NZTri 103 50 pg free version

magazine partner

ISSUE 103 OCTOBER 2015

INCORPORATING

MASSIVE

EVENTS CALENDAR

Kate Bevilaqua ULTRA 520k CHAMPION CRAZYMAN 25TH ANNIVERSARY

DODDSY

ATHLETE PROFILE

03 $9.90 INCL GST

7 ITU WORLD TRIATHLON FINAL

CHICAGO image: ITU/JANOS SCHMIDT

CROCODILE TROPHY

Dream it – Live it – Share it AUSTRALIA 17.-25.10.2015AUSTRALIA

World's oldest and most iconic mountain bike stage race THE CROCODILE TROPHY is Australia‘s and the World‘s oldest and most iconic 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. Ride with over 100 cyclists from all over the world and Australia and for many this race is the challenge of a lifetime and for everyone it is an experience that they will never forget.

WWW.CROC.AT INFO@CROC.AT +43 676 3047584

PORT DOUGLAS

09_WETHERBY

01_SMITHFIELD

08_SYKBURY COFFEE 02_CAIRNS

LAKE TINAROO

03/04/05_ATHERTON

06/07_IRVINEBANK

MERIDA 2016 REACTO 7000-E

FRAME REACTO CF3 FORK Reacto Carbon pro-direct DERAILLEURS Shimano Ultegra D Di2 SS SHIFTERS Shimano Ultegra WHEELS Fulcrum Quattro 35 TIRES Continental Grand Sport Race 25 fold • Optimized aerodynamics • Comfortable S-Flex seat post • Variable seat tube angle • Shimano Ultegra Di2

AVAILABLE NOW AT A MERIDA DEALER NEAR YOU BIKE BARN ALBANY BIKE BARN TAKAPUNA V BIKE BIKE BARN NEW LYNN BIKE BARN BRITOMART BIKE BARN CENTRAL BIKE BARN MT WELLINGTON BIKE BARN BOTANY BIKE BARN MANUKAU GAS PAUANUI BIKE BARN HAMILTON BIKE BARN MT MAUNGANUI BIKE BARN WHAKATANE ROCKET BIKES TAURANGA BIKE BARN ROTORUA

61C Paul Matthews Road, Albany 81 Barry’s Point Road, Takapuna 23A Westhaven Drive, Auckland 3119 Gt North Road, New Lynn 88 Quay Street, Britomart, Auckland Cnr Symonds St & Khyber Pass Road, Grafton 50 Mt Wellington Hwy, Mt Wellington 287 Botany Road, Botany Downs 40 Cavendish Dr, Manukau 25 Sheppard Avenue, Pauanui Cnr Ulster and Liverpool St, Hamilton 12A Kereiti Street, Mt Maunganui 13-15 Commerce Street, Whakatane 633 Cameron Road, Tauranga South 1275 Fenton Street, Rotorua

HONDA FIRST BIKE BARN TAUPO TCB SKI BOARD & BIKE BIKE BARN NAPIER BIKE BARN TARANAKI BIKE & MOW BIKE BARN PALMERSTON NH HAPPY VALLEY CYCLES BIKE BARN KAPITI MUD CYCLES BIKE BARN WELLINGTON BIKE BARN LYALL BAY BIKE BARN NELSON KELVIN’S CYCLES NELSON

MERIDA.com 35 Hakiaha Street, Taumaranui 47 Horomatangi Street, Taupo 29 Ayr Street, Ohakune 102 Taradale Road, Napier 181 Gill Street, New Plymouth 57 Ruataniwha Street, Waipawa CNR Ferguson & Oxford Streets, Palmerston North 8 Church Street, Masterton 9 Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast 421 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington 133-139 Tory Street, Te Aro Cnr George Bolt & Cochrane Sts, Lyall Bay 114 Hardy Street, Nelson 109 Rutherford Street, Nelson

BIKEFIT MARLBOROUGH KNUDSEN’S SPORTS & TOYWORLD BIKE BARN CHRISTCHURCH BIKE BARN HORNBY PAPANUI CYCLES BIKE BARN TIMARU BIKE LOUNGE WANAKA BIKE BARN DUNEDIN INVERCARGILL CYCLE SURGERY BIKEAHOLIC DEALER ENQUIRIES TO BIKES INTERNATIONAL

24 Market Street, Blenheim 170 Palmerston Street, Westport 245 Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch Chappie Place, Hornby, Christcurch 468 Papanui Rd, Papanui, Christcurch 57 Sophia St, Timaru Unit 9, 12 Frederick St, Wanaka 499 Princes Street, Dunedin 21 Tay Street, Invercargill 109 Gorge Rd, Queenstown 09 267 1245 www.bikesinternational.co.nz

Wanaka Spring Luxury Spas represent the best value spa pools in the New Zealand market today. As a premium product with higher quality components, more features and functions, better insulation and already enjoying success in North America and Europe, you need to experience one for yourself.

Aspiring Luxury Spa

Aspiring Luxury Spa

Rob Roy Luxury Spa

Rob Roy Luxury Spa

Minaret Luxury Spa

Minaret Luxury Spa

All Wanaka Spring Luxury Spas come with a free Wanaka Spring Luxury Spa treatment pack with Chlorine, Buffers, Testing Strips and Instructions, full manufacturers warranty and backup service throughout NZ.

E: sales@wanakaspring.co.nz

www.wanakaspring.co.nz

a note from the

Editor

EDITOR

Tania Tuck – tania@mjmedia.co.nz

Spring is in the air!

This year seems to be flying by as summer approaches and I fear by the time many of you are reading this, thoughts of Christmas getaways will well and truly be planned.

One definite upside to this time of year are the longer days to fit in those extra training sessions after work. I have definitely noticed a jump in the keen people getting out there now we have some extra daylight hours after work.

With our summer season just ahead, now is the time to make a plan and get out there to your favourite race. There are some new venues on offer for this year’s Sovereign Triathlon Series, Villa Maria looks like a great opportunity for a top day out.

In this issue we profile Kate Bevilaqua who took on the UltraIronman in Texas recently. What an accomplishment! She won the whole thing over the men also, a legend!

We profile Kiwi triathlete Tony Dodds on his journey to date and what is in store for the season ahead.

Nathan Faavae shares key information in the world of Adventure Racing.

Nathan has some tricks from the top to assist for a more enjoyable experience in your new chosen sport – adventure styles.

Girls on Top share with us their amazing journey through Peru. 110 kilometers in some remote areas makes for fantastic reading (and inspiration) – perhaps something to add to the bucket list!

Good luck to all the kiwis taking part in Hawaii next month – IRONMAN & XTERRA world champion events.

Remember to sign up for our weekly eNews on www.endurancesport. co.nz or www.nztri.co.nz - each Monday, we bring you our Yellow Jersey eNewsletter with all the latest breaking news, upcoming event details and results from around the world. For our female dedicated eNewsletter, sign up on www.femmefitness.co.nz to receive our weekly Wednesday eNews.

Keep up the training as summer is just around the corner!

Enjoy!

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

Brad Dixon, Silas Cullen, Neil Averis, Jonny McKee, Dr Michael Jacques, Andrew Dewhurst, Nathan Faavae, Nicola Carter, Debbie Chambers, Anna Russell, Gerrard Smith, Matty Graham, Gerrard Smith, Elise Salt, Ailsa Rollinson, Tom Reynolds, Death Valley, Andrew Magness PHOTOGRAPHERS

ITU/Janos Scmidt, ITU/Delly Carr, Darryl Carey, Girls on Top/Debbie Chambers, Justin Aitken, Paul Wilkinson, Peter Flickr, Thomas Cole, Rob Charles, © Green Pixel, Rob Scott, Portobay.com, Rick © Ultratexas520K.com, Scottie T Photography, Mead Norton, Red Bull Media, Triathlon.org, 621 Contingency Response Wing, Janine Kay FRONT COVER

Cover image: Kate Bevilaqua Photographer: Janine Kaye

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.

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

7

contents

30

KATE BEVILAQUA

8

CONTENTS 22

36

SOVEREIGN TRI SERIES

DEATH VALLEY DOUBLE

10 News

World Watch

Something Wild

Newsbytes

20 Triathlon

High Performance

SOVEREIGN TRI SERIES

TONY DODDS

KATE BEVILAQUA ULTRA 520k

RAROTONGA TRIATHLON

36 Running

DEATH VALLEY

40 Multisport & AR

MOST TEAMS DON’T FINISH

44 Femme ACTIVE

Girls On Top – Debbie Chambers

50 GET THE FULL STORY

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

9

news

World watch

News & Events from Around the Globe WORDS: michael jacques

Braden Currie is making good progress in his goal to win the Xterra off-road triathlon world title. After winning the New Zealand’s Rotorua round of the Xterra world series, the three-time Coast to Coast champion claimed his biggest international win yet at the Asia-Pacific regional championships.

He trailed Australian’s Courtenay Atkinson and Ben Allen by 80-secs after the swim, but riding with former Xterra world champion Conrad Stoltz he hit the front after 20k into the 30k mountain bike. Atkinson has been one of Australia’s best triathletes for more than a decade, so Currie red-lined both his fitness and skills to build a lead before the 10k run. A couple of crashes didn’t seem to affect him and halfway through the run the Kiwi still had almost four minutes in hand and eventually took line honour three minutes clear of Atkinson and Stoltz in 2hrs 23min 36secs, while Rotorua’s Ollie Shaw came through for fourth.

