The race started in the morning with a record number of Brooks competitors at 7.00am Sharp.  Tri Alliance as a whole had many athletes completing their first races today both in Brooks and Gatorade.  And indeed well done to all those who finished. 

The Geelong Crew had 11 year old Jarred Lindsay King racing in the Brooks Event as under 17 and he still finished 9^th.  This kid is super human – and if we can keep him in cotton wool for the 6 – 7 years I think he will give the big boys a real run and Mitchell Dedman from the Essendon squad did a fantastic effort with his first Brooks, as did all our other first timers.

In the main race our guys and girls did very well.  There were a couple of special mentions.  Jacinta O’Neill (who I might add rode the fastest bike of the day – Softride) finished 2^nd in the 20 – 24 Female in a sprint finish.  For those of you who don’t know she is a cross country skier – but I’m not so sure now.  I think I can smell age group worlds????????   Corey Phillips our residential plumber who we don’t see a lot of also competed in his first Gatorade race ever and finished 123^rd Place in the most competitive age group 25 – 29. Good result Corey.  Which brings me to the athlete comeback of the season.  Shaun Gilbert recovered from hip surgery 4 months ago to come out and win the 25 – 29 age group from our big Stephane and show why he will be racing elite next race at Elwood. Talking of elite in his first go at it Todd Robinson placed 10^th great effort.  Great Job to all.  So well done to all who competed.  I have done my best to compile all the results from yesterday.  It was a very successful day for the Geelong Crew and you are to be congratulated for your hard work.

Many other stand out performances were commendable;  Firstly and a huge performance by Samantha McHenry winning the 40-44 age group by a more than convincing distance, and closely chasing down the pro's (look out). Robyn Remeirs in her first ever Triathlon finished 2^nd in the 40 – 44 Female in what was also an incredible result.  It shows how much guts, determination and talent this lady has, as does Sue Scott with a fantastic effort and first podium, placing 3^rd in the same age group, giving us a 1,2,3 in the 40-44 age group. Julie King again places in her category, very consistent performer and even after a break following competing at the world champs. Rachel Hankinson, what a inspiration after being in hospital just days before and still getting out there to race the Gatorade event.  And our male performers, Ray Noonan awesome race finishing 2^nd, look out 50-55 age group Ray is Back, the  30-34 category also needs to be on their toes with Mick Donovan only a short distance from the podium, and moving in quickly. And we cant finish with out mentioning our juniors Michelle Augustynek, placing 1^st in the elite juniors, Meg Russel what a star 1^st in 15-19 age category with a 4^th fastest overall female, Claudio abreu 2^nd in the competitive elite junior category definitely a champion in the making and Stuart Walpole with a 5^th   elite junior, and Natasha Dedman finishing 5^th in the 15-19 age group, very exciting futures. Finally congratulations to all teams winning all categories.

Results are as follows.