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
9th. 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 2nd 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 123rd 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
10th 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 2nd, 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 1st in the elite juniors,
Meg Russel what a star 1st in 15-19 age category
with a 4th fastest overall female, Claudio
abreu 2nd in the competitive elite junior category
definitely a champion in the making and Stuart Walpole
with a 5th elite junior, and Natasha
Dedman finishing 5th in the 15-19 age group,
very exciting futures. Finally congratulations to all
teams winning all categories.
Results
are as follows.