New Zealand’s Lizzie Orchard was a solid fifth in the women’s race, 12min behind world ranked Flora Duffy (Ber) and Barbara Riveros (Chille).

Currie continued winning in the USA when he won the USA Triathlon off-road title at Xterra Southeast in Alabama.

In a furious race against 10-time US champion, Josiah Middaugh, Currie was fifth after the swim and rode to the front after 20k only to be caught by Middaugh near the end of the hilly and technical 30k. The two ran side by side for the entirety of the run with a furious sprint in the final 100m giving the Kiwi the win in 2hrs 18min 23secs. However, Middaugh had the last laugh as the season progressed with two wins over Currie. At the Xterra East in Virginia he ran away from Currie to win by almost 4min. Then racing near his American base in Colorado Middaugh won again while Currie slipped to third behind another American, Ben Hoffman.

Other Kiwis on the Xterra circuit have included Ollie Shaw and Sam Osborne.

In Virginia Shaw was neck and neck with eventual winner, Middaugh until a puncture ended his chances. Osborne meanwhile has chosen the European Xterra circuit where he won the Swedish

10

BRADEN CURRIE CLAIMS ANOTHER XTERRA VICTORY, ALABAMA USA

champs in a close race that saw the top three separated by just 24secs. He led out of the water by over a minute and held on for dear life to a 16sec winning margin ahead of fast closing Kris Codden (Belg) and Jan Pyott (Switz).

Jonathan Brownlee backed up his win in the Auckland round of the ITU world series to dominate Spaniards Mario Mola and Javier Gomez in the Gold Coast round. The British Olympic bronze medallist had a great swim and motivated a small break-away group that opened up 45 seconds after 20k of the 40k cycle. The group started to fall apart in the final 10k but still held 23 seconds as they started the 10k run. Spaniards Mario Mola and Javier Gomez tried hard to bring Brownlee back, but the Brit held them stride for stride to win by 18 seconds in 1hr 46min 53secs. Mola once again got the better of his better known compatriot to claim second.

Brownlee was back to his best at the London round of the world series, which was raced over the sprint distance.

After exiting the swim together, the brothers Alistair and Jonny looked likely to stage their traditional break on the bike. But a puncture in the first 100m of the ride ruined the race for Jonny, so Alistair relaxed and allowed a 17-rider front bunch to form. Onto the run he

spent a kilometre loosening the legs and then simply blasted clear to clock 14min 32secs for the 5k for a 12 second win ahead of Spaniard Fernando Alarza.

New Zealand’s Tony Dodds had a great race in London, make the 17-man front bunch and even leading the run for the first kilometre before Brownlee hit top gear. But Dodds held on an impressive eighth place, 31secs behind Brownlee.

Andrea Hewitt has been close to her best on the ITU circuit this year. After finishing third in Auckland she nabbed fourth on the Gold Coast. But no one has been a match for American Gwen Jorgensen. Like Brownlee in the men’s race at Gold Coast, Jorgensen had perhaps the best swim of her career to be part of a small break away on the bike. They built up a minute over an unmotivated chase bunch and Jorgensen was never going to beaten on the run. A 15sec penalty for not racking her bike properly failed to affect her and the American lopped away to a 78 second win in 1hr 56min 59secs.

Compatriots Sarah True and Katie Zaferes gave USA a clean sweep of the podium, while Hewitt proved best of the rest to run from the bunch to fourth in 1hr 59min exactly.

Gwen Jorgensen continues to be unbeatable, having now notched up a

SISSIONS 6TH IN ITU WORLD TRIATHLON SERIES STOCKHOLM IMAGE: JANOS SCHMIDT/ ITU

record 11 straight wins on the ITU world series circuit. In Yokohama she had a great swim to position herself at the front of a rain-soaked bike bunch and then totally outclassing the field with a 32:36 10k run to win by 73 seconds in 1hr 47min 20secs. Australian Ashleigh Gentle was second, a further 30 seconds clear of a fight for third that saw eight runners in 20 seconds. Aussie vet Emma Moffatt took the final podium spot, with Kiwi Andrew Hewitt in not far back in eighth place. The ITU roadshow then moved to London over the sprint distance where Jorgensen, Katie Zaferes and Sarah True took another clean sweep of the podium. They were part of a seven-rider break during the cycle and then ran away on the run.

Then with 1500m to go Jorgensen simply blasted away to a 20 second win 55min 45secs. Andrew Hewitt was handy once again, 46secs behind in sixth place to move to third place in the world rankings. Jorgensen took her 11th victory at the Hamburg sprint distance.

After a tactical swim and run, Vicki Holland attacked Jorgensen throughout the run. But the American stamped her authority in the final 800m to romp away for a five second win in 57min 08secs.

In a close race New Zealand’s Andrea Hewitt was eighth in 57min 52secs.

The ITU Olympic qualifying race in Rio de Janeiro saw all the big hitters checking out the Olympic course. But everyone saw how hard the hot and hilly race might be as defending Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee faded in the heat to finish 10th. One man who handles the heat is Olympic silver medallist Javier Gomez, who made an eight-man break away on the bike and then outran Frenchman Vincent Luis.

South African Richard Murray proved his hot weather credentials to run through the field for third, 26 seconds behind Gomez. The top eight all won automatic Olympic spots, but no Kiwis featured. Gwen Jorgensen also had a bit of a wakeup call in the women’s race. Admitting to feeling the heat, she was forced to leave her bid for victory to the last 2k. She still won, 19 seconds ahead of 2013 world series winner Non Stanford and fellow Brit Vicki Holland.

Kiwi Andrea Hewitt was a dnf.

Javier Gomez was on the top step of the podium again in the Stockholm round of the ITU world series. The four-time world champion had an uncharacteristically poor swim in 18th spot and had to red-line it to make the first bike bunch, but then discovered that no other run specialists were in the 23-strong pack. With several strong

riders with him, the bunch moved out to an 80 second lead. Once running there was no pressure the hit the first kilometre at full gas and Gomez just lifted the pace every few kilometres until no one could live with him.

Portugal’s Joao Pereira and Australian Aaron Royle were last to let go, but at the finish line Gomez’ 29min 27sec for the 10k gave him a 45 second win over Periera 1hr 49min 33secs.

Ryan Sissons made a huge breakthrough to claim sixth place in Stockholm. The Aucklander made the bike break with Gomez and co. and then had his best run ever – a 30:46 10k – to finish 79 seconds behind Gomez, but only five seconds off fourth and 20 seconds off the podium.

Andrea Hewitt took another podium in Stockholm with a strong third place. A fast swim spread-eagled the top 20 or so, with three small bunches ahead of a main chase bunch. Hewitt and Olympic champion Nicola Spirig rode through to the front with others tagging on to create a 15 rider lead bunch that opened up two minutes on the chasers.

Bermuda’s Flora Duffy led onto the run, only to have Spirig fly past with Hewitt, Americans Katie Zaferes and Sarah True, Australians Erin Densham and Emma Jackson, Dutchwoman Rachel

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

11

news

ANDREA HEWITT ITU WORLD TRIATHLON SERIES STOCKHOLM

Klamer and Germans Hanna Philippin and Rebecca Robisch right behind her.

After 5k Hewitt and True had opened up six seconds on Zaferes, with the others fighting for minor placings another 10 seconds back. At 7k Hewitt started cracking and as True romped away with a 33:14 10k run to win by 15 seconds, her compatriot Zaferes stormed past Hewitt to steal second by seven seconds.

Terenzo Bozzone continues to be among the best half ironman exponents globally. At 70.3 Budapest the Aucklander grabbed his 18th half ironman win. Taking the lead early in the bike, Bozzone never relinquished it.

Italian Alberto Casadei and Hungarian David Hanko stayed close, but Hanko lost momentum after a drafting penalty in transition and then South African Matt Trautman flew past him to nab third. Meanwhile Bozzone kept pulling away for a comfortable five minute win in 3hrs 46min 56secs. Irishwoman Eimear Mullan was a surprise winner among women, beating Brit Vanessa Raw by almost four minutes in 4hrs 15min 46secs.

Bozzone was at it again in the USA at Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga in Tennessee. American Andy Potts led a star-studded group out of the water, with Bozzone just six seconds back. A stretched group stayed close during the 90k ride and were joined by former duathlon world champion Leon Griffin toward the end. Griffin remained the pace setter in the first 10k of the half

12

BRADEN CURRIE XTERRA WORLD SERIES ROTORUA

marathon run, but Potts and Bozzone stayed on his shoulder until 15k when Potts lifted the pace and simply ran away to win in 3hrs 49min 43secs. His 1:14 time for the half marathon distance gave him a 90sec margin over Griffin, who came past Bozzone again to nab second. Bozzone also nabbed another third place in the hot weather and hotly contested 70.3 Vietnam where he led early in the run only to have South African James Cunnama come from two minutes behind to win by four minutes in 3hrs 51min 29secs. Australian Tim Reed filled second, two minutes clear of an exhausted Bozzone. Switzerland’s Caroline Steffen won the women’s race ahead of Great Britain’s Liz Blatchford.

Kiwis took a clean sweep at Challenge Taiwan. Racing the half ironman distance, Dylan McNeice led on the swim and was joined by Mike Phillips and Terenzo Bozzone on the 90k ride.

They started the run together, but Bozzone moved away for a comfortable four minute win in 3hrs 52min 41secs, while just 11 second separated Phillips and McNeice.

