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Auckland, New Zealand (20 November 2011) -  New Zealand's Andrea Hewitt put the perfect finishing touch on her already excellent 2011 season, leading a bike breakaway en route to a dominant World Cup win in Auckland.

 

After impressive victories in Beijing and Yokohama, Hewitt was the female triathlete to beat at home in the final World Cup race this year.  And the World Championship silver medallist did not disappoint on the course that will host the 2012 Dextro Energy Triathlon Series Grand Final.

 

After quickly catching the leaders from the swim, Hewitt rode hard to lead a breakaway of five athletes on the tough, hilly and technical bike course before easily pulling away on the run for her third consecutive major win in a time of 2 hours 14 minutes and 12 seconds, almost a full minute ahead of Japan's Tomoko Sakimoto who claimed her second consecutive World Cup silver.  Her teammate Mariko Adachi claimed bronze, finishing a further 13 seconds behind Sakimoto.

 

Hewitt's comfortable winning margin allowed her plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere in Auckland, where thousands of people lined the CBD streets. In the final kilometre, she took the time to wave and high-five fans, and had a huge smile on her face all the way to the finish line.

"It's amazing, the feeling was so incredible running that last lap. It's actually really hard to run and smile at the same time. But, it was just such a great race," Hewitt said.

It was an excellent day for the Japanese women's team, with 40-year-old three-time Olympian Kiyomi Niwata running through the field to claim fifth and Ai Ueda's ninth giving them four athlete inside the top 10.  Click here for full recap

 

 

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Huatulco, Mexico (9 October 2011) -  Japanese women continue to dominate the Huatulco ITU Triathlon World Cup.  With 2-time defending champion Ai Ueda not back to try for a third straight title, her teammate Juri Ide kept the title in Japan by storming to her second career World Cup victory.

Following a solid swim, Ide rode safely in the lead group before burying the field on the 10km run to win by a comfortable margin, stopping the clock at 2 hours, 12 minutes and 52 seconds.

  

Italy's Annamaria Mazzetti crossed the finish line 46 seconds after Ide for silver in the second straight World Cup this year after finishing runner-up in Tiszaujvaros in August.  Spain's Marina Damlaimcourt broke through for her first career trip to the World Cup podium, securing the bronze.

With the challenging hill re-inserted back into the course this year, the women had their work cut out for them as they tackled the hill eight times. 

 

As if climbing the grueling hill eight times wasn't tough enough, the scorching heat and rising temperature were sapping the athletes of much-needed energy.

 

Ide exited T2 in 10th place but it didn't take long for the Japanese star to surge to the front. She made her move on the second lap and opened up lead of 23 seconds.

 

By the bell lap, Ide appeared to have the win locked up with a sizeable 39-second lead in hand, leaving Mazzetti and Damlaimcourt to battle for silver.

 

Finishing strong, Ide broke the tape to claim her second career World Cup title, sweet redemption after a difficult season in which she has battled a lower leg injury since last year. 

Elite Men's Review

 

American Matt Chrabot overcame a bike crash and came from behind on the run to ascend back to the top of the Huatulco World Cup podium today.  It was his second career World Cup title and second in Huatulco, after taking gold in 2009.

 

In a spectacular comeback in the final two laps of the run, Chrabot reeled in South African Richard Murray to claim the title with a time of 2 hours and 37 seconds.  Murray hung on for silver while Portugal's Bruno Pais returned to the podium with bronze, his first World Cup medal since 2006.

 

"Even before the race, the challenge was just staying cool so even after I finished swim warm-up I sat in the water as long as I could," said Chrabot.

 

With soaring temperatures and intense heat, the men ran into the Santa Cruz bay for the 2-lap 1.5km swim.  Slovakia's Richard Varga set the early pace, taking the swim prime and entering T1 first.

 

Early in the bike, 25 men came together to make up the lead group, which included Chrabot, Brent McMahon(CAN), Ivan Rana (ESP), Joao Silva (POR), Manuel Huerta (USA) and Leonardo Chacon (CRC).

 

 

Chrabot was in a mini break and just as they were about to swallowed back in by the chase, he went down, unable to avoid a crash in front of him. 

 

"I had to stop to fix my brake pads but I managed to get back in the game," said Chrabot.

