NZ Triathlon & Mulitsport 102

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ISSUE 102 JULY 2015

INCORPORATING

MASSIVE

EVENTS CALENDAR

ANDREA HEWITT

ITU PODIUM AUCKLAND

IRONMAN

INSPIRING ATHLETES

GODZONE

SEAGATE REIGN SUPREME

02

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Editor

EDITOR

Tania Tuck – tania@mjmedia.co.nz

As summer finally comes to an end, the days get shorter and the weather is now a little marginal, the time is ready to make a ‘plan’ on how to enjoy the cooler months with some efficient training options or even a holiday to a pacific paradise!

Over the past few months we have seen some outstanding results from our seasoned athletes and some wicked accomplishments from our newbie competitors across our favourite sports.

Here in Wanaka, it was a fantastic spectacle with Challenge taking place mid February, followed only a week later with the exceptional racing of GODZone – and what an adventure that happened to be. Many a day was spent seeing the progress, albeit small or large from some of the teams, among our fantastic landscape. We have coverage of these two supreme events this issue with amazing images.

Our regular contributor, Nathan Faavae, shares with us his strong return to the Coast to Coast after several years away. Nathan is certainly taking hold of his new category as a Vet with awesome results.

Legendary Cameron Brown dominated Ironman NZ to secure a record breaking 11 times champion of this iconic event. Cameron is an amazing athlete with so much passion he truly is an inspiration to the next generation.

Inside this issue we also have a number of profiles including Sophie Corbridge, a bright light coming through the junior ranks of triathlon with some great results; Training tips from top triathlete Britta Martin; Erin O’Hara converts from a former professional triathlete to a much respected Golden Yoga instructor.

Debbie Chambers from Girls on Top shares her amazing travelling with bike through Bolivia. Hope you are ready to be inspired.

Some upcoming events in the pacific include the Rarotonga triathlon, Samoa Swim Festival, Rockman Niue or Fiji International triathlon. What is your choice?

If staying at home is a better option, then in the coming months there are a great range of mountain bike, off road trail runs and a few multisport events on offer. We hope to see you out and about.

Get out there amongst it!

EDITORIAL TEAM

Sarah Loader – info@mjmedia.co.nz GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jeremy Town - design@mjmedia.co.nz ADVERTISING SALES

Tania Tuck – 021 488 443 or email: tania@mjmedia.co.nz EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES

Postal: PO Box 98, Albert Town, Wanaka 9344 email: info@mjmedia.co.nz SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES

Postal: PO Box 98, Albert Town, Wanaka 9344 email: subscriptions@mjmedia.co.nz WEBSITE

www.triathlonmagazine.co.nz PUBLISHER

Maillot Jaune Media Postal: PO Box 98, Albert Town, Wanaka 9344 Ph: +64 3 443 6296 ISSN 2230-3979 DISTRIBUTOR

Netlink Distribution CONTRIBUTORS

Craig Waugh, Ian Hepenstall, Amanda Grace, Anneke Jenkins, Richard Ussher, Brad Dixon, Erin O’Hara, Britta Martin, Silas Cullen, Neil Averis, Jonny McKee, Dr Anthony Tam, Michael Jacques, Andrew Dewhurst, Nathan Faavae, John Mckenzie, Nicola Carter, Debbie Chambers, Evelyn Williamson, Anna Russell, Mark Matheison, Gerrard Smith, Matty Graham, Ten Events PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janos Schmidt, Darryl Carey, Getty Images, Delly Carr, Scottie T, Finisherpix, Green Pixel, Marathon Photos, Godzone, Girls on Top, Ten Events Ltd, Aquagear.com, Janos Schmidt FRONT COVER

Cover image: Andrea Hewitt, ITU World Triathlon Series Auckland Photographer: Delly Carr NZ TRIATHLON & MULTISPORT distribution and coverage is nationwide. The magazine is published five times per year.

The entire contents of NZ TRIATHLON & MULTISPORT are © Copyright and may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without the express and written permission of the publisher. The publishers accept no responsibility for the contents and thoughts outlined by the contributors as these contents and thoughts are those of the contributors.

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contents

52

GODZONE AR

8

CONTENTS 38

CHALLENGE WANAKA

46

COAST TO COAST

30

IRONMAN NZ

20

CONTENTS

SOPHIE CORBRIDGE

10 News

World Watch NEWSBYTES Something Wild

16 Triathlon

A Point of View High Performance Profile: Sophie Corbridge ITU World Cup New Plymouth ITU Auckland World Triathlon Series Ironman NZ Kelloggs Unstoppable Champions Challenge Wanaka Profile: Anneke Jenkins SUBS PAGE

50 Get FULL STORY

IMAGE: GREEN PIXEL

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news

World watch

News & Events from Around the Globe WORDS: michael jacques

Terenzo Bozzone confirmed that he’s back to his best with a resounding win over a class field at Challenge Dubai.

American Andy Potts led the men out of the swim ahead of Javier Gomez, Pete Jacobs, Manuel Kung, Michael Raelert and Rasmus Petraeus. In very windy conditions American Marty Jensen moved to the front on the bike while Gomez struggled in the conditions and would withdraw, sighting ill-health. But Terenzo Bozzone was riding strongest and swept past these front runners to lead the field onto the run, 30secs ahead of the little-known Kung and almost two minutes ahead of Jensen and Raelert.

The former 70.3 half ironman world champion was on a roll and while second placed Tim Reed and third placed Raelert was closing in the final few kilometres, the Kiwi held on to win by 50secs in a fast 3hrs 45min 45secs. Switzerland’s Daniela Ryf dominated the women’s race, beating Canadian Heather Wurtele by more than four minutes in 4hrs 05min 01secs.

Victories for Bozzone and Ryf allow them a shot at winning the Triple Crown Series made up of Challenge Dubai, Challenge Oman and Challenge Bahrain, with the end winner becoming triathlon’s first million dollar winner.

Kiwis showed impressive depth at the Auckland round of the 70.3 half ironman series. But it was an Aussie and an American who took top honours as Tim Reed and Meredith Kessler had contrasting wins. Reed had to overcome a constantly changing lead that wasn’t actually his until 8k into the run. While favourites such as Terenzo Bozzone and Tim Van Berkel failed to fire, there was plenty of action as Dylan McNeice led from the water with a line of talent in the minute behind him. Former half ironman and ironman world champion Craig Alexander was first to show his hand on the bike, but Kiwi James Bowstead hit the front after 40k and built a 90sec lead into the run. But with a race full of runners, he was never going to be the winner. Reed wasted no time in moving past Alexander and would clock a 71min half marathon on his way of winning in 3hrs 49min 54scs. Former duathlon world champion Leon Griffin finished fast to nab second ahead of 40-somethings Cameron Brown

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ADREA HEWITT FOURTH IN ITU TRI GOLD COAST IMAGE: DELLY CARR / ITU

and Craig Alexander. In contrast to the men, the women’s race was a onewoman affair as Meredith Kessler led almost from start to finish. The exception was when she lost her chain during the 90k cycle and Kiwi Gina Crawford hit the front. But the American soon regained the lead and then added another 79secs on the run to win by here minutes in 4hrs 20min 12secs.

Another recent retiree was Scottish star Catriona Morrison, who actually kickstarted her career in New Zealand as a handy runner while on an OE. Morrison won four ITU duathlon world titles between 2006 and 2010 and made a successful transfer to long distance triathlon with the fastest ever female iron-distance debut with an 8hrs 48min third place in Roth in 2009. She had several other major podiums but was off for most of 2012 with a slow recovery from Achilles tendon surgery and then a broken clavicle. In 2013 she had several podium finishes and a fourth at the 70.3 half ironman world champs and third at Ironman Lake Tahoe. But a disappointing 2014 made her question her motivation for the top level and she announced her pro retirement earlier this year.

Kiwis were in the mix at Geelong’s round of the 70.3 half ironman series. Mark Bowstead continued to impress, sharing the lead through the bike with Aussies Craig Alexander and Sam Appleton. They left him behind on the run, with Alexander

dispatching his compatriot in the final 3k to win by 20secs in 3hrs 46min 26secs, but Bowstead held on for third four minutes behind. Gina Crawford was in amongst it among women, establishing a big lead alongside Aussies Rebekah Keat and Liz Blatchford during the swim. The three worked well on the bike to open three minutes, but Keat tried to dominate from the first stride in the run to build up almost a minute after just 8k. Her bold move didn’t pay and Blatchford ran her down in the final kilometre to win in 4hrs 19min 34secs. Crawford was also run, finishing fourth behind fastest runner Sarah Crowley, who clocked a 1hr 21min half marathon.

Kiwis nabbed podium spots and vital ITU points at the Oceania Triathlon Championship in Tasmania. Rising Kiwi stars Simone Ackermann and Sophie Corbidge were second and third in the women’s race, behind rising Aussie star Jaz Hedgeland. All three were in a seven rider breakaway on the bike, but Hedgeland was untouchable on the run to win by more than a minute in 2hrs 07min 22secs. The men’s race went to local Tasmanian Mark Birtwhistle after a sprint finish with compatriot Dan Wilson.

Kiwi Ryan Sissons had a slow transition and wasted valuable energy catching the lead bunch only to be dropped by the two Aussies. But he rallied in the final few hundred metres to claim third place.

