Orange Cycle and Triathlon Club kicked off its Central West Inter-Club Triathlon Series in predictably strong fashion at Mudgee on Sunday morning, the Piranhas women in particular started with a bang.
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Continuing their recent dominance of the series, Piranhas swept the women’s division to secure an all-Orange podium
Lauren Kerwick claimed the win and did so by a massive margin, Jessie and Estelle Dean running second and third behind her, respectively.
Kerwick was typically modest after her effort in the grand prix – run-swim-ride-swim-run – format race.
“I never come into a race thinking I'm going to win I just come into a race wanting to give my best and 100 per cent and whatever the outcome is, that's the outcome,” she said.
“I think this format suits me. I like the run and the swim and because the bike is a little bit short, I'm not very strong on the bike so I was just trying to hold on for as long as I can.
“[This format] also breaks it up a bit. It's definitely better for the legs because I love the swim. I felt that it loosened my legs up a bit into the run.”
Bathurst’s Nick North won overall, claiming the men’s race from Mudgee’s Matt Webster and Orange young gun Jack Bilton.
The format shift didn’t impact any of the star trio, North hitting the lead early and never giving it up.
North finished the first run in 6.56, the first swim in 4.09, the ride in 26.29, the second swim in 4.05 and the second run in 7.40.
He was the quickest in every stage.
“Matt Webster and the other young guns start really strongly but I kept with the team and I led at the end of the first run,” North said.
“I jumped into the pool and built on my lead. I led by about 30 to 40 seconds getting out of the pool.
“I got off my my bike with a three minute lead. I finished the race with a tough run.
“It was really windy and because I’m a bit bigger and heavier, it helped my race.”
Mudgee, running junior races for the first time, produced an excellent performance as a club too.
After the first two events, the Red Devils accounted for 11 of the 12 placings through both boys’ and girls’ divisions, demonstrating the amount of youngsters who were keen to have a go.
Although the results were favourable, the junior events were less about competition and more about inclusiveness with entrants of all experience levels took part.
After the main race, Webster commended his club’s turnout, showing excitement for the rest of the series.
“Mudgee turned out in force today, we’re looking good,” Webster said.
Jake Humphreys
Sports nut at the Central Western Daily.
Sports nut at the Central Western Daily.