 

At the end of the tough 40km bike in which they had to climb the big hill eight times, Austrian Franz Hofer was the first into T2 with Italy's Alessandro Fabian about four seconds behind him. Hofer's lead was short-lived though as Murray went out hard and rocketed to the front on the first lap.  He took a 14-second lead over Ivan Rana.  

 

As Rana faded back and by the midway point of the run, Murray was leading by 30 seconds and looked like he might become just the second African triathlete to win a World Cup title.  But Chrabot was bearing down on him and gunning for his second World Cup title. 

 

In the third of four laps, the American had cut Murray's lead in half.  And on the final lap, Chrabot reeled him in and ran away for his second victory in Huatulco and third straight trip to the podium.

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Hamburg, Germany (17 July 2011) - Reigning ITU World Champion Emma Moffatt has claimed her first Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series win in almost two years, punctuating the first all-Australian and all-Emma podium sweep today in Hamburg.

In a stellar weekend for Australian triathlon in Germany, Moffatt beat fellow Australians Emma Jackson and Emma Snowsill to the line. For Jackson, it was her first Dextro Energy Series Triathlon podium and for Snowsill it was a brilliant way to break out of her lacklustre early season form.

Photo: Delly Carr / ITU

Today was Moffatt's her first series win since the 2009 Grand Final on Australia's Gold Coast and she drew level with Paula Findlay on the total number of series title wins - both now have five - and a rare win over Snowsill. Usually, when the pair go head-to-head, its the 2008 Beijing Olympic champion that has won.

"Usually its a few steps with her and then she's gone but today I thought I would try to match her and obviously I could do that for a little bit and then I kind of felt strong on the third lap so I tried to push it and I guess that's where I kind of made my break," Moffatt said. "I'm really happy with my performance, but also the other Emmas as well. "

Snowsill summed it up as a win for the Australian team, who had four in the top seven with Erin Densham's seventh place finish.

"I think its a sign of things to come hopefully that the girls are coming back," Snowsill said. "Its always tough when you come from such a strong nation I guess that all the eyes are always upon you and to perform and four in the top seven is phenomenal and it always makes for a hard battle to make the Australian team, so I'm just really proud to be part of the Aussie girls today and to be on the podium with two other Emmas."

Great Britain's Lucy Hall made an impression in her Dextro Energy Triathlon Series debut, rocketing to the front in the swim leg. But the biggest surprise was Switzerland's Nicola Spirig and Snowsill not far behind. Spirig was making her 2011 season debut, but the extended time she spent in the pool due to stress fractures immediately paid dividends on her normally slower swim, while Snowsill finally managed to get away from the slow swim's that cost her in Sydney and Madrid.

Hall was quickly caught on the first lap of eight laps and two distinct packs formed, the main one with 35 athletes - including Spirig, Moffatt, Snowsill, Barbara Riveros Diaz, Andrea Hewitt and Sarah Groff. That group stayed together for the entire eight laps, with not much changing as Spirig and Svenja Bazlen did the bulk of the work, and the rest seemed content to leave the result down to the 10km run.

That group of 35 then hit T2 together and it was Ainhoa Murua, Densham and Moffatt who were able to get out first. While Snowsill and Jackson initially left transition well back, it didn't take long for them to power to the front and within the first lap they had caught the front group. Then with five kilometres to go, it suddenly turned into a Trans-Tasman battle as Snowsill, Jackson, Moffatt and Hewitt dropped Murua and Riveros Diaz. From there, Moffatt turned on her kick in the last kilometre to leave her compatriots fighting for silver and bronze.

In a sprint across the line, Jackson showed that international triathlon doesn't just have two Australian Emmas to watch for now as she just pipped Snowsill.

"I felt very proud to be running up there with Emma Snowsill and Emma Moffatt, both world champions and Olympic medallists," Jackson said. "So I was so happy to be running with them."

Overall, Barbara Riveros Diaz's fifth placed finish was just enough for her to take the lead in the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series from Canadian Paula Findlay, who did not race in Hamburg. Riveros Diaz now has 2497 series points, ahead of Findlay's 2400. Andrea Hewitt is in third with 2317, and Emma Moffatt in fourth with 2016 points.

Hamburg marks the halfway point of the 2011 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series, with London, Lausanne and the Beijing Grand Final to come.  

Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Hamburg - July 17, 2011           

Final Results - Elite Women - Official - 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run                                                                                    

Gold - Emma Moffatt (AUS) - 01:53:37

Silver - Emma Jackson (AUS) - 01:53:44

Bronze - Emma Snowsill (AUS) - 01:53:44

4^th - Andrea Hewitt (NZL) - 01:53:59

5^th - Barbara Riveros Diaz (CHI) - 01:54:32

6^th - Ainhoa Murua (ESP) - 01:54:33

7^th - Erin Densham (AUS) - 01:54:43

8^th - Danne Boterenbrood (NED) - 01:54:49

9^th - Jodie Stimpson (GBR) - 01:54:50

10^th - Svenja Bazlen (GER) - 01:54:52

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Beijing Olympian and 2010 World bronze medallist Brad Kahlefeldt has amassed numerous wins on the international stage but is yet to claim a national sprint championship crown, while Australia’s two-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist Emma Moffatt is keen to notch up her second.

 

The Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist is hoping Geelong will deliver him a long-awaited career win as the pair contest the Australian Sprint Championships (750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run) at the Geelong Multi Sport Festival this weekend.



 

This weekend of racing also marks the first event for the pair as they set about making the team to contest a second successive Olympic Games.

 

The split weekend of racing will see the men take to the course on Saturday afternoon with the Elite and Under 23 men getting underway at 4.45pm our junior men will warm up the track at 3.00pm. The event doubles as a selection race for our juniors with first across the line to receive automatic inclusion onto the team to contest the World Championships in Beijing. It is also the third race in the four-race Series for the Australian Junior Triathlon Championships.


 

For Kahlefeldt, this will be his season debut as he has not raced since the grand final of the World Championships Series in Budapest last September.  Previously, Kahlefeldt has chosen Mooloolaba ITU World Cup to open his season but opted to race the sprint distance to test himself as he prepares to defend his title in Mooloolaba before the opener of the 2011 World Championships Series in Sydney on April 10.

 

While 31-year-old Kahlefeldt is the standout in the field, there is some quality opposition hoping to thwart his attempt to secure the title and grab some of the $50,000 prize money on offer.

“It has been a long time since I last raced, but I’ve had a really good break and took the time out to relax and rest my body. We’ve had a good solid block of training working on base fitness for some time so will be good to see where I’m at,” said Kahlefeldt.

 

Kahlefeldt is no stranger to Geelong racing, having competed there numerous times during his career.

 

“I’m really looking forward to racing this weekend and my first hit out, I’m not expecting anything too much but a national title would be nice.”

 

Kahlefeldt says his focus is on performing consistently in the World Championship Series to gain selection for London 2012.

 

“It’s really the key and if I can maintain good form across the series I’m hopeful of early selection. It would be nice to get in the team by the end of the year and not leave it till next year,” add Kahlefeldt.




 

French sensation and Olympian Laurent Vidal will make the trip across from New Zealand where he bases himself these days. Vidal says he is very excited to compete this weekend and comes into the race with good form after a recent win over Kris Gemmell (NZ) in Wanaka last month.

 

British Olympian and World Under 23 champion Will Clarke has made his temporary home on the Gold Coast and will make his presence known among the field.

 

The Australian chances will come from our emerging talent including, Bryce McMaster and Sam Betten who already has some sprint racing under their belt with recently win’s in the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series.

 

Specialist swim/biker Clayton Fettell is a chance if he can get away in the early stages and hold on in the run.

 

Jesse Featonby (ACT) will go into Saturday’s race full of confidence after his first elite career win over a quality field at the Seven Sunshine Coast Caloundra Enduro Tri two weeks ago, while the Victorian charge will come from Peter Kerr and Jamie Huggett.

 

The women will star on Sunday afternoon following the Australian Championship Series Age Group race (1.5km swim | 40km cycle | 10km run) with juniors at 1.00pm then elite and under 23 from 2.45pm.

 

For Moffatt this will be a second national title and while it’s not her primary focus as she is in full preparation for the upcoming international season and a possible third consecutive world championship title, she will be giving it her all on Sunday.

 

“Everything’s being going well in training and no major problems, although this is a little early in our season Geelong is going to be something totally different for me to see where I’m at ahead of Mooloolaba and Sydney,” she said.

 

Moffatt says she has previously raced in Geelong, recalling a sprint finish between herself, Leanda Cave and Rina Hill.

 

“Geelong is a really nice place and to come away with a national title would be fantastic.

 

The two-time world champion has now set her sights on a third world title and a second Olympic appearance but says the selection criteria is tough.