Coast to Coast champions Braden Currie

ITU WORLD TRIATHLON CHAMPS GOLD COAST IMAGE: DELLY CARR / ITU

and Jess Simson couldn’t match the speed of triathlon specialists at the Oceania Cross Triathlon Champs. Racing in Australia’s Snowy Mountains, Aussie Olympians Courtney Atkinson and Erin Densham adapted to the off-road format easily to qualify for the ITU world titles races later in the year. Atkinson had to run down Xterra standout Ben Allen, who had built up a huge lead on the mountain bike section. Densham’s win was a welcome return to form following long illness and overtraining problems in the past two years. Currie was fourth among men, 2min 50secs behind Atkinson, while Simson trailed 14min behind Densham.

Andrea Hewitt has started the 2015 ITU World Championship Series season solidly with a fleet of top 10 placings.

Racing the season opener in Abu Dhabi over the sprint format, Hewitt missed the front bike bunch after a split during the swim. She came through the field on the run, posted the third fastest time, to finish fifth behind American star Gwen Jorgensen, who has won her last four races on the world circuit. Jorgensen had also missed the split, but came past everyone to beat compatriot Katie Zaferes to win by 16secs.

Closer to home, Wanaka’s Tony Dodds was in the mix at the ITU World Cup race in Mooloolooba. Frenchman David Hauss won in very hot conditions, while Dodds came up short in a furious battle for the minor placings behind

Australian Jake Birtwhistle and Spaniard Vicente Hernandez. Earlier in the day Rebecca Spence was the best of the Kiwi women in 17th place in the women’s race won by Spains Tamara Gomez Garrido.

It was disappointing to see none of the top Kiwis amongst the top 10 at the New Plymouth round of the ITU World Cup. Kaitlin Donner of the United States and Richard Murray of South Africa came out on top. Donner held off fast-finishing compatriot Renee Tomlin by one second to win her first ITU World Cup. Murray shrugged off a 10 second helmet penalty to beat Russian Alexander Bryukhankov for a 21 second win.

Ironman Melbourne had the Asia Pacific title at stake and proved a talent-stacked race with fast times. After a tight swim, Australian Luke Bell and German Nils Frommhold established a huge leaf on the 180k cycle. Frommhold dropped Bell in the final 20k to lead by 93sces into transition. Behind them Tim Van Berkel was a huge 11min down in third. While bell struggled on the run Frommhold was solid and gave away only 4min to Van Berkel in the first half. But the sub-4:20 bike ride took its toll in the next 10k as Van Berkel closed to just 100m behind at the 30k mark. Van Berkel, however, had been joined by Canadian Jess Symonds who would run a 2:44 marathon on his way to winning in 8hrs 04min 29secs. Kiwi Callum Millward was sixth in 8hrs 14min 16secs.

The womens race at Ironman Melbourne was interesting because of the presence of world cycling champion Emma Pooley in her professional Ironman debut. As well as world class on the bike Pooley has run a 2:43 marathon, but in Melbourne she was 18min off the pace on the swim.

Annabel Luxford was the early aggressor, but was joined by Switzerland’s Caroline Steffen. They rode together for much of the remainder, with Steffen starting the run a handful of seconds ahead.

Australian Melissa Hauschildt was next, four minutes back. Pooley was still 15min adrift at the end of the ride after struggling with nutrition and would eventually finish ninth in 9hrs 20min 29secs. Up front, Steffen was pulling away from Luxford, but Hauschildt was running them both down. Between 18k and 28k some comic relief was offered as Steffen stopped at a toilet as Hauschildt passed to take the lead. But later the new leader would be seen sitting on the ground applying Vaseline to her feet. But the Australian held on for a comfortable win in 8hrs 52min 51secs, six minutes ahead of fast finishing Yvonne Van Vlerken.

Australian age group triathletes now face drug testing. With the prevalence of amateur doping in triathlon becoming more and more common, Triathlon Australia have announced that they will be drug testing age groupers. It started at the Mooloolooba Triathlon and Ironman Melbourne during March.

•

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news

XPD Expedition Race 3rd-14th August 2015 Australia XPD is Australia’s own expedition length adventure race.

Teams of four competitors from around the globe trek, mountain bike, and kayak for five to ten days in this world renowned expedition. These adventurers race day and night over a 700km course pushing themselves to the ultimate limits of human endurance. All team members complete all sections of the course and they must never be separated by more than 100m. Entries to this event are in such demand that they sell out within hours of opening. XPD is scheduled 18 monthly in

a new, adventurous and remote Australian destination. Each course is inspired by the local terrain and kept secret until 24 hours before the start. Teams then receive their maps and race books containing each of the expedition checkpoints they must navigate to on their journey. Throughout XPD, teams wear satellite tracking devices and this information is displayed on the extremely popular live website. Photographers, cameramen and journalists all travel to the event providing world class coverage of the race.

This year the Tropics of North Queensland will host the 8th edition of the Race. Teams will experience the unique Islands, Outback and Rainforest of this spectacular part of the world. www.xpd.com.au

Yak Attack November 7th 2015 Nepal Yak Attack is the highest mountain bike race on Earth, climbing to the dizzying heights of 5416m above sea level. 8 stages, 400km, 12000m of overall altitude gain and a temperature range of +30c to -15c, tests the most experienced of riders. For the first 3 days, the race travels through the hot and dusty Himalayan foothills, before climbing from the lowest point, at just 300m, to the snow covered Thorong La pass (5416m), 4 days later. Breath taking landscapes, searing heat, sub zero temperatures, sand, mud, snow, altitude have captured the imagination of highlevel mountain bikers and adventure athletes worldwide.

Yak Attack is now internationally recognized as one of the toughest endurance races on the planet.. www.theyakattack.com

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Ireland Coast to Coast 16-17th May 2015 Ireland Ireland, an island steeped in history and mythology with scenery which rivals that of any other sights around the globe. For one week in May many travelling will have their sights set on a truly iconic event – the 26 Extreme Coast to Coast Multisport Race Across Ireland.

Traversing Ireland in a west to east format the route of the 26 Extreme Coast to Coast will pass through unspoilt rural locations, through quaint villages and along one of the most famous waterways in Ireland – The Shannon – Erne Waterway. Whether you choose to race the NONSTOP version or the TWO DAY version you will follow a route which winds its way along 316km of the best cycling, paddling and running terrain Ireland has to offer.

Competitors will be truly astounded at the scenery and challenge laid down before them in this fantastic event.

www.26extreme.com

Rumble In The Jungle June 10th 2015 Sri Lanka Rumble in the Jungle – Sri Lanka’s premier mountain bike stage race, takes riders from hot and humid jungles, through mountain hugging tea plantations and across the islands highest plateau.

Along the way riders will need to wade across rivers, ride through dense jungle, which is home to wild elephants, leopards and snakes, tackle 1000+m climbs and negotiate bone clattering rocky descents.

Via a network of rarely travelled off road trails and quiet back country lanes Rumble in the Jungle takes riders through the diverse terrain and climate unique to Sri Lanka. Intense humidity, leeches, baking sun, torrential rain, mud, sand, rock and over 7000m of ascent combine to make this race one of the World’s toughest adventures, on one of the World’s most idyllic islands... www.theyakattack.com/srilanka_2015

Devizes to Westminister Canoe Race April 2016 England The Devizes Westminster International Canoe Marathon, the longest nonstop canoe race in the world, goes 200km from sleepy Wiltshire up the Thames to Westminster and requires about 20 hours of hard rowing. Training is essential to complete the race: ‘many “fit” people have turned up to take part,’ the organisers say, ‘but most collapse and fail

within a few hours.’ Paddling through the night, fighting exhaustion and mental fatigue, is a real test of fitness and character, and finishing in under 24 hours is seen as a good time. The intensity of training required is said to be the closest you can get to Olympic training. The race is a severe test of skill, physical and mental stamina and planning which produces a memorable sense of achievement for those successfully completing it. Over 600 kayakers in 334 boats are expected to take part. www.dwrace.org.uk

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news

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Crocodile Trophy The World‘s oldest and most legendary mountain bike stage race. It calls the holiday paradise that is tropical North Queensland home and its stage plan from Cairns to Port Douglas is unique - every day is different!

The nine days include lush rainforest trails, awesome single tracks in the so typical bushland surrounds; you‘llride through river crossings and the iconic Australian Outback and you‘ll finish on the breath-takingly beautiful Four Mile Beach. You can rely on a support crew that has decades of stage race experience, including mechanics, a chef, doctors and physio therapists, photographers and local experts setting up the daily feed zones out on track.

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triathlon

CRAIG WAUGH

A POINT OF VIEW CRAIG WAUGH: CEO TRIATHLON NZ | WWW.TRIATHLON.KIWI

Well it has been a busy summer for athletes and organisers of the sport. From low key club and community events to the bright lights of the larger international events. One thing that is evident is that we are not short of events to participate and compete in. To the point where there is concern that supply is outweighing demand which is creating unsustainable events.

A number of events including well established ones have struggled to hit their numbers, some have even withdrawn from the market.

We have a very fragmented and deregulated event market. This means that there is very little ability to coordinate a national calendar as there is no requirement from key agencies such as Council’s to engage the NSO as a coordinator. Whilst this is good from an agility perspective, it does raise issues with conflicts in the calendar and the potential for oversupply.

New Zealand is not a large country, which until now has meant that this has not been a major problem, however there are signs that the rewards from the boom of participation through the early 2000’s are starting to diminish. The main regulator for the delivery of triathlon are the local councils who issue consents. In all other major triathlon countries the authorities require the commercial events to align with the National Federation to ensure the event is coordinated, aligned to the sports strategy (Regionally or Nationally) and is delivered in a safe and fair way. In return for this duty, these National Federations command a one day race license from those who do not belong to Club’s or the National Federation.

