Googong has never been seen so green, and the reservoir so full as this year. Recent rains and some grading have also left the tracks in prime condition for fast cycling.
The morning dawned overcast, with a few light showers keeping everyone cool - excellent conditions for racing and enjoying the pristine bushland.
First-time Googong Short-Course entrant Ian Kennerley made it clear he meant business from the get-go, establishing a clear lead even in the first out-and-back 200 metres. He strode through the first run in record time, proceeding to create new records for the paddle, mountain bike and final run legs en route to a new course best time of 1:27:43. Al Boyle, though surrendering his course record, continued a shining history at Googong with his consistent second placing.
In the Long Course race, the duel from 2009 between Steve Hanley and Ray Neill was replayed. Ray's superior running established the early lead, which Steve had almost eaten away by the end of the paddle leg. It was only at Gelignite Crossing that Steve finally managed to reel Ray in, from which point he had to work hard to establish as long a gap as possible, knowing Ray's running prowess would come into play in the final gruelling 5 km run. The contest fired Steve to equal Adrian Keogh's 2005 bike course record of 1:48:58 - some consolation for losing his paddle course record to Trent Birkett (46:48).
David Baldwin, 'resting' after two 24-hour races over the past 2 weekends, shadowed Ray closely into 3rd place. Danielle Winslow made it 2 wins in a row in the women's event with another fine all-round performance.
Julie Quinn, also fresh from the same 24-hour races, chose to focus on speed and joined Andrew Rowe to team up for a new best Mixed Team time of 3:33:18 for team "Tangerine". Julie smashed both run course records - a brisk 22:11 for the opening run a prelude for her 23:54 in the final run, easily the fastest time of all athletes on the day.
Full results including split times are published for both Long Course and Short Course races, along with a photo album from the course.