McNeice also teamed up alongside Cameron Brown at Ironman Cairns. But neither could match Australian Luke McKenzie. McNeice led out of the water, but McKenzie rode away to a race best 4hrs 30min for the 180k and then held on during the marathon run. Brown closed with the fastest run, but was still eight minutes adrift of McKenzie’s winning 8hrs 18min 01secs. Ten minutes

further back McNeice held of Levi Maxwell by two seconds for third. Gina Crawford had another good result in the women’s race, but couldn’t topple local favourite Liz Blatchford, who rode to a three minute lead and then kept pulling away on the run to beat Crawford by nine minutes in 9hrs 11min 49secs. Of interest: His Royal Highness Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, head of Bahrain’s Olympic Committee, finished 53rd and seventh in the men’s 25-29 age group in 10hrs 05min 27secs.

Earlier in the year Brown had also raced to fourth at Ironman Taiwan.

He couldn’t match former pro cyclist Domenico Passuello of Italy, who rode from eighth to first and then held on with a 2:55 marathon to finish three minutes clear of Sweden’s Frederik Croneberg in 2hrs 25min 55secs. Brown clocked in at 8hrs 43min 14secs, almost three minutes behind American Patrick Evoe in third.

Gina Crawford had a good win at 70.3 Bintan in Indonesia. At Bintan she led out of the 1.9k swim with American Laura Wassner, but lost time in transition before hitting the front once and for all just 5k into the 90k ride.

Crawford started the run with a three minute gap on American Caitlin Snow and Australia’s Katey Gibb. Gibb chased hard but faded in the heat and Crawford was a comfortable winner, 1min 43secs ahead of Snow, in 4hrs 25min 19secs.

Compatriot Candice Hammond was 14 minutes back in fifth, while in the men’s

GWEN JORGENSEN ITU WORLD TRIATHLON SERIES STOCKHOLM

race Christchurch Mike Phillips had another good race to finish second, five minutes behind Australian star Brad Kahlefeldt who clocked 3hrs 55min 31secs. Intriguingly Phillips had also been second behind the Australian a few weeks earlier at the Challenge Camsur half ironman in the Phillipines.

Crawford was also fourth at Challenge Roth. Europe’s most prestigious iron distance race is always fast and though Crawford never rivalled winner Yvonne Van Vlerken, who clocked 8hrs 50min 53secs, the Kiwi clocked a fast 9hrs 04min 45secs. The men’s race went to German Nils Frommhold, who stormed to a 4hrs 09min 13sec for the 180k cycle, and then held on during the run to win five minutes ahead of compatriot Timo Bracht in 7hrs 51min 28secs. Of interest at Roth this year was the new drafting penalty, which was served by adding a 1k loop to the run.

Several Kiwis have been in the action on the American non-drafting circuit.

Callum Millward and Mark Bowstead worked together at Colorado’s Boulder 70.3 half ironman to finish the ride in first and second. Millward put up his biggest result yet to win the highaltitude race in 3hrs 46min 47secs, 84 seconds clear of former ITU world champion Tim Don. Bowstead held on for third 23 seconds behind Millward.

Bowstead also racked up solid results in the New Orleans 70.3, where he filled sixth behind American Andy Potts, and the prestigious and tough Wildflower

GOMEZ CLAIMS GOLD ITU WORLD TRIATHLON SERIES STOCKHOLM

Triathlon in California, where he claimed seventh behind American Jeff Thomas who won for the fifth consecutive time.

Meanwhile at the famous Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, New Zealand’s Graham O’Grady managed eighth place, four minutes behind a sprint finish between American standouts Eric Lagerstrom and Andy Potts. Samantha Warriner was also back in race mode, finishing third at the Staffordshire 70.3 half ironman in the UK, trailing local favourite Lucy Gossage by 15 minutes.

Ironman Japan saw another solid Kiwi result, with Simon Cochrane leading out of the swim but then bowing to the power of Sweden’s Swen Sundberg on the brutal 180k bike. Starting the run he had six minutes in hand over Japan’s Yu Shinozaki, with American Patrick Evoe at nine minutes and Cochrane at 12 minutes. Evoe and Cochrane made in-roads on the equally tough marathon run, with Evoe closing to three minutes at 20k. But the American ran out of juice and would eventually finish five minutes behind Sundberg’s 9hr 22min win.

Cochrane held on to third, nine minutes off the win. The woman’s race saw Taiwan’s Shaio-Yu Li come from 17min back to beat American by 11 minutes in 10hrs 22min 59secs.

Dougal Allan is enjoying his transition to Ironman racing. The three-time Coast to Coast runner-up stormed to second place at Ironman Sweden. Swedish triathletes Karl Johan Danielsson and Patrik Nilsson were first out of the

water, with Allan 10 minutes down.

Danielsson led off the bike but Nilsson ran a sub-2:50 marathon to run away to a 17 minute win in 8hrs 08min 05secs.

Allan surprised even himself with a 2:52 marathon to run through to second place, 13 minutes clear of third placed Danielsson.

Jan Frodeno ruled at the 70.3 Half Ironman world champs in Austria. The 2008 Olympic champion outclassed Ironman world champion Sebastian Kienle and former Olympic distance world champion Javier Gomez. Frodeno and Gomez, the defending 70.3 world champion, were among the leaders out of the water but let Germans Andi Böcherer and Andi Dreitz ride away on the 90k bike course. Frodeno made up time in the final half of the ride to be just 45 seconds behind, but Gomez was four minutes further back and thus the fleet-footed German was never going to be beaten. The surprise, however, was Sebastian Kienle, who trailed by two minutes in the swim, passed Gomez but lost 50 seconds to Frodeno on the ride and then clocked the second fastest run to claim second ahead of Gomez, Belgium’s Bart Aernouts and Germany’s Michael Raelert. Just five minutes covered the first five men, with Frodeno 90secs clear with 3hrs 51min 19secs.

The women’s race saw Switzerland’s Daniela Ryf hit the lead after 10k on the bike and stayed there all day to beat Canadian Heather Wurtele by a massive 12 minutes in 4hrs 11min 34secs.

•

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

13

news

IMAGE: RED BULL MEDIA

Red Bull Trans Siberian Extreme July 2016 Moscow, Russia Red Bull Trans-Siberian Extreme ultra-stage bicycle race set off from Moscow on July 15. Ten international athletes were on the roads of Russia for 23 days and on August 6 they reached their destination in Vladivostok. 9195km along the legendary Trans-Siberian railway had been successfully traversed. Red Bull Trans-Siberian Extreme will be back for a 2016 edition. The race will start in early July and with minor changes, will follow the same route as in 2015. www.redbull.com

IMAGE: RED BULL MEDIA

Augusta Adventure Race 7th - 8th November, 2015 Augusta, Western Australia This is the biggest race over the Act-BelongCommit Augusta Adventure Fest weekend and in fact it’s the biggest adventure race in the world with 1,800 competitors.

The 2015 race also includes the Australasian Multisport Championships giving all competitors the opportunity to secure a coveted regional title and its the 10th anniverasy edition of the long course event.

So step up and make history by being part of the 10th edition of this iconic race. www.rapidascent.com.au

14

Tough Mudder 2015/2016 USA Tough Mudder is a team-oriented 10-12 mile (1820 kilometer) obstacle course designed to test physical strength and mental endurance. Tough Mudder puts camaraderie over finisher rankings and is not a timed race but a team challenge that allows participants to experience exhilarating, yet safe, world-class obstacles they won’t find anywhere else. www.toughmudder.com

IMAGE: 621 contingency response wing

Killarney Adventure Race 3rd October, 2015 Killarney, Ireland The Killarney Adventure Race is a one day multi adventure sport race. This race gives competitors the chance to run, hike, cycle and kayak some of the most dramatic, breathtaking and remote scenery in the world.

There are five different routes options to suit all levels of fitness: 70km expert, 60km pro. 50km semi pro, 48km dual, 27km sport. www.killarneyadventurerace.com

Arctic Circle Race 1st-3rd April, 2016 Sisimiut, Greenland The race takes place through the magnificent countryside around Sisimiut on Greenland’s west coast approx. 65 km north of the Arctic Circle. The total race distance is 160 km. The three-day race takes competitors through the magnificent, varied and sometimes harsh Greenlandic terrain. Two other races are organised in conjunction with the Arctic Circle Race. The first of these is ACR 100, covering 100 km. The other race, the Miki Race, has a shorter course again, and is intended primarily for children and young people not only from Sisimiut but also the rest of Greenland. www.acr.gl

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

15

news

NEWSBYTES Marmot Dash Hybrid Jacket Brave the winter chills with the Marmot Dash Hybrid Jacket.

For the Winter 2015 season, Marmot has introduced the perfect training jacket – the Dash Hybrid. Perfect for cold mornings on single-track trails; this lightweight, highly compressible wind shell with stretch side panels is designed for moving fast and moving far.

Christchurch based Adventure Racer Sia Svendsen has been wearing the Dash Hybrid on her early morning runs up the Port Hills and describes the jacket as “a great option to take the wind chill and yet keep you warm without heating up too quickly.”

Thanks to DriClime® Moisture Management Technology the Dash Hybrid combines uniquely plaited bi-component knit fabrics to mechanically draw moisture away from your skin – keeping you dry, warm and comfortable.

When asked about layering beneath the Dash Hybrid, Ms. Svendsen said, “I have worn the jacket in light rain and gale force winds with a Marmot thermal underneath. Mostly on a brisk morning I have been fine with a short sleeve thermal or even a singlet as the Dash Hybrid is an awesome windbreaker.”