I recently read a paper written in 1988 by the founders of Tri NZ, which identified the fragmented nature of the delivery of triathlon as the biggest threat to the sports sustainability. The clear point that was made; that without alignment and national coordination the system will eventually implode due to the many factions working in isolation. It was clear back then that collaboration was needed amongst those delivering events in order for all to prosper, all the time keeping a strong focus on what is best for the participant.

And yet 27 years later, the same issue still

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exists. Whilst over the years there have been attempts to align the ‘deliverers’, it is clear that there hasn’t been a strong motivation for all parties to acts as one.

Many triathlon event ‘deliverers’ have diversified their portfolio’s to encompass different types of events. Good business practice! However the loser in this will be the sport of triathlon. Event promoters will move on, they will follow business opportunities and if triathlon doesn’t provide those opportunities then so be it.

I believe the time has arrived to attempt to align the sport and its delivery. Tri NZ is motivated to ensure that all GOOD triathlon event operators (Clubs, Events, Schools, Coaches etc) succeed and make good sustainable money. We want to see an aligned system that works cohesively to encourage more people to participate in triathlon more often. We want to see cross fertilisation across events even if they are owned by perceived ‘competitors’, we want to see those participants who dip into the sport and only pay event entry fees contribute to the triathlon system, just as Club members do.

It is not wrong for those who choose not to belong to Clubs or TriBE, it is their choice.

However there is a social responsibility towards the sport of triathlon that these people contribute to the system. Currently, their contribution is to an event owner, which is not redirected in any way back into the triathlon system. Indirectly all people who participate in triathlon benefit from many intangibles from • The National profile of the sport • Central and local government lobbying to invest in Community and High Performance triathlon, • International alignment • National Championships • Major events • Delivery of a National Series • Event calendar conflict management

• Central communication hub of events (TriBE) • Drug Free, • Sanctioning, Endorsement • Age Group world Champs programmes • Rules and technical programme to ensure safety and fairness • Coach accreditation • Youth and Talent programme to inspire the younger generations These are all functions that are delivered

by Tri NZ and Clubs, and they all add value (either directly or indirectly) to the health of triathlon for ALL participants and Event deliverers. However, for the vast majority of New Zealand participants who engage only via events, they do not contribute to the cost of these services.

Tri NZ delivers the seven race Sovereign Tri Series as a service to ALL those who participate in triathlon. It operates at a loss and therefore is not something commercial operators would deliver. It is Tri NZ’s way of trying to create some consistency, stability and a platform for people. We do not consider ourselves as competitors to other events, we actually view the Sovereign Tri Series as complimentary and a way to channel people to other events. It enables us to deliver the correct rules, championships, selection, a competitive talent platform and an ability to try and direct money into the sport in lieu of the FREE membership model that we operate. We also believe the Sovereign Tri Series, along with other regular events, provides a solid platform for coaches to drive stable personal business, whether it be for youth, school programmes or older age group customers.

I hope the above provokes some thought, we have to be in this together as a triathlon community. Tri NZ will be addressing on your behalf as we see this as a crucial component to the future sustainability of the sport. I hope you can all work with us to achieve the greater good.

•

THE RIO PLAN - BUILT ON DAILY

EXCELLENCE The domestic season may be coming to a close, but for 2015 the international one is just underway – and with it a fervent intensity of the focus on Rio. When the start list came out for the opening ITU World Series round in Abu Dhabi, the cut off for 65-athlete fields fell within the top 90 of the World Rankings! The world is chasing Olympic ranking points.

For New Zealand – aware of the paradox that we have strong medal potential for Rio while also rebuilding – we have a strategy for qualification that models athletes’ rankings to create the most efficient blend of World Series and World Cup races.

We are projecting three female and two male spots in Rio, focusing resources on the actual campaign rather than a chase to simply maximise team size. Like our neighbours in Rowing and Cycling, and across the HPSNZ landscape, our goal is for a medal complimented by top 8 finishes.

With learnings from the highs and lows of 2014, we have established a plan for Rio 2016 that is playing out now with a long consistent block of foundation work. The Squad returned to training at the National High Performance Centre in Cambridge in mid-October, and with Chicago’s Grand Final as the 2015 pinnacle in September, base work will continue until May. This of course is no easy feat, with the NZ summer speckled with races that cannot be ignored. Whether the Tri Series in Kinloch or Takapuna, Oceania Championships or even early World Cups and World Series, the athletes have to physically and mentally adjust to racing without rest or specific prep. Plainly that can have misfires, but encouragingly we are seeing steady solid performances – such as Hewitt in Abu Dhabi, Dodds in Mooloolaba, and Ackermann, Corbidge and Sissons in Devonport – albeit characterised without finishing kick.

The sentiment of this preparation quite simply comes from working backwards from Rio and asking “what will it take?”

From our intel work, we know projected swim, bike and run times, and at the Rio Test Event in August we will further profile the specific course. We know, of course, that the specific speeds will be built on a very high level of aerobic conditioning, and successful athletes will be injury free. We therefore know that the NZ summer of 2015-16 will be critical, before

We are projecting 3 female and 2 male spots in Rio, focusing resources on the actual campaign rather than a chase to simply maximise team size transitioning to our regular base in Europe, a final spike of altitude training, and a late entry to Brazil.

This year’s plan rehearses that, with science monitoring along the way to fine-tune for 2016. Like the majority of triathletes, we gather data every day, and know for example that across the HP Squad base work is up an average of 11%. We used Snow Farm in March and will do the same in Font Romeu in June to monitor athletes’ responses to altitude to adjust programmes individually on a day-to-day basis. Without going in to details, these are ways in which we leverage our HP partnerships with the likes of High Performance Sport NZ, Training Peaks, and even Specialized and 2XU with specific global support for Rio.

None of this will be new to many readers, with triathletes being notoriously meticulous in planning, and some excellent coaching in NZ. So, if there’s a message it’s this: In an age of ‘marginal gains’ euphoria, there is no short cut for doing the basics perfectly and layering consistently day-on-day.

Learnings from Olympic campaigns across the NZ landscape show that successful ones include tight stable support teams and ‘ecosystems’, with campaign routines established early. Those are mantras for coaches Jon Brown, Tim Brazier and Laurent Vidal, with that support team and campaign in place 18 months ahead. We are quietly looking forward to the Copacabana, but more importantly just getting on with it every day.

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athlete profile

Sophie Corbidge Life is always interesting and varied for emerging triathlete Sophie Corbidge. The 24 year old does most things at a fast pace – and that attitude is not restricted to swim bike and run for the girl from South East London who immigrated to New Zealand with the family in 2007.

Corbidge is (touch wood) enjoying what is for her a reasonably rare injury-freerun, putting the disappointment of a wretched injury riddled 2014 behind her, in the process scoring an emotional win in Kinloch at the Oceania Sprint Championships and finishing 13th at the Quality Hotel ITU New Plymouth World Cup race in late March.

Corbidge is not one for regrets though and is known as much for her beaming smile and outgoing personality as she is for her steely determination when competing.

Incredibly Corbidge had never taken part in a triathlon before leaving for New Zealand but her upbringing was such that some sort of involvement in sport was always on the cards.

“The whole family is in sport, Christina and I have grown up in it. Mum and Dad would come and train with us at the running club and compete in local events as well as the two of us out there racing. We certainly have that competitive background, which was part of us coming here to New Zealand.

“When school suggested triathlon – well, that was a whole new pathway. I went to Kristin College in Albany and just loved the school. I was a prefect and seized every opportunity I could. They were so supportive in my sport as well.”

“Sport for us has always been a family affair. Mum and Dad both understand sport so well because they have been so involved. Mum was a really good

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dancer but never competed at the top level because she was too short – I am always reminding her of that! She had the potential to be a really good runner, she took it up in her mid to late 30’s and immediately made an impression.”

Corbidge is no one trick pony though, she loves her studies and has plenty to keep her busy when not training, racing or travelling as part of the Tri NZ HP Squad, based out of Cambridge.

“I took the International Baccalaureate at Kristin instead of NCEA, I would have done it in the UK anyway and this was a bonus of going to Kristin. It really pushes students and is internationally recognized.”

Such was her success that in her last year of school at Kristin, Corbidge was awarded the Foundation Cup, given to the student who most represents Kristin students and the school values and was also named Sportsperson of the Year.

Nowadays Corbidge is in the final stages of her degree, with just one paper left towards a Degree in English and Media Studies.

“I love my English and Media studies, I just love writing. Creative writing, blogging, essentially my thoughts. There might be a novel in there somewhere but more likely an autobiography.”

Dad Richard is still in the Police, these days he is a Detective Senior Sergeant while Mum Dawn is still in the fitness game, working as a personal trainer.

Sister Christina owns a café in Auckland,

something that comes in handy given Sophie’s other great love, that of baking.

“I just love baking, it is nearly every day that I bake but now my training levels have gone up maybe not quite so often. I just love to come home, chill out and bake.

My flat mates and coaches love it. I have made friends with some of the rowers in Cambridge and have baked a few birthday cakes for younger athletes around town whose parents message me. Is it a potential sideline business? Sure, maybe when I have some downtime I will look at setting something up but certainly after triathlon. Christina has already said I can supply her café with some goodies!”

But back to triathlon and a rapid elevation to the best in her age group, in fact Kinloch has proven a happy hunting ground for Corbidge the moment she first set foot there.

“The first year I won the 3:9:3 in Kinloch and the second year I took part in the U19 elite race and won. I then specialized in triathlon when I turned 18 – prior to that I was also doing athletics – mainly 800 and 1500 metres.”

That early success has been tempered however by recent injury concerns that tested even the bright outlook of Corbidge and her family.