 

“I’d have to win the world title to get it (selection), win the London leg of the World Series and then be placed in the top three at end of the season otherwise it goes back to discretionary vote,” she said.

 

“I’ll be trying my best out there on Sunday as it would be nice to have another national title.”

 

Gold Coast based Moffatt will face some well credentialed opposition, firstly from her own teammates in Under 23 world champion Emma Jackson and Junior world champion Ashleigh Gentle.

 

After her first season competing in the Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship Series,  Jackson has matured as an athlete, gained a wealth of experience and is being eyed as a potential London 2012 inclusion.

 

Gentle is improving with every season and recently took out the ITU Sprint Oceania Cup in Devonport. But this will be a step up in the quality of the field. She will match it on the bike and run but will need to stay in contact with the leaders in the swim.

 

Canadian teammates Lauren Campbell and Kirsten Sweetland, who have based themselves in Australia to train ahead of the first international race at the Mooloolaba ITU World Cup in March and the Dextro Energy

 

Triathlon – ITU World Championship Sydney are real contenders. The pair recently competed at the Caloundra Enduro Triathlon claiming third and fourth respectively.

 

2010 Mooloolaba ITU World Cup winner Vendula Frintova (CZE) had an unsettled 2010 season but is sure to be in the mix over this distance. Vendula and Campbell are under the guidance of Australian coach Darren Smith in Canberra.

 

 It will be the first race in the Triathlon Australia 2011 National Triathlon Championship Series, which continues in Mooloolaba for the Olympic Distance race for Age and Elite on March 27 and culminate with the opening round of the Dextro Energy Triathlon - ITU World Championships which will include the Series Age Group race on April 10.

 

Saturday, 19 February

15:00	Australian Triathlon Junior Championships (Men)	Steampacket Gardens
16:45	Australian Triathlon Elite Sprint Championships  (Men)	Steampacket Gardens

 

Sunday, 20 February

7:30	Geelong Triathlon – Age Group Olympic Distance (1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10km run	Eastern Beach
13:00	Australian Triathlon Junior Championships (Women)	Steampacket Gardens
14:45	Australian Triathlon Elite Sprint Championships (Women)	Steampacket Gardens

 

Elite Course – SPRINT Distance

Swim                                           750m (1 lap)

Cycle                                           20km (4 laps x 2.5 km course)

Run                                              5km (2 laps x 2.5km course)

Location                                     Eastern Beach, Geelong Victoria

 Race 4 of the Gatorade Series, the Portarlington Triathlon, celebrates its’ 25^th anniversary on Sunday 6th February, 2011 at Portarlington Pier, Portarlington.

 

The Portarlington Triathlon is Victoria’s favourite and longest running triathlon. Event Director, David Hansen said, “Portarlington has been rated as one of the best courses in Australia”.

 

The coastal town has been know to attract World and National Champions with past winners including, Stephen Foster, Chris Legh (1996), Emma Carney (4 times), Craig McKenzie (4 times) and Tim Bentley (6 times).

 

Bentley won the 2^nd-ever Portarlington event, and is still racing today, currently winning the Series for the 45-49 age group.

 

A strong contingent in the men’s elite division will front the 25^th anniversary event, with one of the largest fields to date. Notable participants include:

 

·         Kristian McCartney (3-time Series winner; and 2007 Portarlington winner)

·         Craig McKenzie (4-time Portarlington winner)

·         Brent Schuster (2008 & 2009 Portarlington Winner)

·         Adam Beckworth (Geelong based triathlete)

·         Tim Clarke (ex-AFL Hawthorn footballer; 2^nd at Race 2 of the Gatorade Triathlon Series; it is Tim’s first year in the sport of triathlon)

·         NOTE: Paul Attard (2010 Portarlington Winner) is injured, so unfortunately will not be racing.

 

Sunday’s race will also see the 2010 Portarlington Female Winner, Madeleine Oldfield, set to make it a clean sweep of the Gatorade Triathlon Series, having held on to victory at the past three races. Oldfield will be up against the 2009 NSW Olympic Distance title holder Melissa Vandewater.

 

The prestigious event reached capacity for the first time in the events’ 25 year history, with 1000 competitors to take on the 800m swim, 26km cycle, and 8km run course. Each competitor will receive a commemorative 2XU triathlon race singlet to mark the occasion.

