Strong, buffeting winds – seeming as though direct from Antarctica – made it tough going for competitors on all legs today. Congratulations to all who braved the elements, and triumphed in such trying conditions!
A dominant bike leg was the foundation of a commanding win from defending Long Course champion David Simpfendorfer, finishing in an impressive 2:08:27. An enthralling tussle between Lee Rice and Ryan Dixon for the other podium places saw Lee's lead from the 1st run and paddle legs eroded by Ryan on the bike, only for Lee to power home in the final run. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Gary Rolfe's hopes of a "pointy end" finish were stymied by a pot-hole which saw him catapulted from his bike into a signpost, breaking a collar bone and shoulder in the process. Our sincere thanks to all who assisted Gary including several members of the public and the ambulance officers who attended the scene. The organisers and all competitors wish Gary a smooth and speedy recovery.
Veteran Yerrabi contestant Peter Macartney claimed the main prize in the Male 50+ division in 2:25:14 from Mark Varvazovsky; while partner Sue Donoghoe took out the women's race in 2:59:42 from Bronwyn Kenyon. "Burns Bilbys" (Callum, Michelle and Tim Burns) were a little too strong for the "Sweeney Duo" in the Mixed Teams, despite a scorching final run from Gerard Sweeney of 15:03.
Right up there with the men in the Short Course race were Jessica Robson (1:30:38) and Justine Kennedy (1:32:13). With an identical bike split, the difference between the two was not apparent until the final run wen Jessica drew away. Pauline English took out the Women 50+ in a cheerful effort of 2:09:39.
Terry Mulcahy led from the front in the Short Course race, and despite being caught in the paddle leg by good friend Ben Newman, once onto the bike the result was never in doubt, despite Terry running the full Long Course 2nd run leg. He finished in 1:27:42 from Ben's 1:30:19. In between these two, the Men's 50+ category saw one of the day's closest battles with Kim Houghton (1:29:47) just edging out Sydneysider Bill Hick (1:30:11).
The Mixed Teams saw "S & S" (Suzanna Grgic and Simon Bond, 1:35:22) coming in ahead of "Piggy in the Middle", which paired Peter Milekovich with wife Lucy, while daughters Vikvi and Megan both completed the course solo and other daughter Belinda teamed up with her mum – a sterling family effort after driving down from Sydney in the early hours. "Mums in Action" (Rebecca Perry and Amy Osborn) took out the All-Female teams in 1:43:21.
Full results are published by category and overall, along with a photo album from the morning.
