HAPPY TO BE HOME: Michael Fox hoists the fishing ribbon above his head after claiming victory in the TriNowra triathlon on Sunday.
Despite the constant threat of heat-wave weather conditions leading up to Sunday’s TriNowra triathlon, more than 800 competitors faced the starter’s gun for the Olympic, Sprint and Enticer distance events.
Cronulla’s Michael Fox won the premier Olympic distance triathlon in a time of 1:54:51, an impressive two minutes ahead of James Davy (1:56:50). Davy just managed to stay ahead of Kieran Roche (1:57:15) in third position.
Fox is no stranger to the Shoalhaven triathlon scene having competed in a number of Elite Energy organised events over the past few seasons. The Sutherland Shire local was happy with the time he posted for the tough event.
“It’s good to see the work I’ve been doing on the bike come together,” he said
“ Last time I raced that course in 2011 I was over two minutes slower on the bike and five minutes over the whole race.”
Sarah Fletcher (2:26:22) won the Olympic distance women’s open division but Stephanie Graves, winner of the 25-29 age group, actually posted a fastest overall time of 2:21:57.
The Sprint triathlon was won by Tom Norris in a time of 58:20. Norris’ win was a rare opportunity for him to have bragging rights over former professional triathlete Mick Maroney. Maroney suffered a puncture on the bike allowing Norris to build an unbeatable lead. A quick wheel-change saw Maroney back in the race to finish second.
Bomaderry High School student Tarni Cunningham claimed the female Sprint distance crown with a time of 1:04:32. Cunningham out-swam and out-ran most of the male competitors to finish the event 10th overall, just six minutes behind the outright winner .
The Enticer triathlon, designed for younger athletes and adults trying their first event, attracted an impressive field of over 130 entrants. Canberra’s Trent Dawson was the overall male winner with Sydney’s Alice Kesby the first female home.
The next major event to be hosted by Elite Energy will be the Husky fun-run on February 16.