 

The Active Feet Fun Tri (300m/10km/3km) will also be held in conjunction with the main race on Sunday.

 

Celebrations will include a band and entertainment for the kids (face painters).

 

 

2011 Event Details:

Date:   Sunday 6^th February, 2011
Location: Portarlington Pier, Portarlington
Time: Active Feet Fun Triathlon 7:15am; Gatorade Portarlington Triathlon (Main Event) 8:30am

Distances: Active Feet Fun Triathlon 300m/10km/3km; Gatorade Portarlington Triathlon (Main Event) 800m/26km/8km

Expected Finish Time Elite Winner: 9:40am

 

 

SuperSprint announced this week a prize pool increase to $10,000 for the inaugural 2XU Falls Creek Triathlon on Sunday 13^th February 2011, which also doubles as the Victorian Long Course Triathlon Championships.

 

In recent weeks, the event has seen more of Australia’s top triathlete and ironman competitors attracted to the rare endurathon format of a 2km swim, 80km ride and 20km run, including the likes of Leon Griffin, Clayton Fettell, Mitch Anderson, Jason Shortis and Liz Blatchford.

 

Event ambassador Leon Griffin cannot wait for the hit-out! “The anticipation keeps building and building and I'm now jumping out of my skin to race the inaugural Falls Creek Tri” said Griffin.

 

Joining them will be the Korean National Triathlon Team who are currently on their own Falls Creek training camp. Led by Jan Rehula, Sydney 2000 Olympics Triathlon Bronze Medallist, the International addition to the event is expected to provide some strong competition for the talented Australian line-up.

 

With the field limit of 600 places now reached, the triathlon is sure to stamp itself as a must-do event on the National Triathlon Calendar in future years.

 

The course and altitude will provide a completely new and exciting challenge for all 2011 entrants.  A 2km swim in the crystal clear lake (17degrees) followed by a three lap 80km cycle course on the recently sealed Bogong High Plains Road - one of the highest roads in Australia, finishing with a trail run along the scenic aqueduct trail.

 

Supporting the inaugural triathlon is the Mizuno Trail Running Festival consisting of a Half Marathon (21.1km), 10km and 5km trail run, held on Sunday 13 February 2011, with entries still available.

 

With the recent focus and increased interest of half ironman and ironman events in Australia, the timing of SuperSprint’s inaugural 2XU Falls Creek Triathlon and Mizuno Trail Running Festival could not be better.

 

Confirmed elite level triathletes include:

 

·         Leon Griffin

·         Mitch Anderson

·         Clayton Fettell

·         Josh Rix

·         Jason Shortis

·         Tom Jepson

·         Monty Frankish

·         Jan Rehula (Korean)

·         Heo Min Ho (Korean)

·         Choi Jae Hun (Korean)

·         Luke Whitmore

·         Bob van Zuiden

·         Jason Nooning

·         David Meade

·         Sam McLean

·         Peter Riseley

·         Daniel Vukovic

·         Lindsey Wall

·         Liz Blatchford

·         Madeleine Oldfield

·         Elly Franks

·         Julie-Anne Davies

·         Michelle Wu

·         Michelle Downs

OMG!! I can’t believe I get to write that as the title of my blog! It is only really starting to sink in although it has been 3 days since the race.

Where to begin……?

It has been a big year for me with 6 Ironmans in 12 months. A come back to racing, get some fitness back kind of year. After the disappointment of Hawaii I was looking forward to racing WA to finish the year on a high before a break over xmas. It was going to be great racing in front of my home crowd, family and friends.

Leading up to the race I was pretty relaxed, sure I had expectations, but it is always about executing my race plan and hopefully the rest will follow. A trip to Margaret River early in the week to relax before making driving to Busselton and begin dealing with the hype which is Ironman!

Race morning was the usual rituals although a lot earlier than normal. With a 5.30am race start for the Pro’s the alarm went off at 3am! That is even early for me! My normal breakfast and we were on our way. The water was calm and I was looking forward to a great swim. I have been working hard on my swimming and this has been reflected in my times in the pool. But again it was not to happen in the open water. After staying with the main pack for a few hundred meters I was left to swim the rest of the 3.8km solo, which was definitely not good! Reflected in my very slow swim time!!