In addition to being wind resistant, water repellent and breathable; the Marmot Dash Hybrid Jacket comes replete with 360° reflective features, drawcord adjustments at the collar and hem and a zippered chest pocket with media port.

Available in both Men’s and Women’s styles, the Marmot Dash Hybrid Jacket - with a RRP of $239.95 – can be found at Outside Sports and Torpedo 7 stores nationwide.

16

Adidas Ultra Boost Give Your Running a Spring Boost. adidas Ultra BOOST shoes are now available in a new spring colourways Boost your running and step with style into spring with the new adidas Ultra BOOST shoes. The ultimate running shoe for comfort and style, these running shoes are packed with the latest technology and are now available in vibrant new colours.

Many runners will be pounding the pavement in the lead-in to summer, and the best way to get the inspiration you need to kick-start your running routine is with adidas’ Ultra BOOST shoes, now available in frozen yellow for women and solar yellow for men. adidas developed Ultra BOOST using ARAMIS’ 3D shape and surface measurement to provide a fully adaptable running experience. The ARAMIS system is also used by top engineering institutions like NASA, Boeing and Audi to measure crash tests, vibration analysis and durability studies.

Your greatest-ever run awaits at www.adidas.co.nz/ultra_boost-boost.

Join the adidas Energy running movement by following @adidasnz and @adidasrunning on Twitter or Instagram. adidas Ultra BOOST is available now at adidas.co.nz, adidas Sport Performance stores and select retailers; RRP NZD$250.

Endura Rehydration Performance Fuel contains sodium and potassium at levels recommended for athletes in endurance events.

With 20 g of carbohydrates per dose for energy and Meta Mag 速 Magnesium to help healthy muscle and nerve function, it is a truly comprehensive rehydration formula.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.

endura.co.nz

Available in Orange, Lemon Lime, Raspberry and Pineapple flavours.

NZR2184 - 04/15 NA7642 - 03/16

NEXT GENERATION REHYDRATION

news

NEWSBYTES Ride the Way You Want The new Polar M450 offers all the information you need, quickly and easily. Set the wheels into motion with integrated GPS and barometer, and track your speed, distance and route. To get even more out of your rides the M450 is highly customizable; set the display to show the data you want, and use external Polar Bluetooth® Smart sensors to get more information like heart rate, speed, cadence or power. Swap in a colour cover to match the look of your bike and gear. Polar Fitness and Orthostatic Tests teach you more about your condition and progress as well as give personalized guidance to optimize your training. The M450 even measures your training load and recovery time, helping you to find your limits.

Discover more at www.polar.com/nz

GU Energy Gel Debut GU Energy Labs have launched two new gel flavors in the revamped line-up of their integrated nutrition system of Hydration, Energy and Recovery products.

The new GU Energy Gel flavor is Big Apple, and like all of the newly-formulated gels in the GU lineup, it contains no vitamin C or E, because the consumption of these anti-oxidants can inhibit the body’s natural training adaptations to defend against exercise stressors. Big Apple presents a refreshing tartness and like all newly-formulated gels, is wholly vegan.

Sea Salt Chocolate Roctane Energy Gel is the latest flavour introduced into the company’s ultraendurance line of Roctane products. Led by Magda Boulet, GU’s Vice President of Research, Development and Innovation and 2008 Olympic marathoner, the product team at GU created Sea Salt Chocolate which, like all Roctane Gels, contains more amino acids than GU Energy Gels - including beta-alanine, which helps to maintain normal acidity levels within muscles during intense exercise to prevent muscle fatigue.

The new flavours are available now at local specialty retailers and on the new webstore www.GUEnergy.co.nz

Nike LunarGlide 7 Versatile enough for most distance and types of runners, with soft, responsive cushioning and added support underfoot.

Lightweight Lunarlon foam delivers soft yet responsive cushioning, while the Dynamic Support system provides smooth stability throughout your run.

OPTIMAL TRACTION Pressure mapping on the outsole offers targeted traction and lightweight durability.

BREATHABLE SUPPORT The Flyknit and mesh upper creates ventilation and seamless support.

RRP $220.00, www.nike.com

18

Real Smart.

vívoactive, the lightweight GPS smartwatch with high-resolution colour touchscreen, comes with built-in GPS-enabled running, biking and golfing, plus swimming and activity tracking apps. Use on its own or pair with your smartphone for incoming call, calendar, SMS and social media notifications. Battery lasts through all your activities with up to 3 weeks in watch/ activity-tracking mode or up to 10 hours using GPS. It’s more than just a smartwatch.

©2014 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

vívoactive ™

#garminsmart

triathlon

HIGH PERFORMANCE

NO EXCUSES CULTURE WORDS: Andrew Dewhurst, TRI NZ

Commendations to the young athletes who recently toured Japan with the National Talent Squad: In a little under two weeks, in a distinctly foreign country, and covering thousands of miles, they secured 11 top 10 finishes in international competition. Certainly there were aspects of performance to improve, but in each race they all gave what they had, took responsibility and executed well.

This was none more evident than in Osaka, where the boys particularly replicated their strength from Sendai the week before, despite 32-degree heat and a decidedly stronger international field. No fuss, nothing elaborate – after arriving in Osaka, they listened to their support, looked after themselves, chilled in the hotel, and set their minds about performing.

On race day, I am a believer that you can only expect of an athlete the performance they have prepared for – no more, but also no less. There are no super-natural performances: When the men’s Team Pursuit rides 3:54 min to claim the World Champions’ rainbow jersey, it is the execution of laps done in training; and when Valerie Adams throws 21 metres she rolls out the precise technique she has practised time and again. What’s more, you see very few punctures or bugs among such champions, and even when faced with entry confusion in London, Val simply got on with it and won Olympic gold.

Often though, in contrast, I hear stories of athletes for whom “it wasn’t my day” or “events out of my control” or “I wasn’t really peaked for this one” – a ream of rationalisation to externalise perceived under-performance. I sometimes wonder ‘what are the expectations in comparison to the preparation?’ That was the encouraging aspect in Japan – a group of young athletes taking ownership of their performance: If they missed the front pack it was no-one’s fault but the need to learn to swim faster; if a transition was slow, no excuses, their own hand went up to practise more.

As we look towards this year’s World Championships in Chicago and next

20

Tayler Reid and Trent Thorpe execute at speed to lead ITU Osaka out of T1

year’s Olympics in Rio, we have again set challenging selection standards. Whether in Juniors, U23s or Elite, these leave no room for excuses or maybes, as we strive towards the HPSNZ mantra of “winning on the world stage”. As Rio Chef de Mission and rowing legend Rob Waddell said at a recent NZOC Forum “it’s either black or white in high performance, nothing grey; we’re all accountable”.

Commendation then also to Andrea Hewitt, who when tasked with podia for Olympic nomination shrugged off a time penalty in Auckland and charged to bronze. And to Tony Dodds, taking to front-running in London to secure a prized 8th place. In support of Tony I must also commend HP Coach Tim Brazier, who has also brought both Sam Ward and

Deb Lynch quietly under the qualification standard for World U23s – a triumvirate of performers accepting responsibility.

Not surprising when you see the quiet transformation Tim has also brought to the HP swimming squad, with disciplined dry-land activation complementing technical development, and leading to regular front packs for Dodds, Ward and Co this year.

There is still plenty of ground to make up both in performance and in accountability, but when Youth Olympic medallist Dan Hoy blogs that his National Talent Squad teammates keep him and each other motivated “otherwise another guy will take your spot on the team”, I know we’re on the right track. Best wishes to everyone’s honest efforts.

•

SUPERB VALUE AERO TRI BIKE, PERFECT FOR YOUR FAVOURITE DEEP DISH WHEELS.

MERIDA WARP TRI 3000

FRAME WARP TRI CF2 FORK Warp Tri-direct-E GROUPSET Shimano 105 D SHIFTERS Shimano BS-R1 2 FREEWHEEL Shimano CS-5800-11 12-25 TIRES Continental Grand Sport Race 23 fold WHEELS Merida Super Aero 38 Pair HANDLEBAR/AEROBAR Profile Ozero TT

base – T2+ aero clip

AVAILABLE NOW AT A MERIDA DEALER NEAR YOU BIKE BARN ALBANY BIKE BARN TAKAPUNA V BIKE BIKE BARN NEW LYNN BIKE BARN BRITOMART BIKE BARN CENTRAL BIKE BARN MT WELLINGTON BIKE BARN BOTANY BIKE BARN MANUKAU GAS PAUANUI BIKE BARN HAMILTON BIKE BARN MT MAUNGANUI BIKE BARN WHAKATANE ROCKET BIKES TAURANGA BIKE BARN ROTORUA

61C Paul Matthews Road, Albany 81 Barry’s Point Road, Takapuna 23A Westhaven Drive, Auckland 3119 Gt North Road, New Lynn 88 Quay Street, Britomart, Auckland Cnr Symonds St & Khyber Pass Road, Grafton 50 Mt Wellington Hwy, Mt Wellington 287 Botany Road, Botany Downs 40 Cavendish Dr, Manukau 25 Sheppard Avenue, Pauanui Cnr Ulster and Liverpool St, Hamilton 12A Kereiti Street, Mt Maunganui 13-15 Commerce Street, Whakatane 633 Cameron Road, Tauranga South 1275 Fenton Street, Rotorua

