THE Orange Cycle and Triathlon Club got their season underway on Sunday with a triathlon at Lake Canobolas, which was won by Christine Wolfson and Bathurst’s Nathan Bankovic.

The first event underway on Sunday was the juniors, with Shannon Syme first in a fantastic time of 11 minutes and one second.

Following Shannon was her sister Samantha Syme in second and bringing home bronze was Noah Whiteley.

Both the mid and long-course events were contested in perfect conditions, with an invigorating water temperature for the swim followed by a bike ride of 10km or 20km and a run of either 3km or 4km.

On the podium for the ladies’ mid-course were Alison Matuschka, Steph Harrison and Cas Ingham, with Chris Matuschka taking out the male division.

Bathurst’s Bankovic and Jake Thornton finished first and second in the long course, while Orange’s Chris Cotten was third in the male division.

An excellent duel between Bankovic and Matt Cotten was underway during the ride until Cotten suffered a blown tyre, finishing his race for the day.

The ladies’ long course was contested by seven competitors, with Christine Wolfson continuing her winning form after her success at the World Triathlon Championships on the Gold Coast.

Following Wolfson in second place was Brooke Parker of Bathurst and the ever-improving Rhianna Fitzpatrick coming home third.

The OCTC’s next home race is our juniors’ day on November 22, with all normal races held.

Anyone wishing to get a taste of triathlon is invited to compete.