Triathlon Update

Amazing results from our Spartan triathletes have made our Head Coach happy.

Mooloolaba (QLD) and Devonport (TAS) came close together this week united by the best triathletes in the country. While the Sunshine Coast hosted Standard Distance Age Group Nationals at Mooloolaba over the weekend, Tassie hosted the School Sport National Triathlon Championship this Wednesday and Thursday. Both championships had successful Spartans on the podium.

At its 31st edition, the Mooloolaba Triathlon was held over two days. On Saturday, William Warwick had an amazing race coming fourth overall out of 1158 competitors. He was first out of the water in the 16 to 19 age group and had a solid cycle/run performance overcoming the challenging rolling hills course. On the final kilometers of the run,  Keanu Staader from NSW held the pace winning by a small difference to Will who came second in the 16 to 19 Sprint males. Sunday arrived with +30o temperature and high humidity. 

Mrs Carrie Smith and our assistant coach Mrs Taryn Lester ignored the rough conditions and had outstanding performances. Mrs Smith came third in her age group and Mrs Lester was again Standard Distance National Champion.

The School Sport Australia National Triathlon Championship was also held over two days. On Wednesday athletes races solo their respective age group races and on Thursday they join to represent their state at the Mixed Team relays. Aspen Anderson (GCRC) was unbeatable and continues to show her superiority in endurance sports. She came 6th out of the water and quickly made her way up the pack to lead the race. A 17:49min 5km run guaranteed the win almost one minute ahead of also Queenslander Charlotte Hart and two minutes ahead of Alexandra Field from NSW. 

Joshua Cotton was eighth after an impressive race won by Joel Humphrey also from QLD. Mitchell Blackburn (NSW) and Joel Offord (NSW) completed the odium coming second and third. The boys' race had a front pack of 10 athletes on the bike, and despite the repeated breakaway efforts from Josh, it came down to a running race. Less than a minute separated the Top 8; Josh had an impressive 16:32min for the 5km off the bike and was thrilled with his performance. Lucas Soegaard won the Junior Boys with a close race for the Top 3. Leif Ingwersen (NSW) finished only four seconds behind and Koby Read (QLD) completed the podium. After an intense swim focused training block, Lucas chose a non-wetsuit swim and was sixth out of the water; not having to remove the wetsuit gave him the needed advantage to go off for a solo ride around 10-seconds ahead of the second pack. Adaption to his cycling cadence over the last minutes of the cycle leg allowed him a fast second transition and a massive sprint off to the run segment guaranteeing the win. 

As we head to the end of a very successful season, the Spartan triathletes prepare for the traditional Gold Coast Triathlon on April 2 and 3. Triathlon training is year-round and students interested in joining should take the off-season training as a great opportunity to start.