“The last couple of years have been tough, injury has plagued me throughout that time. In 2014 I was having cortisone injections in my back as a result of slipped discs and I tore my TFL (one of the main

SOPHIE WITH HER Pet dog Pedro

Sovereign Tri Series Takapuna, AUCKLAND 2015

SOPHIE MAKING THE MOST OF A sunday 'rest' day

hip flexor muscles). It has been a long road to recovery, plenty of gym stuff to stabilize my hips and lower back but it is something that is always a threat. It was impossible to run pain free for so long, cycling was okay, but I had so much time off running.

“I have spent so much time working really hard with Roné (Tri NZ HP Physio Roné Thompson), I have gym sessions that are personalized for me to help me concentrate on the areas I am weak in, that is me three times a week every week.”

Clearly though with her studies, her love of baking and spending time with friends and family, Corbidge is able to manage her time wisely to achieve the results she has in all walks of life.

“I think it is important as a professional athlete to have other outlets. Balance is key, if I am happy I will perform well, I love spending time with friends and with Pedro and I have my studies.”

Pet dog Pedro is the star attraction (baking aside) at the Cambridge house that Corbidge shares with other triathletes Ryan Sissons, Elise Salt and Sam Ward.

“Getting Pedro was a group decision in our flat, we lived together but we needed something else to make it a real home, so we decided to go four ways in a puppy and along came Pedro - Ryan, Sam, Aaron (Barclay) and me. Aaron has since moved out and Elise moved in and with it she got an automatic 25% shareholding in Pedro.”

Corbidge has plenty to keep her busy then but is also clear in her goals and hopes for the future. Don’t think for one moment that this smiling, baking, dog loving Kiwi girl with a hint of a British accent isn’t serious about her sport, she is

fiercely determined.

“They wrote an article on me at school with a headline ‘nothing stops Sophie’.

This is a constant joke amongst family, that nothing gets me down and that I can always bounce back from adversity.

“Ten years from now I know what I want to have achieved. I want to race at and podium at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2020 Olympics, they are my two main goals, Tokyo 2020 is the ultimate goal, that will be the pinnacle of my career if all goes to plan.”

Just don’t be surprised however to see Corbidge finding ways to entertain herself in the downtime away from the heavy training workload at the Tri NZ HP base in Cambridge, a set up that she is passionate about.

“I love it here in Cambridge, every time I leave I miss it tremendously. The support has been huge for all aspects of my career as a triathlete and as a person, I always rave about Cambridge and genuinely love

it here and appreciate it all.

“We like to do things to switch off though and often do so on a Sunday, our rest day. New Zealand being such an amazing country, we like to go to new places and explore. We did a river float down the Waikato River once, a whole bunch of us triathletes, there we were all on lilo’s and blow up rings. Penny (Hayes) and I chose to go down the river on an inflatable whale which made for quite a sight for anyone watching us glide by!”

The signs then are good for this immensely likeable and yet determined young New Zealander who has adopted her new country with a complete embrace.

“This is the longest season I have ever had, with races so far, recover well and not get injured. One of the first years I have done that, I am strong enough to handle the speed and the volume. My big goal for 2015 is really to stay fit, be injury free and keep training well in what is my first year out of U23’s.

•

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NEW PLYMOUTH ITU Triathlon World Cup IMAGES: SCOTTIE T

The Quality Hotel Plymouth International World Cup Triathlon was once again a resounding success, with athletes enjoying their visit to the Taranaki region and spectators turning out in good numbers despite the worst efforts of the weather.

Richard Murray (SFA) and Kaitlin Donner (USA) took out the honours on the day, with Murray in particular impressive as he smashed a quality field to win as he pleased, despite having to serve a 10 second penalty for a transition transgression.

It wasn’t however a day for the Kiwis to shine – that is unless you count the shiner that was left on the race of Ryan Sissons following a swim that was closer to an All Black rolling maul that would see the leading Kiwi lose his goggles and plenty of time, eventually withdrawing early on the bike leg. Sophie Corbidge led the women home with a solid 13th place finish after the 24 year old admitted she ‘may have worked too hard early on the bike’ in her efforts to join the lead group.

The real success of this event though goes beyond the results sheet and the

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quality of athletes turning up to race on this course dubbed ‘sprint by a mountain’.

The exposure for New Plymouth and the Taranaki region in the global media as many of the 41 countries represented on the start line followed the progress of their athletes.

Event Director and President of the Oceania Triathlon Union Terry Sheldrake spoke of the ‘intangibles’ in delivering such an event into New Plymouth.

“This event couldn’t happen in many other regions and is now becoming part of the landscape, both on the ITU World Cup circuit but also here in New Plymouth.

I still shake my head when I think of the 41 countries represented here, it really is amazing. Very few other sports can bring an event that covers such a wide range of countries, one that generates such a wide

range of media coverage around the world and yet one that is so accessible to the local community.

“We have had a number of our international athletes in homestays with local families, for some they return every year to the same family to renew friendships that will last for years beyond their involvement in the race. These same athletes visited numerous schools and were welcomed with song and Kiwi culture while they in return shared their own experiences and life as a professional triathlete.”

The New Plymouth event is made possible with the support of Quality Hotel Plymouth International, TSB Community Trust and Venture Taranaki, as well of course as the many volunteers who deliver a safe event working with the technical officials and

Very few other sports can bring an event that covers such a wide range of countries, one that generates such a wide range of media coverage around the world...

Terry Sheldrake

event delivery team.

Again, Sheldrake spoke of a truly ‘Kiwi’ approach to the event.

“The people of New Plymouth have been great, the local triathlon community leading the way. It is amazing you know to look up in the hours and days before the event to see the likes of Shorty Clark helping to build the venue, he was helping on a big screen TV camera on race day and helping us into the night as we dismantled the course – and he is an age group competitor who is recovering from hip surgery. You have to say that this is something uniquely New Zealand about the event, that level of support at the grass roots alongside the wonderful support from Quality Hotel Plymouth International, TSB Community Trust and Venture Taranaki is what helps us return year after year.”

The event also hosted (for the first time) the Triathlon New Zealand Junior (U19) Championships, with youngsters from all

around the country taking the chance to share the race day with the international athletes and to experience racing on a fully closed course in draft legal conditions.

Triathlon New Zealand High Performance Director Graeme Maw spoke of the value of this to the athletes and coaches.

“These chances are rare and highly valued in the growth of our young athletes and coaches. Just being at the event and on the same race course as the elite athletes is a chance to see how they prepare and to view top level racing live. Racing on a course with full road closure and the full complement of technical officials and in draft legal conditions is such a learning experience for these young athletes and can present totally different racing scenarios. This exposes them to new tactics and an appreciation for the type of racing they might experience should they progress to ITU events.”

Winners on the day were Tayler Reid (Gisborne) and Lizzie Stannard (Palmerston

North), with Reid winning from the front after he and David Martin broke away on the bike after strong swims while Stannard had to chase the leaders down on the bike before outlasting the other Kiwis and Aussies on the run.

The final word though was left to the most impressive performer on the day, with world number five Richard Murray speaking highly of his time in New Plymouth.

“I love this, it has been great for sure. I was keen to come here last year but had to pull out so was even more excited about returning and racing here. The course is fantastic and the people have been so welcoming, we have enjoyed our time here training – to be honest I think a few are thinking of staying for another week instead of heading up to Auckland.”

And that sentiment surely is one that will be music to the ears of any died in the wool Taranaki resident, leaving them even more proud of their region and the race dubbed ‘sprint by a mountain.’

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AUCKLAND Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon IMAGES: ITU / DELLY CARR & SCOTTIE T

The Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon proved a huge hit once again when Auckland hosted the second round of the ITU World Triathlon Series in late March – even if the timing could have been a little better were it not for a certain cricket final in Melbourne!

While the eyes of the New Zealand media and a good percentage of the New Zealand public might have been on the cricketers, the eyes of the triathlon world were very much on Auckland and a course that the athletes continue to rave about with its inner city location, testing and technical bike leg and run through the CBD. Gwen Jorgensen and Jonny Brownlee stole the major headlines, but there were plenty of other inspiring stories and sights across the two days of action, with Saturday hosting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust open day and swim/run event and Sunday set aside for the majority of racing, from the corporates, fun and sprint events to the Sovereign National Championships over the standard distance and the Find Your Field of Dreams 5k fun run.

Even a mini-weather bomb couldn’t put off the participants

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on the Sunday morning, nor their many supporters who lined the course and grabbed great viewing spots on Queens Wharf including the free grandstand offering a great view of the finish line area but also the big screen that projected the action and commentary throughout the day.

Brownlee finally overcame the Gomez domination of the Auckland event, with the Spaniard beaten for the first time at this venue in four starts. The younger of the two British brothers, Jonny swam and rode superbly before kicking clear early in the run, quickly extending what was 5 seconds out of transition into a commanding ?? by the finish line, with Gomez having to be content with second as he outkicked World U23 Champion Pierre Le Corre (FRA) for the silver medal.

The women’s race was as dominant as the sport has seen in recent years, with the tall and long striding Jorgensen dealing to the field on the run after riding in amongst the lead group throughout the bike. What was previously seen as a potential weakness in the American’s armour, her swimming and cycling is now at a level that her opponents can be forgiven for running for the minor placings the moment they hit the pavement, such is the American’s dominance over the 10 kilometre run leg.

It proved a good day for New Zealand too, with a podium, two top ten placings and a solid 12th in the bank alongside a couple of debut efforts at the top level of the sport. Andrea Hewitt provided the highlight when she overcame a 15 second penalty imposed for littering (discard rule) on the bike to surge back into the medals

Andrea Hewitt provided the highlight when she overcame a 15 second penalty to surge back into the medals on the final lap and grab a bronze

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on the final lap and grab a bronze in her first podium attempt on the course since winning the World Cup test event back in 2011.

