Eurocoast Triathlon Club members performed well and figured prominently in the results of Saturdays Capital Coast Triathlon Festival, achieving a number of age group podium finishes. For a relatively new and small club, the results were outstanding, against more than 450 competitors across four different race lengths
Although race day dawned with the threat of rain, the races were run under very good conditions. Ocean temperature was 21 degrees, and a northerly wind only developed later in the day. This was in stark contrast to the most recent race at Wollongong, where the mercury topped 37.
The relocation of race headquarters from Corrigans Beach to the Tomakin Sports Club seemed to work well, with the revised course providing a fast and enjoyable course. Having the Transition area in close proximity to spectators at the Sports added to the vibe of the event. Teething problems with any new venue will always occur, the biggest problem seemed to be the coordination of parking around the location in the lead up to the event.
In the Ultimate race, consisting of a 2km swim off Tomakin Beach and in the Tomaga River, a 60km bike ride along George Bass Drive, and a 15km run through Tomakin and Barlings Beach, Andrew McPherson rode the bike leg as part of Team McCarveits, which won the Mixed Team Relay in a time of 3:52:40. Not to be outdone, Claudie Bradley teamed with her daughter and won the Female Team Relay, in 4:09:27. Lani Bradley swum the first leg, while Claudie carried out the next two disciplines of the event.
In the individual category, Ivo Ahlquist finished with a race time of 3:41:30, placing him second in his age group, while Peter Cox completed the race in 4:31:41, which place him 4th in his age group.
A number of age group places were achieved in the Olympic distance race (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run), with Vic Lendzionowski winning his age group with a race time of 2:15:35, and placing an impressive 5th overall. Lachlan Brown was our next fastest finisher, with a race time of 2:18:50, 2nd in his age group behind Vic, and 8th place overall.
Gary Ashton was another podium finisher, stopping the clock at 2:46:05, which placed him 3rd in his age group. Magnus Marveus and Steve Phipps both placed 4th in their respective age groups, Magnus in a time of 3:00:11, and Steve in a time of 3:10:26.
The club had most competitors in the Sprint distance race (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run). Dan Lloyd Jones was again our standout competitor, winning his age group and finishing 4th overall in a race time of 1:04:26. Ruth Nelson also won her age group, and place 8th overall female in the impressive time of 1:19:54. Ruth was 4th out of the water, but had the fastest bike leg of the field and was able to hang on to the lead during the final run leg for victory.
In his first ever triathlon, Anthony Miles finished in an impressive 3rd position in his age group, in a time of 1:19:15. Club President, Rodney Bradley also placed well, 4th in his age group in a time of 1:21:35. Julie De Ernsted again raced well, placing 3rd in her age category, in a time of 1:22:17. In her first season with the club Julie has provided a number of impressive times. Kim Young, fully recovered from a DNF in the heat at Wollongong, placed 3rd in her age group in 1:43:33. Paul Searson was the clubs other competitor at this distance, finishing 4th in his age group in a time of 1:53:51.
The Super Sprint race (300m swim, 10km bike, 2km run) also provided a number of great results for the club, with Maureen Searson, Chantelle Lloyd and Kylie Young each winning their respective categories. Harvey Doberer also raced in this category so he could compete with his daughter, Natasha. Unfortunately for Harvey, Natasha was quicker than him in the swim and run leg and only 2 seconds slower on the bike leg.
Apart from members of the Eurocoast Triathlon Club, many of the competitors were also local residents. A number of the younger competitors came from the ranks of the Broulee and Moruya Surf Clubs. It is great to see as many people as possible competing in local events, club members or not.
The support of volunteers is crucial to running events such as this, and the sincere thanks from all competitors goes out to the band of volunteers who helped make this event possible. The support of spectators also added to the quality of the event.
Although the triathlon season is drawing to a close, any inquiries in relation to the club should be forwarded to its Secretary, Ray Davidson, via email to : aztec@southernphone.com.au
Peter Cox at speed on George Bass Drive
Ivo Ahlquist near the end of the 60km bike leg
Club place getters, L-R, Anthony Miles, Julie De Ernsted,
Lani Riley, Claudine Bradley, Kim Young, Kylie Young and
Maureen Searson
Three of the clubs 4th place getters, L-R Stephen Phipps,
Paul Season, Rodney Bradley
Ivo Ahlquist nears the finish line
