ON YOUR BIKE: Craig May had a great start to the 2012-13 Orange Cycle and Triathlon Club season by finishing second in the duathlon on Sunday. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 1007shduathlon2
IF Sunday’s duathlon at Lake Canobolas is anything to go by, the four other clubs contesting the 2012-13 Central West Inter-club Series will have some serious competition this summer.
The Orange Cycle and Triathlon club held its first duathlon of the season on Sunday, with close to 50 competitors across six races competing in the run-ride-run format.
In-form triathlete Tristan Harrison was the star, winning the long course line honours in a time of 51 minutes and 59 seconds, narrowly ahead of the second-placed Craig May (52.08) and third Dave Selwood (52.14).
Kim Dale was the fastest female over the long course in a time of 1:03.03.
OCTC president Steve Martin was encouraged by the numbers this early in the season.
And the form of his runners was even more impressive just a month out from the opening round of the 2012-13 inter-club series at Mudgee on November 11.
“People are probably sick of Orange winning,” Martin said ahead of the upcoming series and the Piranhas bid for four-straight series wins against the likes of Mudgee, Cowra, Dubbo and Bathurst.
“But it’s up to the other clubs.”
Sunday’s race at Lake Canobolas also marked the first run for the club’s juniors and midgets.
Sophie Martin edged out Shaylee Fogarty in the midget’s category while Monique May was the fastest around the junior course ahead of Jessie Tudor.
Connor Whitely won the short external course with Tony Selwood bettering Thomas Tudor over the mid length course.
Martin was impressed with a few performers.
“Phil Tudor has had a strong start to the season recording a PB in the duathlon. I think he cut about five minutes off his previous best,” he said.
“And it’s good to see Dave Selwood back in some form again. Kim Dale also did well.”
The OCTC will host its first triathlon on November 4 before the opening round of the inter-club series on November 11 at Mudgee.