Simone Ackerman enjoyed a ‘career’ day to date, coming home in tenth place in what is still for the former Whangarei athlete a new challenge racing at this top level. Ackermann showed no fear in the swim, emerging (with Rebecca Clarke) in the lead group of 8 swimmers to dive under the 20 minute mark before riding comfortably with the lead pack throughout and then holding her own on the run. Clarke would fade after a tough week leading into the race when she dealt with the possibility of a stress fracture (ruled out by an MRI), the Aucklander battling bravely to finish 36th while Rebecca Spence found the pace too tough and withdrew on the bike leg as she continues her return to the sport.

Tony Dodds (Wanaka) put together a well-planned and well measured race to chalk up a promising tenth place, one that had the likeable Kiwi ‘fizzing’ in the mixed zone. Dodds swam with his customary speed to be close enough on the bike to join the lead group of 17 and ride alongside the likes of Brownlee

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and Gomez before more than holding his own on the run to earn vital ranking points.

Ryan Sissons (Auckland) says his swim is a ‘work in progress’ and that he expects results towards the end of the season. He was not therefore concerned about missing the lead group out of the water, rather he was positive that he was mid-pack, instead of what became too familiar to him last year of being in the final group out of the water. The 27 year old then rode in a chase group alongside Mario Mola before running through many of those in front of him and most of those in that bike group to finish strongly for 12th in front of family and friends.

Sam Osborne (Rotorua) battled away bravely in his first appearance at this level. After a strong domestic summer in which he earned sufficient ranking points to gain a start in both the Quality Hotel Plymouth International World Cup and the Barfoot & Thompson WTS event, Osborne gained vital experience in the testing conditions to come home 47th on a day when 16 athletes failed to complete the course.

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AGE GROUPERS CHASE SPOTS IN CHICAGO The elites aside, across the weekend over 1000 people took part in a variety of events on offer, including the Sovereign National Championships over the standard distance, and with qualifying on the line as the primary selection race for the ITU World Championships in Chicago later this year, racing was as intense as the rain that fell for a couple of hours during the age group races.

The honour of the fastest female and male athletes on the day went to Ashleigh Williams (2:10:27) Alexi Petrie (1:57:49) but with Chicago hopefuls conscious of their time and place relative to their age group competitors, racing was fast and furious right through the field.

Mark ‘Rigor’ Richardson’s hopes of a place in Chicago may well have come a cropper, the former international cricketer and nowadays broadcaster turned down the chance to be at the Cricket World Cup final to fulfill his racing commitments, but came in 27th in 2 hours 22 minutes in arguably the most competitive age group on the day, the men’s 40 to 44 which was won by former elite athlete Stephen Sheldrake in a tick over two hours. At the time of going to print, there was not yet confirmation as to whether Rigor had done enough to book his trip with the New Zealand team to the ‘windy city’ in September.

One of the highlights had to be the time posted by the legendary John Hellemans, the flying Dutch Doctor is these days in the ‘veteran’s’ age category of 60 to 64 and posted a time of just over 2 hours 14 minutes, an incredible performance for one of the pioneers of the sport in the 70’s and someone who is still a star in age group racing worldwide – when he is not busy coaching that is!

Full results can be found at www.triauckland.co.nz and images can be purchased by visiting www.marathon-photos.com

•

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triathlon

RECORDS SMASHED At Ironman New Zealand WORDs: IAN HEPENSTALL IMAGES: DARRYL CAREY

Mere words can no longer do justice to the feats of Cameron Brown. The remarkable New Zealander, who turns 43 in June, rolled back the years to clinch a record-breaking 11th Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand victory.

That extends his record as the most wins of the same IRONMAN event anywhere in the world.

It also broke his own world record as the oldest to ever win an IRONMAN race, a mark he established when he won in Cairns last year.

Brown executed a typically patient display, refusing to panic despite coming out of the swim in eighth 5m35s down on the leaders and at one point early in the bike ride he trailed by more than six minutes to eventually stop the clock in 8:22:12 to register his first Taupo success since 2011.

Perennial runner-up Terenzo Bozzone claimed his fourth second place finish in the race, but despite the former world champion’s success in IRONMAN 70.3 events, he has frustratingly failed so far to quite to crack the code over the full IRONMAN distance.

A dramatic finale in the race for third spot saw Christchurch’s Dylan McNeice recover a near two minute deficit at 38.4km to overhaul Aussie Alex Reithmeier to secure an all Kiwi podium in 8:38:04.

The race started at a rip-roaring pace as the top three out of the water all lowered the previous course record with McNeice leading the field in 44:25, three seconds clear of countryman Graham O’Grady with Australian Todd Skipworth third (44:31).

Bozzone enjoyed a rock-solid swim in fourth 2m27s down on McNiece with Brown back in eighth knowing he needed to put in his very best work on dry land.

On the bike, Bozzone successfully tracked down the leaders by 75km and opened up a significant lead before Brown powered home over the last 30km to plug a threeminute gap between the pair as both hit the second transition locked together out front. O’Grady trailed the pair by 1:31 in third ahead of Reithmeier in fourth.

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Yet from the outset of the run Brown meant business and by 4km he opened up a 20-second lead. By halfway his advantage was in excess of three minutes from Bozzone and the victory margin in the end was an emphatic 6:40.

It was a sensational triumph for Brown who all but quit IRONMAN two years ago after a dark period in which he became disillusioned with the demands of the sport only to once again rediscover his old magic last year.

It was a special victory. ”Yes, I think it is right up there (with one my biggest wins),” admits Brown. “My first victory in 2001 was pretty cool, but when you win when you are nearly 43 it is right up there. I never thought I’d be winning this race at 42. I still love the sport. It is a tough sport and we are all in a world of pain at the moment.”

Brown admitted he was concerned after he trailed the leaders by more than five minutes after the swim. Yet he relentlessly stuck to the challenge and he was delighted to have covered the gap on Bozzone by second transition.

“I felt strong throughout the bike and managed to slowly catch up,” adds the 11-time champion. ”The wind was getting pretty strong and I rode pretty solidly. I felt bloody good coming into town with the wind behind me and managed to catch Terenzo in the last 10km. I think I needed to as he would have felt much better with a lead going into the run.”

For Bozzone it was a case of what might have been as he finished a frustrating runner-up to Brown for the fourth time at IRONMAN New Zealand.

“I wish the race could have been divided over two days and then it would have been a different feeling,” adds Bozzone. “I felt really good during the first half until about

110-120km on the bike and then the race bit me on the bum.

“You think I would have learned my lesson.

It is my seventh year and I probably should have backed off a few percent going out into the wind, which would have allowed me to use that tailwind a bit more. We started the run together for the second year in a row. Then we ran 3:50 per kilometre but this I saw him knocking off 3:30-3:36 kilometres so I just backed off and got into my own groove. I felt held the run together reasonably well.”

Meanwhile, in the elite women’s race American Meredith Kessler created her own slice of history by racking up her fourth race win and smash her own course record in the process to become the most successful overseas women at IRONMAN New Zealand.

In the women’s race Kessler led from gun to tape stopping the clock in 9::05:45 to draw level on overall victories in the women’s elite event with Kiwi icon Erin Baker and one clear of Australian Jan Wanklyn.

Wanganui-based Gina Crawford, the 2009 champion, claimed a third successive runner-up spot in this event some 20m 25s adrift.

Meanwhile, former international rower and cyclist Melanie Burke of New Zealand held off a strong challenge from American Stephanie Jones to claim the final podium spot in 9:41:50.

Kessler an outstanding swimmer held a solid 1:48 lead after leg one but effectively secured her fourth title with a blistering cycle leg – where she has opened up a massive 14:59 advantage on Crawford.

It was then all about the 36-year-old Californian chasing her own course record, which she successfully achieved despite coming into the race a little under

CAMERON BROWN CLAIMS HIS 11TH IMNZ TITLE

MEREDITH KESSLER WITH HER 4TH IMNZ TITLE

I felt really good during the first half until about 110120km on the bike and then the race bit me on the bum Terrenzo Bozzone

the weather from a cold.

“Honestly the body is so crazy and so resilient,” she says of her victory despite struggling with a pre-race sickness.

“During the week when I was talking like a chipmunk I was a bit nervous about how I would perform, but sometimes we need to go down a little bit to rise. I just wanted to do as well as I could and thankfully today the stars aligned and I’m very appreciative of that.

“With the conditions I certainly didn’t expect the record. The bike was so hard because of the wind and even the run on the back half of each loop the wind was brutal. I was elated to break the record.

I worked out the math and for that last kilometre I sprinted as fast as I could to try to snag it.”

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RUNNER UP BOZZONE THANKS SUPPORTERS

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Cameron Brown (NZL) 8:22.12 (50:01, 4:37:38, 2:49:08) Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) 8:28.52 (47:03, 4:41:08, 2:55:50) Dylan McNeice (NZL) 8:38.04 (44:25, 4:53:27, 2:54:23) Alex Reithmeier (AUS) 8:38.46 (50:02, 4:43:03, 2:59:57) Mike Schifferle (SUI) 8:46.32 (56:35, 4:38:26, 3:03:07)

Elite women: 1

2

3

4

5

Meredith Kessler (USA) 9:05:45 (49:35, 5:04:29, 3:07:18) Gina Crawford (NZL) 9:05.45 (51:24, 5:16:54, 3:11:13) Melanie Burke (NZL) 9:42.50 (1:02:45, 5:12:19, 3:20:28) Stephanie Jones (USA) 9:47.31 (1:00:38, 5:18:47, 3:21:13) Jocelyn McCauley (USA) 9:50.00 (58:45, 5:30:33, 3:13:25)

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IRONMAN NEW ZEALAND Age Group Champions WORDs: IAN HEPENSTALL IMAGES: FINISHERPIX

There must have been a mistake with his timing chip. Japan’s Hiromu Inada ran from the back of the Taupo Events Centre, and before the announcement could be completed, he vaulted on to the stage to accept his trophy.