HONDA FIRST BIKE BARN TAUPO TCB SKI BOARD & BIKE BIKE BARN NAPIER BIKE BARN TARANAKI BIKE & MOW PEDAL PUSHERS HAPPY VALLEY CYCLES BIKE BARN KAPITI MUD CYCLES BIKE BARN WELLINGTON BIKE BARN LYALL BAY BIKE BARN NELSON KELVIN’S CYCLES NELSON

MERIDA.com 35 Hakiaha Street, Taumaranui 47 Horomatangi Street, Taupo 29 Ayr Street, Ohakune 102 Taradale Road, Napier 181 Gill Street, New Plymouth 57 Ruataniwha Street, Waipawa CNR Ferguson & Oxford Streets, Palmerston North 8 Church Street, Masterton 9 Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast 421 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington 133-139 Tory Street, Te Aro Cnr George Bolt & Cochrane Sts, Lyall Bay 114 Hardy Street, Nelson 109 Rutherford Street, Nelson

BIKEFIT MARLBOROUGH KNUDSEN’S SPORTS & TOYWORLD BIKE BARN CHRISTCHURCH BIKE BARN HORNBY PAPANUI CYCLES BIKE BARN TIMARU BIKE LOUNGE WANAKA BIKE BARN DUNEDIN INVERCARGILL CYCLE SURGERY DEALER ENQUIRIES TO BIKES INTERNATIONAL

24 Market Street, Blenheim 170 Palmerston Street, Westport 245 Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch Chappie Place, Hornby, Christcurch 468 Papanui Rd, Papanui, Christcurch 57 Sophia St, Timaru Unit 9, 12 Frederick St, Wanaka 499 Princes Street, Dunedin 21 Tay Street, Invercargill 09 267 1245 www.bikesinternational.co.nz

triathlon

Sovereign

TRI SERIES The Sovereign Tri Series returns this coming summer, with a few new twists and seasoned favourites to keep triathletes of all abilities happy with seven professionally presented and safely run events to choose from.

One of the new twists is the inclusion of a Duathlon event in Auckland hosted

by Villa Maria Estate in Mangere. If the thought of cycling and running through the grapevines is not enough to lure you into entering, how about the prospect of a prize giving under the shade of the trees or an umbrella or two whilst sampling some of the many wonderful wines produced on the 40 hectare winery.

Triathlon New Zealand Event Director Stuart Dwight says the event has all the hallmarks of a special day, for the entire family.

“When the idea first came up it was kind of crazy, but the more we looked into it and the more we discussed it with the

22

Villa Maria team the more it made perfect sense. Villa Maria is a beautiful estate with open grounds surrounded by largely flat rolling roads which in itself lends itself towards a family orientated, fun event of this nature. Add to that though the award winning wines, café and the chance to create our own atmosphere on the day, it really will be an event not to be missed.”

And there will be something for everyone, with a fun short distance event for kids and families along with the standard distance event to test those who wish to really push the limits on what will be a fast and open course – with some running off road on smooth grass and gravel trails in amongst the grape vines – all the while knowing

there is that extra incentive waiting at the finish line should you wish to celebrate with a local tipple!

The rest of the series includes regular stops such as The Tinman (Mount Maunganui), Takapuna, Kinloch (national sprint champs), Wellington (national standard distance champs) and a continuation of two events from last year, one that was ‘restarted’ in Wanaka and the Orana Park Duathlon event in Christchurch that like Villa Maria, has huge upside for families and growth in the future.

Wellington will once again host the National Standard Distance Championships, something that is sure to boost numbers again after Auckland

The Sovereign Series has something for everyone and in some wonderful locations Craig Waugh

hosted the nationals as part of the now ended Barfoot & Thompson ITU World Series event.

Kinloch has become one of the more popular events on the summer calendar, with the Sprint Nationals again being played out in the lakeside holiday spot that offers a real weekend away experience for the whole family – as well as some amazing racing on a stunning course.

And after its debut on the calendar last season, the Orana Wildlife Park Duathlon is back and in a more user friendly mid-summer time slot, with the event scheduled for January 16 in a twilight time zone that will encourage families and friends to come along to visit the zoo during opening hours, participate in the event once the zoo has closed (from 5pm) and enjoy the post event prize giving and

another look at the zoo in the amazing surrounds of one of New Zealand’s leading tourist attractions.

Triathlon New Zealand CEO Craig Waugh says the Sovereign Series is shaping as one of the best the sport has seen.

“We are proud of the Series and the variety of racing that is on offer, from encouraging the first timers, families and workplace involvement through to racing that will entice the elite of the sport to come out and play, the Sovereign Series has something for everyone and in some wonderful locations.”

The Sovereign Series has also condensed its timeline, with the final race of the summer being hosted at Takapuna on the 28th February, meaning great racing up and down the country throughout the summer.

•

Sovereign Tri Series 2015/16 Sovereign Villa Maria Duathlon, Auckland 15 November 2015 Sovereign Tinman, Mount Maunganui 29 November 2015 Sovereign Wanaka, Central Otago 9 January 2016 Sovereign Orana Wildlife Park Duathlon, Christchurch 16 January 2016 Sovereign Nationals, Wellington 30 January 2016 Sovereign Kinloch 14 February 2016 Sovereign Takapuna, Auckland 28 February 2016

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

23

triathlon DODDSY COMPETING IN EDMONTON 2014

24

WORDS: TRI NZ

Known anywhere in the triathlon world as simply ‘Doddsy’ it seems somehow appropriate that one of the most laid back characters in the sport should be known by the one name, a name that immediately indicates a kinship – and it doesn’t take long before you feel like you have known this southern man all your life.

First introduced to the sport in his late teens, Doddsy comes from a generation inspired by one of the greatest moments in New Zealand sport, let alone triathlon.

“I was watching Athens Olympics at John McGlashan College when Hamish won and Bevan finished second. At the time I was a swimmer and thought ‘I can swim faster than the fastest swimmer there’ so thought I might give it a nudge. I won my first triathlon at the Otago champs and thought wow!”

Typically though, there is some humour lurking not too far away as Doddsy recounts his first triathlon memory – at some expense to his own reputation.

“My first memory was a triathlon in Dunedin, I was winning the swim but I have a fear of sharks and I had watched a bit of national geographic channel and thought sharks will only attack the first or the last person. Well, I was about 50 metres in front when suddenly that memory came back to me and I thought ‘stuff this’, I started doing backstroke so everyone could catch up then I settled back into the group. Mum thought what the hell is this boy doing! Ha! I thought I was smart, but obviously not that smart.”

Prior to his discovery of triathlon in his late teens, Doddsy was your typical Kiwi kid growing up, loving the outdoor life and the oval ball.

“I was rugby and swimming all the way, I was happiest sitting at the bottom of a pool somewhere. I got taught when the dog got taught to swim, dad threw us both in and expected us to swim back, the dog was all good.....I guess I eventually got there!

“We are a rugby family and I represented Otago growing up, it was everything to me. Mum was a medic for rugby teams and Dad was a coach of a few Otago teams, I was always there somewhere, usually being a ball boy and eating chips. Out of sport I was lucky enough to have a father as a hunter, so most weekends would be spent with him pig and deer hunting, possum hunting or on the hills somewhere chasing him around.”

Those formative years were spent roaming for sure, literally in life but always with a common tie to the Otago region as the Dodds family lived in Lawrence, Balclutha, Clutha Valley. The moving was a result of Dad having different jobs in farming and being a stock agent. It was Tony’s swimming ability that eventually led to him moving a little further south.

“At the age of 13 I got asked to go to Southland Boys High School and board there to work with the swim squad down there, and yes for those that don’t know Southland Boys High is in Invercargill. I spent 3 years there under Andy Adair - who I still class as one of the most incredible coaches I have encountered, these years were the making of my ‘R’ rolling!

“Three years later my coach moved to Dunedin so I followed him, I spent a year at John McGlashan College and swam at 5am every morning for two hours then school then another two hours swimming at night. It drained me, I gave up swimming later that year. I only lasted two months without any exercise though and gave triathlon a crack, and here I am today, still learning and still getting faster!”

There was some work going on as well though – or was there?

“I spent two years at the Sports Institute in Otago studying....’studying’,” says a rather sheepish Dodds, enough said.

Nowadays Dodds is ensconced as Wanaka identity and fiercely proud of that community – that is when he is not now living with the Tri NZ HP team in Cambridge. So strong is his connection to Wanaka that he was able to create the ‘Doddsy Challenge’ as part of the Tri NZ national series race in his hometown, with local businesses putting up $10,000 to entice local and international athletes to race by the lakeside once a year at dusk, it was if you like Wanaka’s version of an ITU World Series event. He finally won it in 2013 to the delight of huge crowds lining the run course and promptly donated the cash to charity!

The career so far has seen a number of highlights, but with typical southern humility Dodds plays most of them down, suggesting that the best is very much still to come.

“The highlights for me so far? There are some but the first that comes to mind is the silver medal at the Mixed Relay World Champs in Hamburg in 2011. Team racing is something special, I love the camaraderie and friendship in the sport, that is huge for me and to race as part of an official New Zealand team and bring home a medal will always be a special moment.

“I was 4th at the under 23 elite World Champs on the Gold Coast as well and just this season at the London World Series I finished 8th – which in itself wasn't incredible but it was the fact I gave it a nudge, I was pretty pleased with that. There haven't been that

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

25

triathlon

I started doing backstroke so everyone could catch up then I settled back into the group Tony Dodds

DODDS COMPETING IN ISHIGAKI 2013

many highs yet but I am progressing slowly and believe that I have the best years yet to come.”