Onto the bike and I was well aware of the margin to the lead girls and that I had my work cut out for me. But Ironman is a long day and I was, as always, going to give it everything I had! After a short mechanical stop at the first round about I was back on my bike in what was ideal conditions and on my way. The nature of the bike course allowed me to see the margin at each out and back and it was encouraging to see the time come down. Riding back into town after each lap was incredible with the local support. 

 

Hard not to be motivated with support like this!!!

 

By the time lap 3 came around if I continued the way I was riding I had calculated I may have the lead into T2 and was pretty excited about that prospect. With my head down I went for it. Coming into transition, I still felt I had cycled within my limits and was ready to run a solid marathon.

 

 

The plan was to take it out slowly!! I have a habit of flying out of transition, and beginning the marathon way too fast! I would love to negative split the 42.2km one day, but that will have to wait for another day! When Bec went running by I constantly told myself, my pace, my race plan! I need to stick to that. So I did. I was surprised to see after the first lap the gap between Bec and I closing and before I knew it I had made the pass and all of a sudden I was leading the race! Oh my god!!!

 

By the third lap of the run I knew the mental games would begin but I just continued to put one foot in front of the other and soak up the amazing atmosphere and crowd support. The last lap I was still doing okay and taking in gels and fluids at every aid station. With 2 km to go I began to feel the quads cramp and after the last aid station they were beginning to buckle underneath me. It was not a nice feeling at all! I was unable to run! The last km was taking forever! It became a fast walk, then a pull along the railing! All I could think to myself was “not now!” “please not now!” I am so close and I am not letting this one go! I remember hearing the crowd cheering and screaming loud as I entered the finish chute but to me the banner was not getting any closer. It was a struggle as I pulled myself a long! I then realised there was a ramp up to the finish line which I had not noticed before. As soon as I tried to walk up it, the legs completely buckled and it was all over. I was still not there though! Crawling was the only option left! Once over that line, it was absolute relief! I did it! I was not moving. I was completely and utterly spent! This was the moment I had been dreaming of my entire Professional career but I didn’t even have enough energy to stand up on my own 2 legs! To wave to the crown or take in the moment.

 

A win is a win though and I will take it!

 

After the medical staff brought me back to life and I was able to open my eyes, a wide grin came across my face as I realised that I had won! I was the Ironman Western Australia Champion for 2010!! I still can’t believe it!

It has been the most incredible year! After 18 months of injuries and not knowing if I would ever have the opportunity to do what I love again to winning an Ironman, I have experienced it all. But with endless amount of support from family and friends.

To my sponsors for believing in me K-Swiss, Novatron, Ryders, Computrainer, Blue Seventy, FELT, Selle SMP Saddles, GU, Nuun, SKINS, Tony Bence and Ruth Chang.

To Andrew Budge who got me involved in Ironman in the first place with the passion he displays with every athlete. And coach Jeff Shilt, what can I say!! You took me on board after 3 stress fractures with a strong belief of what could still be achieved. Although I totally hated the word patience this year, the results speak for themselves! This is just the beginning and what a great start it has been! 

To mum, dad, Aunty Janice, Uncle Neil, Darryl, Wesley, Jane, Peter, Chris, Bec, Kerry and Shannon (and Mackinley) for your support on the weekend. I know you have had to deal with a lot over the years, but that definitely makes it all worth while.

To Guy for looking after me after the race, which believe me, was not easy in the state I was in!! Thank you

And now, it is time for some R and R! Mentally and physically the body needs a break so I can come back faster and stronger in 2011!

It was a day that I will never forget!

Sam Warriner is one of the toughest women on the pro scene that you will ever meet. We Caught up with her for an in-depth chat on everything Tri…

 

Profile

 

DOB: 01/08/71

 

Country of Origin: New Zealand

 

Nickname: Spammy

 

Career highlight to date:  ITU World Cup Champion 2008 - Ranked No.1 in World at end of 2008 Season.

 

Favorite race:  Mexico ITU World Cup 2008 (1st and secured World Cup for 2008), Salford 2006 ITU World Cup (1st - won in front of my family in the UK), Commonwealth Games 2006 (Silver Medal - First race as a 'full-time athlete' after giving away my teaching career the previous year).

 

Best leg: At the moment the bike is going really well for me, but historically at ITU I was known as a runner.

 

Sponsors:  Thompson's Nutrition, Asics Shoes, The NZ Refining Company,

 Adidas Sunglasses, Trek Bicycles (as of tomorrow!), Sidi Cycling Shoes,

Rudy Project Helmets, Fuel belt, Blue Seventy Wetsuits, Sweat7 Coaching.

