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Triathletes compete in the swim section - Source: Reuters -
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National schools triathlon champion Michael Poole broke through for his debut open win in the first event of the national triathlon series in Rotorua Saturday.
Poole (Auckland) kept in close touch with the leaders in the 1500m swim, clearing the water in fourth place then taking control on the 40km cycle leg to set up a two hours, 19 minutes and 34 seconds win.
Wellington's Cameron Goldsmid was second over three minutes later, and Dylan McNeice (Christchurch) took third with 2hr 23min 23sec.
Poole used his renowned cycling ability to move in front at the midway point on the undulating 40km course. As well as the hill out of Blue Lake on each lap, competitors also had to deal with increasingly tough wind conditions as the southerly picked up considerably.
It was of little concern to Poole -- the 18-year-old simply rode then ran away from the field to secure the win.
"Even though I was behind a little on the swim, I know how good Dylan is in the water so I was pleased with the swim," Poole said afterwards.
"Once on the bike I was surprised how quickly I caught the leaders and was pretty much time trialing it for most of the way. The run was just a case of keeping my form and a good rhythm. This was a good race and a great way to end a great week."
In the women's race, Simone Ackerman (Whangarei) led out of the water with a chase pack that included Waikato University student Maddy Brunton and Sarah Bryant (Dunedin).
However, Brunton took control on the bike, moving into the lead by the halfway mark with Ackerman falling off the pace. Brunt eased away for a 2hr 36min 12sec win, with Anna Ross (Rotorua) second over five minutes behind. Bryant was third, four seconds astray of Ross.
"This is unbelievable really, it hasn't sunk in yet," Brunton said.
"I'm pleased with the race, although I did mess up a little on the bike and copped a one minute penalty for drafting. I have no one to blame but myself though -- I just didn't listen well enough at the briefing."
The Contact-sponsored series resumes after Christmas with the next event in Whangamata on January 6, and concludes with the seventh race in Wellington on March 13.