Away from the sport, whether it is training or racing, Doddsy is a mixed bag – he is just as likely to be at home amongst the latte sipping set in Auckland or the big cities around the world as he is going bush into the backcountry of New Zealand.

“You might find me going hunting, going to the movies, finding the best coffee and being a critic about it. I also love road trips in the old Ford with a cold Speights at the end of a long day with friends.”

As indicated earlier, a short time with Doddsy and you come to know his laconic, laid back style – always with a grin close to the surface and a twinkle in the eye, he is one of life’s likeable characters, but has it always been that way?

“It's taken 10 years to get it right, but the more relaxed I am the better I go, I still have to focus but I try save as much energy as possible and go out and have fun. When you are stressed that's just more energy leaving the body. So I try to stay calm.”

But don’t mistake that relaxed demeanor as someone who doesn’t care of is lacking in drive, far from it, Dodds still very much has goals he is chasing.

“Top of the list for me is to go to the Olympics, not just to make up the numbers either, I want to qualify and then get a top result which I know I'm capable of. I need to get my world ranking up too. But you know the first goal is a little more simple and yet just as tough to reach, I would love to make it through a whole year and be consistent throughout. I've always had something go wrong whether it's an injury or peak too early, so as I said I think the best years are yet to come.”

Given Doddsy is always ready for a chat, what would New Zealand’s leading ranked male triathlete offer to youngsters by way of advice?

“Be consistent. You are going to make so many mistakes, but it's

26

whether you learn from them and don't make them again that will make you great.”

No athlete can achieve success without a great support team and Doddsy is quick to acknowledge that, citing family, coaches and plenty of others for help along the way.

“First on that list without a doubt are my parents, that's a given, they have always supported me, followed me around the world, they are givers. Then it's the coaches. Andy Adair - my old swim coach. I've never seen a coach have so much attention to detail or perfection. Then we move onto triathlon, John Hellemans ‘the silver fox’, he's a legend, an expert and all round great guy. And when I started training alongside Kris Gemmell he gave so much and helped me a lot with getting started, he also needs a lot of credit.

“And then to the Tri NZ environment and in particular Tim Brazier, he maybe doesn’t get the praise he should, we have been together for about six years now. I believe that if you keep with a good coach long enough who is also learning each day, you will both benefit in time, because he knows how you train and how you work. His planning is impeccable, He is the behind the scenes man and it would definitely be hard without him.

“Finally it is a mention for some key friends. Dylan McNeice who I lived with for a long time overseas, and Ryan Sissons. Then George Gibson who is one of the best mates who keeps my feet on the ground and tells me how it is. He has just started up a cafe in Papamoa by the way, it is called "Henry and Ted" the best coffee around, just thought I would get that in there…”

Probably not a bad way to end this interview, Doddsy with that cheeky grin and mischievous nature, talking about others.

You can rest assured though that the story doesn’t end here as Doddsy continues to roll his r’s and chase his dreams, with Rio 2016 looming perhaps largest of them all when his head hits the pillow each night after another hard days training.

•

GET YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINE SENT TO YOUR iPAD OR ANDROID DEVICE FOR FREE*

ISSUE 103 OCT

OBER 2015

TNER MAGAZINE PAR

G INCORPORATIN

KATE ILAQAMUPIA ON BEULV TRA 520K CH

MASSIVE

EVENTS CALENDAR

YMANY CR25AZ ANNIVERSAR TH

DODDSY

OFILE ATHLETE PR

$9.90 INCL GST

03

NEW APP

We are excited to bring you our new magazine app which gives you NZ Triathlon and Multisport magazine 50pg format for FREE* More information is available at nztri.co.nz or download from iTunes or Google play

SAT 10 OCT ‘15 WAIHI

SAT 7 NOV ‘15

WAIKATO RIVER TRAILS

SAT 12 DEC ‘15

BETHELLS BEACH AUCKLAND

FEB ‘16 - APR ‘16 AUCKLAND & TAWHARANUI

SAT 19 MAR ‘16

MOTUTAPU & RANGITOTO ISLANDS AUCKLAND

6 1 0 2 PRECEPT130

It’s one of the most radically capable bikes in our lineup. If your legs and lungs are there, you’ll keep up with honchos on carbon bling bikes. Modeled around the Process 134, the Precept 130 (formerly the Precept DL) flourishes on everything from technical descents to flowy climbs. Performance, value and fun. A bike that will take you as far as you want to go.

BIKE BARN ALBANY BIKE BARN TAKAPUNA V BIKE BIKE BARN NEW LYNN BIKE BARN BRITOMART BIKE BARN CENTRAL BIKE BARN MT WELLINGTON BIKE BARN BOTANY BIKE BARN MANUKAU GAS PAUANUI BIKE BARN HAMILTON BIKE BARN MT MAUNGANUI BIKE BARN WHAKATANE ROCKET BIKES TAURANGA BIKE BARN ROTORUA

61C Paul Matthews Road, Albany 81 Barry’s Point Road, Takapuna 23A Westhaven Drive, Auckland 3119 Gt North Road, New Lynn 88 Quay Street, Britomart, Auckland Cnr Symonds St & Khyber Pass Road, Grafton 50 Mt Wellington Hwy, Mt Wellington 287 Botany Road, Botany Downs 40 Cavendish Dr, Manukau 25 Sheppard Avenue, Pauanui Cnr Ulster and Liverpool St, Hamilton 12A Kereiti Street, Mt Maunganui 13-15 Commerce Street, Whakatane 633 Cameron Road, Tauranga South 1275 Fenton Street, Rotorua

HONDA FIRST BIKE BARN TAUPO BIKE BARN NAPIER TCB SKI BOARD & BIKE BIKE & MOW BIKE BARN PALMERSTON NTH. HAPPY VALLEY CYCLES BIKE BARN KAPITI MUD CYCLES BIKE BARN WELLINGTON BIKE BARN LYALL BAY BIKE BARN NELSON KELVIN’S CYCLES NELSON BIKEFIT MARLBOROUGH

35 Hakiaha Street, Taumaranui 47 Horomatangi Street, Taupo 102 Taradale Road, Napier 29 Ayr Street, Ohakune 57 Ruataniwha Street, Waipawa CNR Ferguson & Oxford Streets, Palmerston North 8 Church Street, Masterton 9 Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast 421 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington 133-139 Tory St, Te Aro Cnr George Bolt & Cochrane Sts, Lyall Bay 114 Hardy Street, Nelson 109 Rutherford Street, Nelson 24 Market Street, Blenheim

KNUDSEN’S SPORTS & TOYWORLD BIKE BARN CHRISTCHURCH BIKE BARN HORNBY PAPANUI CYCLES BIKE BARN TIMARU BIKE LOUNGE WANAKA BIKE BARN DUNEDIN BIKEAHOLIC DEALER ENQUIRIES TO BIKES INTERNATIONAL

170 Palmerston Street, Westport 245 Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch Chappie Place, Hornby, Christcurch 468 Papanui Rd, Papanui, Christcurch 57 Sophia St, Timaru Unit 9, 12 Frederick St, Wanaka 499 Princes Street, Dunedin 109 Gorge Rd, Queenstown 09 267 1245 www.bikesinternational.co.nz

triathlon

Kate Bevilaqua takes outright win at Canada

WORDS: BRAD DIXON

Australian Kate Bevilaqua has recently triumphed at the ULTRA520K held in Canada (August 2015). Kate wasn’t only the first women over the line, she was first OVERALL, beating all the men and taking the course record in the process.

This test of endurance comprises of a 3-day double Ironman distance triathlon. Day one is a mere 10km swim (that’s 400 lengths of a 25m pool but in the open water); you then end the day with a 150km on the bike. Day two consists of another 276km on the bike, during this leg Kate went through some dark moments but managed to pull through to get to day three where she ticked off a double marathon 84km run. Kate didn’t just complete the final day – as the race got longer she got better; a double marathon in 7hrs 32min! Kate had done the unthinkable – the first female athlete in the 32 year history of ultra-distance racing to win a race overall. Her final time was 24hrs 16min and 17sec.

Kate Bevilaqua is no stranger to the endurance racing scene.

She is a three times Ironman winner with wins at Ironman Western Australia (Dec 2010) Ironman Korea (July 2011), and Ironman Louisville, Kentucky USA (Aug 2013).

I first met Kate when she came to see me for physiotherapy advice before her Port of Tauranga Half victory in 2008. I was impressed by her relaxed yet “I mean business” demeanour. Kate was kind enough to answer some questions about her background, change in training for the Ultra distance double Ironman, and how the historic victory came about: BD: How did your training change leading into the ULTRA520k?

KB: I raced Ironman Lanzarote in May then enjoyed a week's holiday with Guy and my parents in Venice. By the time I returned to Boise in the USA it was time to buckle down with two months until ULTRA520K. Obviously the biggest difference in my training was volume and most of it was done at an aerobic pace. There was a plan in place to progressively increase the volume each week and Thursday, Friday, Saturday was also a semi race simulation.

30

By this I mean I did a semi-long ride Thursday, longer bike Friday then long run Saturday. Recover on Sunday. This also progressed each week. With all the volume there was very little intensity in any of my training. It was mainly a strength endurance focus.

BD: Do you have any special daily eating regime? What did your racing nutrition plan look like?