 

Favorite TV show:  Coronation Street closely followed by Glee!!

 

 

TT: Sam, thanks for your time. Congrats on your third place at Lake Stevens 70.3 last weekend.  Talk us through the race?

 

SW:  I had a poor swim I just could not get my cadence going and therefore could not get away from the pack I was with, that was a little frustrating to be honest.  The bike leg was strong but I made a mistake around mile 5 - I had just caught Melanie Mc Quaid who was riding very strong.  I went to pass her and got my wheel in front but then she accelerated (as she called it afterward 'a mountain bike maneuver'!!).  A draft buster went by and shook his head so I dropped back all in a panic!   I've been penalized for drafting earlier this year and did not want to have that happen again.   This is the first year I've really committed to this distance so I'm still learning really.   After this had happened I then thought 'now just hold the drafting gap Sam’, but I decided to take a Gu and that change of focus cost me as before I knew it the gap opened up and Melanie was away - she's super strong on the bike and I've now learnt you just can't give her an inch!

 

I came off the bike two minutes down but didn’t panic - I just thought be patient.  I got a great turnover going and started to chase Melanie down.   By mile 8 I had run 90 seconds into her lead and could see on some of the straights, however at mile 10 I blew big time!    I was gutted.   It's the feeling every athlete dreads.    When the strength just drains out of your legs and your heart is pounding.  So then it was a case of trying to hold it together and keep a spot on the podium.

 

TT: Were you happy with the result?

 

SW:  No, I did not think it reflected how well training has been going - but that’s racing.    I had come off a big block of training at camp so may be I was a little fatigued from all the volume but that's no excuse to crumble how I did.  

 

There were a lot of positives I've taken from the event, I've been working on my cadence on the hills as I have a tendency to over gear myself- I felt I got this right at Lake Stevens.   Also, my run form felt great for the first 10 miles and that is one area I have been working on a lot - so another positive.   It was jus that  I was so focused on running form and nutrition I forgot about the temperature rising - it was very warm - so I think I over heated a little which didn't help.   But I have no excuses - Melanie and Tyler had great races. For me it is never a failure unless you don't learn from it. 

 

TT: What is on the agenda from here until worlds?

 

SW:  I am doing the Rev 3 Ironman on September 12th at Cedar Point. 

 

Apparently I'm receiving my new Trek Speed Concept tomorrow morning, so I have just less than 3 weeks to get used to it!    I am doing well in the series with second place in the Olympic distance and third at the Half.    I've always wanted to do an Ironman so it seemed an ideal opportunity.    I then pop home to see my husband for 4 weeks and then head back to the USA for Dallas and Austin 70.3.    Then depending on how I am feeling it will either be a big block of training or Miami before the World 70.3 Championships.

 

TT: In terms of race strategy what are your thoughts on what will be required in order to podium at worlds?

 

SW: I will just focus on myself and race my whole race going as hard as I can from start to finish.  Obviously I would like to be as close as possible to the stronger swimmers.  Then it will be a case of getting my head down on the bike, chasing them and catching them on the run.  But at the end of the day, the only thing you can guarantee is it is going to hurt and I will give it 100%.

 

TT:  Will there be some hard training patches/camps between now and worlds?

 

SW:  Definitely, I am in the middle of one right now!    Learning how to train and race an Ironman is a challenge in itself.    The distance and stories people tell me - they scare me to be honest!     I love blocks of hard training leading into races.  It always amazes me how the body reacts to hard sessions; I just love getting through something I previously thought I couldn't do.  It seems every time your body will surprise you - in a positive way!    

 

TT: You have been on the world scene for a while now. Are you still enjoying the traveling? Does it get any easier or do you just miss home more?

 

SW:  Yes it is hard and I do miss my husband (Stephen) and home.  Stephen understands that this is my passion and what makes me happy.   I am lucky that he supports me so much and believes in me as much as he does.  It is harder on him than me as he is at home in a half built house and goes to work everyday, we began building our house last year and it just seems more and more gets done every time I return home.   We certainly don’t live a normal life.  We got married this past December and in 8 months we have been together for 3 of them!

 

My goal has always been to be the best I can be and for now this is where I need to be.  I am lucky that I go home every 2-3 months for a few weeks.   For me this brings back the balance that I need in my life to be happy - I can get very narrow minded at times but going back home brings me back to earth!