He was celebrated wildly as an age group winner at the Kellogg’s NutriGrain IRONMAN New Zealand.

Thing is he is 82 years young. Not to mention Hiromu-San managed to swim 1:27:50, cycle 7:53:27 and run 5:49:27 for 15:38:02. Ironically there were a further 82 finishes who came home after him and before the 17 hour cutoff.

Wellington’s Rochelle Gilmoni, is a solo mother of three since her husband died suddenly at home on Christmas eve more than 10 years ago. At first Rochelle started walking a couple of nights each week, then running and two years later she tried a starter-triathlon.

At 45 she ran the New York Marathon and she turned 50 the day before IRONMAN New Zealand.

With her family and friends there to support her, she finished in 15:39:38 to celebrate a remarkable feat.

Or Hawkes Bay father Mark Crake, a former drug and alcohol addict, who spent time in jail; where he learned of the efforts of Cam Brown at Taupo. Less than three years after getting out of jail, and remaining clean, he blitzed his way to the line in 11:40:32. A life changer.

Or Wellington’s Ngarama MilnerOlsen, the former Central Pulse netball pro, who has taken to her new passion of Ironman in force, sweeping home in 10:58:13.

Melbournian mates Philip O’Toole and John Sidebottom made it 17 straight finishes in IRONMAN New Zealand.

That’s every year in Taupo, which they rate as the best race they’ve done.

Sidebottom won the bragging rights this year in 10:17:33, 16th in the 45-49 years ae group.

The best age group prize went to

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Daniel Plews, the 32 year old from North Shore, who flew home in a 2:58 marathon on his way to 9:08:23, which was 13th fastest overall. He was one of seven - the rest all pros – who ran under three hours.

Another of those is well performed Taranaki triathlete Shanon Stallard, who finished 11th in 9:06:24, but went under the three hour barrier for the first time his final race as a pro.

No IRONMAN New Zealand can be complete without Ken Glah, the outstanding American who was the first overseas athlete to win back to back in New Zealand. Now an official travel agent for IRONMAN, Glah still managed to win his 50-54 years age group in an impressive 9:52:33, inside the top 50 home including pros.

Wanaka’s John Gordon was equally impressive in winning the 60-64 years division in a stunning 10:15:49 on the back of a 58:46 swim, 5:38:10 bike and 3:31 run.

No IRONMAN New Zealand is complete without two remarkable Kiwis.

Tiare Lund, a multi world championship medallist, was the oldest female in the race, winning the 70-74 years division in a stunning 15:12:37, to celebrate her 25th IRONMAN New Zealand finish.

Edging home 16 minutes before the midnight cutoff was 71 year old Mike Ramsay to continue his streak as the only person to complete all 31 IRONMAN New Zealand races and is headed back to Kona.

For 28 years he shared that honour with the late Tony Jackson, whose wife Verna Cook-Jackson finished for the 15th and final time.

Age group winners: Men : 18-24: Tim Duncan (Auckland) 9:41:09 25-29: Sam Bennett Kirwan 9:16:26 30-34: Daniel Plews (North Shore) 9:08:23 35-39: Quentin Fogarty (Auckland) 9:11:54 40-44: Craig Kirkwood (Tauranga) 9:12:58 45-49: Mike Johnston (Wanaka) 9:51:59 50-54: Ken Glah (USA) 9:52:33 55-59: Geoff Hawke Chapman 10:17:44 60-64: John Gordon (Wanaka) 10:15:49 65-69: Brian Scott (Whanganui) 12:42:16 70-74: Ray Lichtwark (Rotorua) 13:26.44 75-79: Yoshimori Hirai (Japan) 16:37:40 80 plus: Hiromu Inada (Japan) 15:38:01

Women : 18-24: Nicola McCormick (Te Awamutu) 10:30:16

25-29: Carmel Tolhurst (Auckland) 9:53.29 30-34: Zoe Clark (Australia) 0:53:19 35-39: Nikki Edwards (Hamilton) 10:05:28 40-44: Kate Greenfield (Australia) 10:30:34 45-49: Kaori Tokai (Japan) 10:29:53 50-54: Christine Heidemann (GER) 9:59:23 55-59: Janie White (Rotorua) 10:57:47 60-64: Michele Allison (Wellington) 11:35 65-69: Ann Bondy (Wellington) 16:45:26 70-74: Tiare Lund (Kumeu) 15:12:37

AGE GROUP ATHLETE MILNER OLSEN

Lance O’Sullivan AGE GROUP COMPETITOR

...he is 82 years young. Not to mention Hiromu-San managed to swim 1:27:50, cycle 7:53:27 and run 5:49:27 for 15:38:02

MARK CRAKE IN A LIFE CHANGING RACE

IMAGE: DARRYL CAREY

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UNSTOPPABLE CHAMPIONS Three Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman heroes WORDs: ANGELA BEAN IMAGES: FINISHERPIX

The monkey has gone, the lemons are lemonade and unspeakable challenges have been faced if not conquered.

A hardy trio of beginner triathletes, Jenny Strecker, Rochelle Gilmoni and Len Thompson all had fabulous reasons to take on the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman in Taupo.

Two finished but unfortunately one of the three didn’t make the cycling leg cut off time. But for each of the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Unstoppable Champions, the experience represented a personal mountain to climb in the face of some physical, mental or emotional adversity.

The three were selected by Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain as Unstoppable Champions – a title reflecting the challenges each had overcome.

In world champion ironman Terenzo Bozzone they had a mentor of the highest calibre. And lining up at the start on a fresh March morning in Taupo, each was about to fulfil a personal ambition.

For South African-born Aucklander Jenny Strecker, it was a crash in the 2014 race that robbed her of a finish. For Wellingtonian Rochelle Gilmoni, it was a family tragedy preceded by a personal blow to her self-esteem. And for ‘classic giver’ Len Thompson, the personal and emotional pressure in the race lead up could not have been greater.

Crash Jenny’s failure to finish the 2014 event was the driver to compete again in 2015.

She called it the monkey on her back and she said there was only one way to get rid of it – finish the Kellogg’s NutriGrain Ironman.

In her very first attempt, the personal trainer and massage therapist grandmother dislocated her shoulder in a crash just 40km into the bike leg of the 2014 race. “I was extremely upset not to finish. My biggest motivation in 2014 was to overcome the disappointment and give

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it another go.”

Adding to her huge distress was the fact that Jenny’s sister – who had trained with her for two years – completed the event without knowing what happened.

The pair had already completed two 70.3 events and had dreamed for two years how they would finish the full length event together.

Jenny’s training was also more than just physical. Haunted by a childhood memory when a young boy drowned in a local lake in South Africa, Jenny was not a confident swimmer.

A few weeks before the 2014 event, she got in to Lake Taupo with her sister for a practise swim and began to panic. “I couldn’t breathe, my throat started to close and I thought ‘I can’t do this’ but my sister said ‘Do you want to let this get the better of you? Do you want this to stop you from becoming an ironman?’

“I decided then that I needed to rise above my fears.”

The bike accident was a huge disappointment and with that came the fear of failing again – the monkey on her back. But Jenny rose above that to do the ironman event in 2015 where she finished in 14 hours and 59 minutes.

Lemons Whoever it was who said “when life deals you lemons, make lemonade” surely had Rochelle Gilmoni in mind.

For the 49 year-old mother of three from Wellington, life has had its fair share of citrus heartburn.

At age 18 her hair began to fall out. On Christmas Eve 2000 her husband died

following a brain haemorrhage leaving her to raise three children aged under 10. So she ran a New York Marathon and this year tackled the Kellogg’s NutriGrain Ironman – just one day after her 50th birthday.

“I discovered running quite by accident after my husband died. I took to walking and one night I simply began to run; no idea what made me do it. I ran between two letterboxes. I was gasping for air.”

Soon Rochelle was running between lampposts and eventually around the block. It helped her deal with her emotions she says. After a half marathon finish and a glass of bubbly, Rochelle and a friend agreed to “do the iconic” – the New York Marathon.

“Standing at the starting line as they played Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York was a surreal experience,” she says. “I felt at that moment that whatever happened after that point was not important – the journey had been to get to the starting line and I was happy with that. Crossing the finish line after running the entire 26 miles and 385 yards was one of the happiest moments of my life. I felt I was running both for me and for my late husband.”

After the New York Marathon people told her she would be hooked. But Rochelle was adamant that she would never do another unless it was at the end of an Ironman. And as she neared her 50th birthday, she decided it was time to tackle a triathlon of epic proportions.

But she knew she needed to learn to swim better and so began an odyssey to

triathlon

JENNY STRECKER RISES ABOVER HER FEARS

improve her technique and times in the water. Now with the Ironman completed she is hanging up her shoes. Happy to end on a high knowing the decade of achieving fitness goals helped her mentally as much as physically.

“I couldn’t wait until I heard them announce ‘Rochelle Gilmoni, you are an Ironman’ as I crossed the finish line.”

And finish she did in a respectable 15 hours and 39 seconds.

Helping others Len Thomson has asthma and a chronic cough. His hearing is impaired.