KB: Normally day to day there is nothing special about my eating regime. I just generally try and eat healthy. I am conscious immediately after a tough or long work out about getting in the right amount of carbs/protein in. This can speed up recovery and allow for successful back to back sessions. The rest of the time it is simple, but healthy! I am partial to a nice glass of red wine at the end of the night. I tried to keep my race nutrition plan simple as well, but for ULTRA520k I had to be prepared for everything! I had no idea what I would be craving or may need 250km into a 276km ride! The mini-van was loaded with my GU Electrolyte drink, GU Roctane, GU Gels, energy bars, chocolate bars, Coke, Redbull, Bagels, muffins and cookies. You name it- it was there….just in case! My plan was at a minimum to consume the same number of calories per hour as I normally would during an Ironman. With the pace and intensity obviously being slower I didn't think this would be a problem. But flavour fatigue could be and maybe wanting something more substantial. I had practiced with various foods during my long rides and runs and hopefully prepared myself for what might happen.

BD: When did you realise in the race that you had a shot at winning outright?

KB: I actually didn't know until about 60km into the double

KATE BEVILAQUA TICKING OFF A DOUBLE MARATHON (84KM!)

IMAGE: RICK@ULTRATEXAS520K.COM

marathon on the last day. Obviously I knew where I stood after the previous two days and had a rough idea of the time gaps leading into Day three. But honestly, the way I was feeling the end of day two….all I wanted to do was get through that 84.4km in the best shape I could. What would be would be! Around 60km into the run I had Guy supporting me and we were running side by when Steve King ( the commentator) came by in his car and wound down his window for a chat….he explained the time gap between myself and the lead runner and Dustin who was running behind me but still in first place overall. His exacts words were "if you keep going at this pace….you can make history!” That did make me smile a little bit, but when he left I turned to Guy and let him know that was the last thing I could think about right now! I had just run 60km, I still had a tough rolling 24km of running in front of me and I just had to continue to focus on 2km at a time. The rest would take care of itself!

BD: How important is core and functional body weight exercises in your training?

KB: In a typical week when training for Ironman or 70.3 races I would have at least two sessions of strength/core exercises in my program. But during my ULTRA520k prep we removed those sessions. With the increase in volume, it was more important for me to be spending that time recovering, sleeping, sitting in my recovery boots or just relaxing. But once I resume my 70.3/Ironman training I will include those strength sessions into my week again.

BD: How would you rate this win amongst your 3 x IM wins in your career so far?

KB: That's a really good question and something I have been talking about with Guy and my coach Jeff recently. My 3 x IM wins will always be very special to me, especially my first title at Ironman Western Australia. Winning in front of family and friends is something I had always dream off! But this….this is history!

This was something that had never been achieved before. I can guarantee there will be more females who will be overall Ultraman champions in the future. But to be the first…that is pretty special!!

So let’s just say for now….. Every time I think about it…..there is definitely a huge smile across my face and lots of goose bumps!

BD: Apart from Netball did you play any other sports growing up?

KB: Not particularly…I did a little bit of swimming, but that was the norm for any Aussie kid growing up! Mostly it was all about Netball. I had high hopes and aspirations of playing Netball for Australia and refused to believe anyone who told me I was too short! Actually, my first taste of International Netball was a trip to New Zealand and I loved it! I became involved in Triathlon during the summer months to try and gain some extra fitness to help with my Netball during winter!! Eventually I became more and more involved in Triathlon and through the persistence of my first coach and his concern for my knees and ankles; I eventually gave up the Netball completely.

BD: What made you change from Olympic distance to the longer distances?

KB: Actually, that was not my doing! As far as I was concerned it was all about Olympic Distance racing and that was it. I wasn't even that good at them either! I just really enjoyed it. My coach at the time Andrew Budge had been trying to convince me for years to give longer racing a go. I just blatantly refused and questioned the sanity of why anyone would what to do that. He would always let me know in a nice way….that I really didn't have that top end speed and would be better suited to the longer course racing.

Eventually he had my cousin Wesley on board as well and between the 2 of them……they not only had me signed up for Busselton Half Ironman but also my first Ironman in Forster. So I now officially blame both of them for where my career has ended up now…. although I wouldn't want to change a thing!

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

31

triathlon

DAY ONE BEGINS WITH A GRUELLING 10KM OPEN WATER SWIM

IMAGE: RICK@ULTRATEXAS520K.COM

BD: Will this race victory change the direction of your career? i.e. will you start to look at the Ultra distances in running and triathlon.

KB: This has been something I had wanted to do for almost five years now….Guy and my close friends were well aware of it. But the timing was never right. Chasing points for Kona or commitments to particular races. There was always something going on. Then the end of last year…I said…that's it! I am doing it! I have always wanted to and said one day…..now is the time! Would I like to do another one…yes! Would I like to do the Ultraman World Championships….yes. When will that be? I am not sure. Right now it has been time for some rest and recovery then it will be back to trying to make myself faster again for 70.3 and Ironman racing.

At this stage I would like to qualify for the Hawaii Ironman next year and not having any point’s means I am starting from scratch.

It is going to be a busy 6 - 9months of racing coming up. But I do look forward to getting involved in more Ultra distance running and triathlon events in the future.

BD: What is your advice for athletes trying to balance long miles of training with life?

KB: I am not going to lie, it was tough and I do this full time! But I found little ways to still get the volume in, without compromising family and coaching/work time! Things like running or cycling to or from work, the pool, the gym - the miles add up when you do this every day. I would get up and ride 1-2 hours first thing in the morning, then meet with Guy for his long ride, then either finish with him or get in some extra time after. Yes, that did require getting up earlier, but mornings are the best time of the day!

Again, if I have to go somewhere with the family on the weekend, can you run there? Leave a bit earlier than everyone else, pack a bag and change of clothes into the car, and you are on your way!

Point to point runs are so much easier than out and backs. Just remember though, that life stress will always play a part on your

32

training and racing performance. You DO need to find the balance and be happy with it. When you do, that is when you will be at your most successful!

BD: What are your feelings about how women in general are portrayed in the media, and what is your experience in the sporting world in regards to equal treatment between men and women?

KB: If I am to be brutally honest, there is no denying that women are the minority when it comes to sport and being portrayed in the media. Well, this is my experience anyway. Coming from Australia where for the most part of the year our newspapers and news reports are all centred on Aussie Rules Football, Cricket and Rugby. Even when it is the off season, these sports still somehow dominate the airwaves. When a women's sport or event has been highlighted from what I have seen it has been a great read. Articles have been well written, informative and highlighting athletic ability and achievement. Is it improving! I do honestly believe this…..just very slowly! Obviously the biggest issue affecting women in Triathlon at the moment, in particular Ironman racing is equal slots to Kona. Race distance, rules and prize money are all equal between men and women. The only difference is the number of each gender which are allowed to compete Professionally at the World Championships. I am personally unaware of this happening in any other sport and would love to see this change!

Brad Dixon is a sports physiotherapist and triathlon/running coach working at beautiful Mt. Maunganui. He specialises in blending your training with your life, so balance is maintained and joy is enhanced. You can connect with him at www.everfit. co.nz and at everfit coaching on FACEBOOK. He is also the owner of ENDURObeet (endurance enhancing beetroot powder) www. endurobeet.co.nz.

•

• B-MAX Extra Large Field of view • B-CLEAR lenses for precision optics • Photochromic lenses • Interchangeable lenses • Antifog treatment • Hydrophobic / Oleophobic treatment • Adjustable nosepiece and temples

// AVAILABLE IN PRESCRIPTION LENSES // bolle.com.au

// facebook.com/Bolle

triathlon

RAROTONGA

Air New Zealand International Triathlon IMAGES: SCOTTIE T

The 21st Air New Zealand International Triathlon in Rarotonga had 112 starters in superb weather.

First held in 1995, the event has provided a focus point for local athletes each year as well as a regional race outside of New Zealand for athletes wishing to experience Rarotonga. Race day was fine and warm with only a small breeze on the cycle leg.

New Zealanders made up most of the visitors with Hawkes Bay Tri and Hamilton Tri Club prominent.

This standard distance tri of 1500/41/10 always held intrigue as to what the outcome might be, with pundits having

34

about five names who were capable of winning. Two time winners Yoann Hotellier from Tahiti and Stephen Farrell from NZ were in the mix, as well as a few top swim personalities from the traditional Thursday night ‘Trader Jacks Boiler Swim’ where Sam Warriner from NZ just an hour or so after stepping off the plane, pipped previous Boiler Swim winner Steve Farrell in a time of 10:13 for the 800m sea swim.

The tri starts early afternoon to take advantage of the high tide inside the lagoon

in the resort area of Muri as well as the siesta period on Rarotonga when traffic is low. Sam Warriner emerged from the swim leg with a small 5 to 12 second advantage over a close pack of 3 in Ryan Helg, Stephen Farrell and Martina Fellman. Almost a minute back was Graham Perks and still within striking distance was Tahiti’s Yoann Hotellier.

Sam Warriner held her small lead on the bike which was a brave effort in view of the chasers being able to see her at

Where else could you get an international airport closed for a cycle race!

times. Her bike time of 1:06:29 bettered the female bike split record of 1:08:10 previously held by Michelle Bremer. Tri NZ board member Graham Perks made up his one minute deficit from the swim having caught and passed all but Sam Warriner on the cycle and arrived back at transition in second place. He was closely followed by Ben McHale who gave it his all on the cycle leg making up half of a large deficit to the leaders out of the swim, then Yoann Hotellier, Ryan Helg and Stephen Farrell.

