Season Speeds Up

Perfect race conditions greeted the 40 competitors who turned out for Handicap Race #8 in the Kalgoorlie Tri Club Series. Many took advantage of this by slashing their times to record personal bests. In the short course event Debra Murphy (1:07:50 off 19 minutes) reaped the benefits of the hard work she has put into running by overtaking several competitors in the final leg to record her first win for the season. Cathy Raccanello (1:08:31 off 21 minutes) and Julie Kuskopf (1:08:54 off 12) filled out the minor placings. Kuskopf sliced more than three minutes off her personal best. Michelle Rowell also impressed with the fastest run leg of the day. Anthea Stacey recorded the fastest women’s time (39:41) with newcomer Wayne Stewart (44:28) the quickest of the short course men. 

In the long course a large field of 29 athletes made for a competitive event. Rob Hall (1:30:49 off 7) had time to savour his victory, leading two fellow hairy rug competitors home to finish more than a minute clear of David Clark (1:32:05 off 5), with Ian Malseed third (1:32:12 off 8). Dave had to overcome a disagreeable green plum that resulted in a new course record of eight barfs. Darren Barker was well pleased with his return to long course racing in finishing fourth and recording his fastest time for several seasons. Shane Joyce lowered his personal best again to record the fastest men’s time 1:11:41. Jody Brownley was the fastest amongst the women, stopping the clock at 1:14:27. A review of club records show this as being the fastest women’s time recorded on this course. Other significant performances included: Christine Roberts (1:34:13) lowering her PB by three minutes, Geoff Mazzuchelli (1:31:24) stepping back up to the long course after a long recovery from illness, Simon Cheesman (1:41:27) edging closer to his goal of sub 1:40:00 time and Jenny Clothier finishing in a time slightly lower than her blood alcohol level. 

Kalgoorlie athletes will be travelling down for the Esperance Classic, an Olympic distance event held on Sunday 8^th March. This is the third race in the four event Goldfields Esperance Tri Series.

Norseman – Damn Hot – Damn Difficult 

The heat was on in Norseman on Saturday afternoon, with racing commencing in 36 degree heat. Thank goodness we start races by getting wet first (though this failed to cool one competitor’s temperature!) Despite the heat and the 200km travel the annual Norseman race attracted a healthy field of 36 athletes.

The long course appeared to be a battle amongst a group of four with Steve Gibson, Sam Penglis, Andrew Budnick and Shane Joyce breaking clear of the field during the swim and run legs. After several changes in the lead only 90 seconds separated these four at the start of the run leg. Shane Joyce dug deep to take the lead during the first lap and take line honours. The other leaders were made to feel as though they were standing still when Jody Brownley came storming past after leaving the final transition nearly four minutes behind the leader. Brownley was the first female competitor and second overall. Steve Gibson and Andrew Budnick claimed the minor places for the men, with Susan Brand and Ruth Murdie the women’s second and third placegetters. 

Several other long course competitors put in noteworthy performances. Darren Barker somehow produced the fourth fastest bike leg despite him and his bike spending little time together over the last year – what’s your secret Darren? Christine Roberts is beginning to sneak past a few more team mates as the season goes on and finished the run leg looking strong. Dave Clark played hard the Friday night, slept to midday and then completed the race – some people live and learn Dave and others just live! Kelly Darke undertook her longest event yet and overcame some obstacles at the start of the race to finish the event. She was looking good until ‘Slammer’ Dunks in an act of cruelty decided to make the last 50m a sprint for line honours, causing a few of Kelly’s muscles to misbehave. Shame on you ‘Slammer!’ 

In the short course event Scotty Newman chased hard during the cycle and run leg to catch Daniel Scott and claim victory. Mark Van Maanen took third place for the men. We all celebrate success in different ways – Scott opted for a 200km ride back to Kalgoorlie. Anthea Stacey led the women’s field from the very first swim stroke and held on to win by more than five minutes from Michelle Rowell and Lesa Blackman. Special mention to birthday girl Toni Miller who gave herself an early birthday present with a solid performance over all three legs. 

Congratulations to all who took up the Norseman challenge and to the support crew on the day. Well done to Gibbo, Jenny and the committee for making it a great weekend. Organising an event from 200km away is never an easy task. Racing is back home next weekend with handicap race#8 your second last chance to collect club championship points.

Favorites Take Honours

Pre-race favorites lived up to their reputations by taking the honours in the ‘Kalgoorlie Tri Club 2009 Championship Race.’ With blustery conditions and the knowledge that the run leg had been lengthened to correct the 6km distance, fast times and personal bests were always going to be tough but being a scratch event the name of the game was racing.

Shane Joyce took the lead during the cycle leg and broke away from the pack to take out the men’s long course title in a time of 1:13:18. Andrew Budnick (1:16:01), who continues to impress in his debut season came second with club president Steve Gibson(1:16:54) finishing  third after running down Sam Penglis (1:18:04). 

Susan Brand (1:27:36) opened up a large gap on her opposition in the first two legs and held on to beat a fast finishing Jenny Clothier (1:28:08). Jo Marshall (1:32:41) claimed the final podium finish. Kelly Darke (1:38:21) impressed in her first outing on the long course and will be looking to improve on this over the remainder of the season to challenge the pacesetters. A special mentions goes to Jody Brownley competing as a guest athlete and recording a time of 1:22:19. Welcome to the club. 

In the short course Scott Newman (36:21) again broke away during the cycle leg and showed improved form during the run to take the title from Paul Darcey (42:53) and Darren Barker (43:11). Anthea Stacey (39:41) produced an even performance to earn the women’s short course crown. Julie Kerr (40:08) and Annelize Hanekom (46:08) completed the minor placings. 

The day also witnessed a breakaway movement, with a band of hardy competitors prepared to complete another race between them. Heather Malseed kicked off proceedings with an extra two laps in the pool. Heather wasn’t satisfied with that alone and added the extra degree of difficulty with two pool exits. The baton was then passed onto Darren Barker who appeared to be channeling club legend Dave ‘Silver Fox’ O’Brien in completing half an extra lap on the bike before turning back to transition. Jody Brownley then completed the farce by finishing her run leg, scoffing a muffin and drink before realizing she had one lap to go. A reminder Jody that there is enough food to go around and it can wait until you have finished racing.

For the next race Heather will be required to take a marble out of a jar at the completion of each lap until the jar is empty, then she can exit the pool. As for Mr. Barker – well if you can’t count to two…! Jody will be allowed to run with a small lunchbox. 

Thank you to all those who volunteered their time as marshals; it made for a smooth race. Racing moves to Norseman next Saturday evening, with the second race of the Goldfields Esperance Tri Series. Registrations start at 4pm, with the event getting underway at 5pm. Any enquiries can be directed to club president Steve Gibson on 0411 884 058

NORSEMAN TRIATHLON

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