He devotes hours every week to helping others. And he works ‘150 per cent’ for a wife who has her own health issues.

Len’s a classic giver. Together with his wife of 28 years Huia, he has devoted 20 years of his life to charity work for some of our nation’s most deserving groups.

They include the Heart Foundation, Cancer Foundation, Relay for Life, Ronald McDonald House, St John and Cystic

36

Fibrosis Association just to name a few.

Daily he extends a helping hand to Huia who suffers from cystic fibrosis. In fact, it was the disease that brought Len in to contact with the Kellogg’s NutriGrain Ironman when he volunteered at the event from 2006 - 2013 on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Association.

Len recently completed a half ironman in the Iron Māori series upping his performance despite slowing down to support an injured team mate. “It is all about Teamwork and all of us succeeding. I don’t put myself out in front of other people – for me the collective success is the most important thing.”

He says his biggest support comes from his and his wife family and friends. Huia, who is his biggest cheerleader, often shares his progress on Facebook so that family and friends can keep up to date.

Sadly Huia was in and out of hospital in the week leading up to the event. This made for a tough week for both Len and

LEN THOMSON AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS

Huia but despite it all, Len took it in his stride with a positive attitude.

Unfortunately Len did not make the cycling cut off time and was pulled off the course – along with a number of others – at the 130km mark. Still, he says he will be back, simply happy in having the opportunity to compete.

Results Rochelle and Jenny both had outstanding races, Rochelle completing the swim in 1 hour 22 mins with Jenny close behind at 1 hour 26 mins. They transitioned together from the 180km cycle but Jenny was stronger in the run finishing just 1 hour 39 minutes ahead after nearly 15 hours of competition.

Happily, they were both met at the line by mentor Terenzo who some hours earlier had finished in second place to the relentless Cameron Brown.

And so the ordinary folk prove they can be Unstoppable Champions.

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triathlon

CHALLENGE WANAKA The Worlds most scenic Triathlon WORDS: Amanda Grace IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES

Armoured with breathtaking beauty, tormenting curves and relentless honesty, Challenge Wanaka once again earned her keep on the world stage, as she teased and tested the limits of every athlete.

Challenge Wanaka, with its spectacular alpine backdrop, has recently scooped the prestigious title ‘The worlds’ most scenic Triathlon’ at the USA Triathlon Business International awards - what we've known all along is now official.

Highly regarded as top of the list when it comes to long distance racing, it’s no secret amongst the triathlon community that the 3.9km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run Challenge Wanaka, is a must do for every endurance athlete looking to push boundaries and experience the race of a lifetime. Every year this event delivers extraordinary victories, not only among the pro elites but also in bringing personal achievements to many individuals of all ages and abilities. This year was no different, 2015 brought another gripping race report, extraordinary achievements and an extra special twist that was particularly memorable for two.

Race day arrived with peak visitors in town and the showcasing of this events largest professional field. Wanaka turned it on with exceptional weather conditions and by the time Monday came around, new records were abundant and word spread globally. Dylan McNeice became the first male to hat trick, smashing his own 2014 swim record by almost a minute, emerging from the water at staggering time of 45:33.

Dylan didn't have quite the comfortable six minute lead this time around, fending from his heels fierce hometown hero and new dad, Dougal Allen. After coming out the water 18 minutes down, Allan rode from 42nd place in to 2nd after a sensational

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bike leg of 4:30:50, shattering Richard Ussher’s 2010 time by almost twelve minutes and laying down a very aggressive new bike course record.

“The triathlon world is screwed if Dougal Allan can learn how to swim!” - Mark Watson (commentator) Setting the bar once again to a new high, the pro men delivered an outstanding race which certainly kept us on our toes. The women’s race was equally as impressive, seeing Gina Crawford dominate, leading from start to finish and taking with her a phenomenal sixth victory. Gina is undoubtedly an exceptional athlete and rightfully reclaims her title as the Queen of Challenge Wanaka. Laura Siddall came in behind Gina, to complete her second ever long distance triathlon in pro division.

Some people say that the real heroes are the individuals of all ages and abilities, that battle and defy seemingly impossible odds to complete this 226 km feat. The ones out there alone on the course, pressing on well into the darkness and crossing the finish as late as midnight, with tears of sheer joy and accomplishment. Perhaps the most emotional scene is seeing as they dig deep for that last push, entering the shoot with a smile and hands in the air, taking their last steps through the arches of a human tunnel.

THE WEDDING Each year we are moved and inspired by the stories of competitors and their personal journey to the finish line. This year welcomed an added heartfelt twist;

Challenge Wanaka became the first ever triathlon to unite mid-race, a very special couple in matrimony. Mark Smoothy and Alyssa Coe started their journey engaged and by the time they crossed the finish, they were husband and wife.

After completing over 40 long distance Triathlons, including every single Challenge Wanaka event, it’s no wonder Mark felt an emotional connection to this incredible alpine course.

It all started when Mark decided to propose to his girlfriend Alyssa, at the halfway point of Ironman Melbourne 2014.

“I stuck to Alyssa like glue that day and we raced that event side by side. The ring had been securely taped to my chest inside a portaloo, while Alyssa waited outside for me wondering what was taking so long. I

MCNEICE CLAIMS HIS CHALLENGE WANAKA HAT TRICK

touched that ring 50 times throughout that long day to ensure it had not come loose. I wanted to carry it on me and protect it as a sign of how I intended to protect Alyssa throughout our long life together. After she had said yes that day we then proceeded to run the remaining 21km's to the finish as an engaged couple.”

To some people, the idea of getting hitched during a race would seem crazy, bizarre, perhaps even a little impersonal but for Mark, it was deeply personal, a proclamation straight from his heart, out to the world. A true love story.

“You see I love this girl to the depths of my soul, I wanted to shout it out from the roof tops, I wanted the whole world to know about this amazing lady, who at 40 years of age, had yet to be swept off her

feet. Alyssa is one of those very rare gems that only a lucky few will ever get to find.”

A mid-race proposal was one thing but when it came to the proposition of actually getting married during a triathlon, a nervous Mark had to question whether Alyssa would take to it so enthusiastically.

It was then to his joy, when his beloved Alyssa didn’t only readily agree but even began to throw in her own suggestions of how to make their Challenge Wanaka wedding, a successful day.

As tales of the ‘crazy triathlon wedding’ spread, New Zealands ears pricked up and at least seven newspapers covered the big moment, including two front covers and an appearance on TV1 News. The couple were deeply touched as the entire Wanaka community embraced the idea with

incredible passion.

“At the halfway point of the marathon, after 12 hours of swimming, biking and running, Alyssa and I were married, adorned in our specially designed Tineli wedding Trisuits, on the shores of Lake Wanaka, right in the middle of town and with the sound and atmosphere of the race commentary in the background that added to the perfect scene we’d dreamed of ten long months ago. The weather even behaved itself with a soft refreshing breeze and a 28 degree dazzling blue sky day. “ After signing the marriage certificates and many photographs, cheers and congratulations later, the married couple hit the road. It wasn’t over yet.

The now Mr & Mrs Mark and Alyssa, still had another 21km of the run to complete

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CHALLENGE WANAKA MID RACE WEDDING

At the halfway point of the marathon, after 12 hours of swimming, biking and running, Alyssa and I were married Mark Smoothy

before race closure.

“It seemed weird leaving our guests but we had an Iron distance race to finish. We were gifted with a further 45 minutes of daylight, with the remaining two hours in complete darkness that saw us finish in 16 hours and 31 minutes, to hundreds of people that formed a human tunnel for us to complete our magical and unforgettable journey. The organisers kindly held off setting off the fireworks until we finished, and surrounded by our beautiful guests, we took in this amazing display as we stood there in disbelief at what we had accomplished. It will be a day we will never ever forget!”

With their new found fame as perhaps the worlds most passionate triathletes, the sporty duo plan to complete their fairytale by celebrating their Honeymoon at the great Challenge Roth this July. We wish them all the best!

Mark and Alyssa’s journey has touched the hearts of many, a magnificent example of how the Challenge Wanaka Triathlon is unquestionably, so much more than just a swim, bike, run event.

Challenge Wanaka is the second oldest race in the Challenge Family series and next year they will be celebrating a very important milestone; Sunday 21st February 2016 will mark the race’s 10th anniversary. Entries are already flooding in and with rumours of an inaugural ‘Race of Champions’ and another anticipated high calibre field - this is definitely one not to miss!

Official Results: Male: Dylan McNeice 8:37.14 1 Dougal Allan 8:40.06 2 Courtney Ogden 8:49.46 3.

Female: Gina Crawford 09:31:51 Laura Siddall 09:43:46 Michelle Bremmer 09:52:16

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•

DOUGALL ALLAN ON HIS WAY TO THE PODIUM

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triathlon

athlete profile

ANNEKE JENKINS Ever since falling in love with competitive sport at the age of 12, Anneke Jenkins has had her sights set on becoming the best. Based in Spain, the 2016 Rio Olympic Games hopeful's competitive nature and "never give up" attitude has seen her train and compete all over the world.

NZTM: Where did you grow up?

AJ: I grew up in Wellington until I was 7, then we moved to Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. I consider Tauranga home.

NZTM: What sports did you do as child?

AJ: Through school I did as many sports as I could. In high school I swam competitively, it was always my main focus. I was also part of the school netball, volleyball, cross country, athletics and gymnastics teams.

NZTM: When did you get into this sport?

AJ: I swam competitively from ages 14-21.

I completed my first triathlon when I was 22, just for fun though. I began to focus on it and train properly in 2013 when I was 24.