 

I love triathlon and when I’m at camp I give it every thing but then when I go home my husband and friends give me the reality I need to help get that balance back in my life.    I also know that this is my dream to live the life of a professional athlete, ever since I was a kid.   I never had it in my 20's so I appreciate how lucky I am that training and racing is my job now. 

 

You only get one opportunity in life and in sport it can be a short one at that, so I am making the most of this opportunity right now.

 

My husband Stephen knows that when my time is up I will put the same passion and dedication into our family.  I know people think I am mad because I am not a normal 39 year old, but I still enjoy the training and pushing myself - So it really isn’t an issue for me.

 

TT: What is the hardest training session that you have ever done?

 

SW: I’ll tell you when I retire – and not before.  I’m currently putting together a team of 7 women to train for the NZ National Champs next March – they’ll be called The Sweat7, and you can follow their progress on my website

www.sweat7.com  My sponsors have been great and offered the lucky girls free clothing, shoes, nutritional supplements. The lot!  I’m currently taking applications for the team – all coaching is by me and free – they’ll be doing some tough sessions if they want to make my team.

 

TT: To leave us with. If you could be any super hero, who would it be?

 

SW: Superwoman because she could be normal then just spin around and be a woman with super powers.  I definitely can do the normal balanced part but just wish when I spun I could have those super powers too – and the boobs would be an added advantage!

 Start Number    First Name          Last Name           Country               

1              Barbara                Riveros Diaz        CHI        

2              Daniela Ryf         SUI        

3              Mariko  Adachi  JPN       

4              Jessica  Harrison               FRA       

5              Sarah     Haskins USA      

6              Helen    Jenkins GBR      

7              Nicola    Spirig     SUI        

8              Anja       Dittmer                GER       

9              Kate       Roberts                RSA       

10           Jillian     Petersen             USA      

11           Liz           Blatchford           GBR      

12           Tomoko               Sakimoto             JPN       

14           Kathrin Muller   GER       

15           Svenja  Bazlen   GER       

16           Kiyomi  Niwata  JPN       

17           Helle      Frederiksen        DEN      

18           Elizabeth              May       LUX       

19           Akane   Tsuchihashi         JPN       

20           Jenna    Shoemaker         USA      

21           Alicia      Kaye      USA      

22           Felicity  Sheedy-Ryan     AUS      

23           Vanessa               Raw       GBR      

24           Maria    Czesnik POL       

25           Yuka      Sato       JPN       

26           Kathy    Tremblay             CAN      

27           Agnieszka            Jerzyk   POL       

28           Alexandra           Razarenova        RUS       

29           Ricarda Lisk         GER       

30           Juri         Ide         JPN       

31           Ai            Ueda     JPN       

32           Zsofia    Toth       HUN     

33           Irina       Abysova               RUS       

34           Vendula               Frintova               CZE        

35           Magali   Di Marco              SUI        

36           Elizabeth              Bravo    ECU       

37           Ainhoa  Murua  ESP        

38           Mari       Rabie     RSA       

39           Line        Jensen  DEN      

40           Margaret             Shapiro USA      

41           Vanessa               Fernandes          POR      

42           Claudia Rivas      MEX      

43           Melanie               Annaheim           SUI        

44           Amanda               Felder   USA      

45           Szandra                Szalay    HUN     

46           Carole   Peon     FRA       

47           Holly      Aitken   AUS      

48           Olga       Dmitrieva            RUS       

49           Marina  Damlaimcourt    ESP        

50           Maria    Pujol      ESP        

51           Inna       Tsyganok             UKR      

52           Zurine   Rodriguez            ESP        

53           Emmie  Charayron           FRA       

54           Emma   Davis     IRL         

55           Aileen   Morrison             IRL         

56           Charlotte             Bonin    ITA        

57           Annamaria          Mazzetti              ITA        

58           Radka    Vodickova           CZE        

59           Anastasiya          Polyanskaya       RUS       

60           Alexandra           Tondeur               BEL        

61           Aida       Valiño   ESP        

62           Irina       Kirchler AUT      

63           Lydia      Waldmüller         AUT      

64           Flavia     Fernandes          BRA       

65           Maria    Areosa  POR      

66           Greta    Horvath                HUN     

67           Kerry     Lang       GBR