NZTM: Who was your influence in triathlon?

AJ: I watched the triathlon at the Olympic Games and always was inspired by Hamish Carter as an athlete and a person. Debbie Tanner has also been a huge support and advisor for me.

NZTM: Are there any athletes who inspired you?

AJ: I’ve been lucky enough to train alongside some of the world's best triathletes including Jodie Stimpson, Lisa Norden, Alieen Ried, Javier Gomez etc. I find inspiration from them all in different ways, including how the approach to training and racing, nutrition and rest habits, dealing with different situations etc. they are all different athletes but there are similarities. I’ve swum with or been advised by NZ Olympians including

42

Mark Herring, Michael Jack, Liz van wellie and Danyon Loader, their attitude and approach to training was what I found really inspiring as well. Their commitment and dedication to sport in and out of training is amazing, what I learnt most was how important it is to do the hard training hard, easy training easy and when to be able to switch your mind on and off.

NZTM: Who has been coaching you?

AJ: When I began triathlon Brendon Downey was coaching me. As I progressed and needed to train with other triathletes who would challenge me and be in a more focused environment, Brendon put me on to Darren Smith. I’m now coached

by Javier Gómez, which is a really great opportunity for me and we have a great group working really well.

NZTM: What is your preferred discipline?

AJ: I love running. The harder it is the better! Although I do love hard swims and rides too. Coming from a swimming background my body is still adapting to how running impacts your body, but I love that feeling of really pushing myself to the limit on a hard run.

NZTM: What is your training regime – how many hours a week, what type i.e. gym work, running etc AJ: I train for about 22-25 hours a week in the pool, cycling and running. I do a lot of gym work on top of that, maybe 6 hours a week, but it's not heavy weights.

It’s more core work and glute stability.

I’m fortunate that I am able to focus full time on training because of the financial support I receive from my main sponsor Asteron Life. It’s one less thing to worry about and it means I can put all my energy into reaching my goals.

NZTM: When was your first race? What are your memories of it?

AJ: My first race was 2012, a local sprint distance. It was tough! I remember thinking it was so long to be racing for. I was smashed by the end of it! As a swimmer I specialized in the 100/200m breaststroke, which is really only about 1m10s/2m30s of race time. A lot shorter than the 60mins for a sprint distance triathlon!

NZTM: What have your best races been?

AJ: My best race results would have been Geneva (4th) and Madrid (2nd) European cups - I loved the tough courses on the bike and run! I was having a great race at the World Champs in Edmonton 2014 until my bike punctured! As part of the same series I'm currently World Aquathlon Champion.

NZTM: Goals for 2015 AJ: In 2015 I would like to have an injury free, consistent season and get some good race experience in the World Series. I just want to keep improving and hope to have some good races that I'm proud of.

NZTM: Goals for the future in the sport?

AJ: My ultimate goal is the 2016 Rio

I love that feeling of really pushing myself to the limit on a hard run Anneke Jenkins

Olympic Games. I also want to race against the best and be competitive in the highest level races; Olympics, Commonwealth, World Championships.

AJ: My favourite event is probably the Geneva European cup course because of the tough bike and run. But I haven't experienced many courses yet!

NZTM: What do you love about this sport?

AJ: I love being outdoors and doing different things every day. As a swimmer I never complained about swimming twice a day but now as a triathlete I love to do three different sports each day.

NZTM: What words of advice would you give to up and coming athletes?

AJ: Enjoy it and train hard!

There’s no secret formula – you need to put in the time to see results.

It’s great to have a loyal sponsor like Asteron Life behind me as well. So I’d say it’s beneficial to have sponsorship support, and a sponsor whose values align with your own. They are all about celebrating life and encourage me to do the same.

NZTM: What was your greatest success?

AJ: My greatest successes in sport have been 2 sixth placings in World Cups as a swimmer (2008). As a triathlete...2nd at the Madrid European Cup 2014, World Aquathlon Champion 2014.

NZTM: What was your favourite event?

NZTM: What have been your proudest achievements so far?

AJ: Coming 2nd at the Madrid European

Cup 2014. My positioning in the Edmonton World Champs (probably the biggest race of my career so far). I had really improved my swim and was set for a good race before puncturing on the bike.

NZTM: What was your profession before triathlon?

AJ: I was a competitive swimmer with a goal of the Olympic Games. I had to stop due to chronic fatigue syndrome. Since my illness I’ve studied graphic design and papers in sports science.

NZTM: What do you (and/or both of you) like to do outside of triathlon?

AJ: I like to travel, visit new places, create things in the kitchen, love the beach, spending time with family and friends.

Normal things!

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triathlon

TAKE THE TIME TO

PROTECT & DETECT New Zealand can boast many world beating sporting achievements, not least amongst these are our feats in triathlon and cycling. However, a less enviable record that we have is that of the highest melanoma rates in the world. Only the state of Queensland in Australia comes close.

The reason is not so much ozone depletion but the purity of the environment, with low pollution, combined with the outdoors lifestyle and activities a lot of us enjoy, interacting with a caucasian skin type.

Niwa explains that the way the earth tilts makes NZ point even closer to the sun during the summer than the northern hemisphere countries at the same latitude. UV can penetrate even on cloudy days, and the weather in parts of the country can be so changeable, that even if it is raining you can get caught out and burn with brilliant sunshine within an hour. There is also the reflective quality of the surroundings such as water. These factors combine to the point where although we have a temperate climate, we can get intense UV exposure even when the sun may not feel so hot.

With that in mind, the best melanoma prevention strategies for athletes, especially when training outdoors in the elements is all aimed at minimizing UV exposure and not getting sunburnt.

The simplest method is avoidance, training outside of the most UV intense parts of the day. Many athletes do already train in early morning or later in the day when busy work schedules allow, and when there is less vehicular traffic to share roads with in any case.

If that isn’t possible shade or protective clothing is next best. The most practical solution here would be to wear caps with a visor, although full brims are best.

Sunglasses also help to protect the eyes, and clothing with long sleeves or leggings,

UV rated if possible, to shield the skin.

Wearing biking gloves will definitely help with minimizing exposure to backs of hands.

Sun screen is really a last resort. When applied though every effort should be made to ensure that enough is put on, and that it is re-applied frequently, every two hours if exercising. The minimum SPF rating should be 30, and it should be labelled ‘Broad spectrum’ to block UVA as well as UVB. Once a melanoma develops, the best chance of beating the disease is to detect it early, before it has had a chance to spread to distant parts of the body. Most melanomas in NZ are of the superficial spreading type. Following this are types which although less common, can be harder to detect as they don’t often present in similar ways so these will be explained also.

Essentially, if there is a spot that is new, looks different from your normal moles and is changing significantly then it should be looked at (see pics). Classically it is the ABCD’s to be mindful of. A for asymmetry, B for border irregularity, C for colour variability so lots of black, dark brown or red pigmentation, and D for enlarging diameter, so growing in size.

Superficial spreading melanomas largely occur on sun exposed areas and in particular in New Zealand, on legs in females and on the trunk for males. It is the cancer most likely to kill young people in NZ and the death rate in males is double that of females. Risk factors include not only UV exposure but being of fair skin, having multiple moles, multiple atypical or funny looking moles, and having had melanoma or other skin cancers before.

Other subtypes of melanoma include nodular melanoma, look out for new

Bare it. risk it Excessive sun exposure increases the risk of Melanoma

bumps that may have no colour, so are red only, and acral melanoma, new or changing spots or freckles on hands and feet.

So as with training for an event, with melanoma if you have the knowledge, and are prepared for any of the tell tale signs that may occur, your chances of beating melanoma will be greatly increased.

Dr Anthony Tam is a GP with a special interest in Skin Cancer, and also is a member of the Melanoma New Zealand Clinical Advisory Board.

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NEW

STUNNING MARATHON COURSE Hoka One One Taupo Marathon 5km Run / Walk 10km Run / Walk

SAT 1 AUG ‘15

21.1km Run / Walk 42.2km Run / Walk

TAUPO

www.runtaupo.co.nz

BE IN TO WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO RAROTONGA!

Includes Return airfares, accommodation and entry fees in to the Round Raro Road Race!

Valid to all entrants in the Hoka ONE ONE Taupo Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and 5km Race on Saturday 1st August

Other events in the Run Taupo Series

Sun 5 July

Mt Tauhara, Taupo

Sat 5 Sept Kinloch, Taupo

For more info on these events go to www.runtaupo.co.nz

Run or Walk all 3 events and receive a Marmot Run Tee or Cap for FREE!

SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 2015

W W W. O N E H U N G A H A L F. C O . N Z

Get the full story at www.endurancesport.co.nz/subscribe

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BRITTA MARTIN

YEALANDS YAK

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GODZONE

CONTENTS 12 News

World Watch Something Wild Newsbytes

18 Triathlon

A Point of View High Performance Profile: Sophie Corbridge ITU World Cup New Plymouth ITU Auckland World Triathlon Series Ironman NZ Kelloggs Unstoppable Champions Challenge Wanaka Profile: Anneke Jenkins

Return of the Jedi Coast to Coast GodZone Adventure Like No Other Team Seagate

46 Multisport & AR

58 Running

Striding Out Morphing yourself

62 GIVEAWAYS

66 Femme INSPIRATION

Erin Ohara Britta Martin

Girls On Top – Debbie Chambers Yealands Yak

70 Femme ACTIVE 76 Femme FITNESS

Aqua Jogging – Anna Russell

78 Femme REGULARS

Hair Removal

80 Training Regulars

Smart Coaching Multisport Doctor Mr Smith Training Exponential Performance Coaching Habit Training

90 Regulars

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