Onto the run and it was obvious a few were already hurting from the exertion they had put in on the non drafting cycle leg .

Warriner cut out the two lap run course in a sub 40 minute time which is harder by far than in cooler climates and she held the narrow margin she had to win by just over a minute in 2:09:48 just 10 seconds outside Debbie Tanners 2006 record. The well performed Graham Perks secured second in 2:10:54 with Yoann Hotellier having the best run time of the day getting up into 3rd. It is the first time in the history

of the event that a female has won overall so congratulations Sam Warriner. Fourth was Ben McHale and fifth was Stephen Farrell in a remarkable effort considering he carried a back injury throughout the race. Sixth and best local finisher was Roland Neururer. Second female was Martina Fellman from Timaru and third was Rotoruas Charlotte Pearson.

The fastest splits of the day were – Swim – Sam Warriner 22:27; Cycle – Ben McHale 1:04:15; Run - Yoann Hotellier 37:56.

The third event in Raro’s triathlon week has traditionally been the Round Island cycle race, a distance of 31km however because of roadwork and a reseal of several kilometres with asphalt which will improve the cycle course big time, the event was swapped for a time trial on the International Airport runaway. Where else could you get an international airport closed for a cycle race!

250 recreational cyclists had the opportunity to cycle it at leisurely pace followed by two serious races over the down and back course. The 4.6km individual

time trial had 66 riders with electronic timing handled by Peak Timing NZ Ltd. The winning time was 6 minutes 18 seconds

by Graham Perks from Rotorua from Ben McHale in 6:23 with Roland Neururer of Raro third at 6:29. In the women, Sam Warriner was a clear winner in 6:48 in 8th position overall.

A second event – a mass start, proved a tough affair, it getting going just 15 minutes after the time trial. Ben McHale stole a small march on the group of ten which reached the turn point first at the end of the runway and held that lead over the next 2 kilometres back to win by a couple of bike lengths from Ryan Helg and Leighton Hunt.

Air New Zealand contributed extra prizes for the event in view of the company’s 41 years of operation at Rarotonga and 2015 being it’s 75th year of operation in New Zealand.

Next years Air New Zealand Tri in Raro is scheduled for Saturday 7 May with details on www.rarotri.com and see www.edgewater.co.ck for a special villas accommodation package from $60pp.

•

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

35

running

California On July 14th at 6:45am, British ultra endurance siblings, Scott (34) and Rhys Jenkins (28) put their trainers to the tarmac at the holy grail of ultra endurance – Badwater Basin, some 282 feet below sea level.

They were not participating in the Badwater Ultramarathon (it is invitation only) but were setting out to go one further, to attempt the Death Valley Double (the double crossing of the Badwater Ultra marathon route – 270 miles) for charity. The route would take them from Badwater Basin to Furnance Creek before a 20 mile climb up to the top of Townes Pass (4,000ft elevation) before a steep decent into Panamint Springs. From there the route goes through Lone Pine and ends with a 12 mile climb at 8,500ft at Mount Whitney Portal (highest point in the Western Hemisphere except Mt McKinley in Alaska). Why? For charity. The brothers like to push their bodies to the limit to raise funds for charities they believe in. This time Operation Smile and Save the Children were to benefit (to date £5,500 has been raised against a target of £10,000).

The temperatures during the run were constantly around100 degrees Fahrenheit (even at night) and climbed to as much as 120 degrees Fahrenheit at times (Abby even fried an egg yolk on the tarmac during the challenge). The aimed to complete the equivalent of 10 back to back marathons with only 7 hours sleep.

The brothers are no strangers to endurance events, having run from Boston to Austin (2000 miles) in 75 days, completed a 100 mile daily cycle for 10 days through the Alps and via three of the steepest Tour de France climbs and also cycled from Seattle to Jacksonville (4000 miles) in 8 days as part of a 4 man relay. So how did they do on their latest endurance feat…

“They set off at a solid pace, covering the 17 miles to Furnance creek in roughly 3 hours” stated Abby Fleming, Scott’s girlfriend and support driver.

The strong pace continued towards the Townes Pass climb and 45 miles in, despite stringent heat training in the sauna, Rhys suffered from an exercise associated collapse during a rest break.

“One minute he was sitting drinking his Nuun electrolyte drink, the next he started talking gibberish and his eyes rolled back into his head and then he just passed out” stated Terry, the boys dad and second support crew member.

“It was scary as I’m used to him talking nonsense but not then passing out. At this point, I was concerned for his wellbeing and also what my windbreaker was going to be if he couldn’t

36

continue” Added Scott As a team, they managed to bring Rhys around without any IV fluids, but insisted he rest for an hour and a half before continuing, constantly checking his temperature to ensure it was safe to do so. They brothers continued on their quest to become the first British individuals to attempt and complete the Death Valley Double.

The 20 mile climb up Townes Pass saw their average speed drop to 2.1mph, consistent with the pace of Kenneth Posner – the current unofficial record holder for the double and therefore if they could claw back some time through the night, they could still be in line to complete the double in record time. They pushed through the first night with only 1 hour of sleep to gain mileage and speed. The decline from Townes Pass was where the brothers really hoped to gain quick coverage but the steep terrain coupled with pretty significant blisters, saw Scott adapt his running stride and injure his knee three quarters of the way down. He continued with the decent but was later ground to a halt with no ability to place weight on his left knee.

“I could see him slowing behind me and then I saw him stop. I instantly knew something was wrong as Scott had been pacing well until this point. As we came closer, it was apparent that he had to stop and rest his knee. I remember his face – he looked devastated.” Summarized Rhys Scott then had to rest his knee keeping it elevated, compressed and iced. Determined not to stop, once he could weight bare on his left knee, he was out back on the road with Rhys, this time with walking poles to distribute the weight as he ran.

“He was tracking well behind me despite his knee injury, slowing to a 30 minute gap between our check points, so we still believed at this time the double was a realistic possibility” stated Rhys Scott was accompanied by Abby on parts of the run to distract him from the agonizing pain but upon ascending Mount Whitney Portal, his pace slowed and it became evident that Scott was not going to be able to cover the 270 mileage in the time available “I was devastated. I didn’t want to give up or just stop running once my knee got injured but then the realization hit that I couldn’t achieve the double - it made me feel like I had failed. I thought

20-40% of people who participate in the Badwater Ultramarthon fail to complete it...Scott’s achievement with injury really does demonstrate his mental strength and determination�

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

37

running

It was scary as I’m used to him talking nonsense but not then passing out Scott Jenkins

I have come all this way and so many people had sponsored us to achieve the double. In my mind, it was a must to complete the single crossing mileage if not more. I knew Rhys had it in him to completed the double – he was running well and strong; he was going to do it – I was so happy that he could complete it for us both.” Scott recalls After running 75 miles on an injured knee (60 miles before injury struck) Scott reached the single crossing mileage of Death Valley – 135 miles in just over 60 hours. He was forced to stop running by the support team at this point for fear of further, longer term injury to his knee.

“20-40% of people who participate in the Badwater Ultramarthon fail to complete it and only a small percentage of people ever register to take part so Scott’s achievement with injury really does demonstrate his mental strength and determination. He was the one that pulled me through when I passed out and if it weren’t for injury he would have finished the double with me!

He really did struggle through hell and back to get that mileage.

Proud of you old boy!” Rhys adds This then left Rhys to run the second 135 miles on his own. A state he often describes as a meditative state.

38

“The final 30 miles, running into a stiff headwind was horrific!

But these events for us are more 80% mental and 20% physical so it is about breaking each part down into small achievable goals and to dig deep and keep on moving one foot at a time. This all fueled by Pringles, pizza, burgers and Nuun obviously. Ultimately it is only 4 days running, it is not a lifetime is it?!” Rhys concludes “What Rhys has achieved is an amazing feat and I’m so proud to call him my brother. I am full of pride - his achievement to be the fastest British male to run the Death Valley Double despite a few set backs along the way like passing out and getting delirious is inspiring bromance” smiled Scott And so, 107 hours and 270 miles later, Rhys becomes the fastest British male to run the Death Valley Double and Scott and him are the first siblings to complete a single crossing of Death Valley.

Badwater Ultra Marathon exclusive member and famed ultra runner, Dean Karnazes added on facebook “I think both of these guys are phenomenal!”

If you want to find out more about the run visit their facebook page or www.thejenkinsbros.com and if you wish to donate please visit http//:uk.virginmoneygiving.com/jenkobros

•

FULL SPEED

NEVER RUN ON EMPTY

CAMELBAK® RUN COLLECTION However you hydrate, We’ve Got Your Bak. The CamelBak® run collection ranges from handheld systems to hydration vests to keep you hydrated no matter how far you need to go.

ARC 2™

MARATHONER™ VEST

ARC QUICK GRIP™

LEARN MORE: CAMELBAK.COM/RUN

multisport & AR

GODZONE ADVENTURE RACE 2015

Most Teams Don’t

FINISH WORDS: NATHAN FA’AVAE

The statistics of teams completing Adventure Races from those that started are rather bleak, or rather splendid, depending on your view point.

For some a large part of the appeal of a multi day Adventure Race is the sheer fact that it’s bordering on ‘Mission Impossible’ for them, they don’t expect to finish so they aren’t disappointed when they don’t. For others they intend to finish, believe they can finish, but for a number of reasons they don’t which is what I want to explore in this article. Then there are the others who know they’ll finish, the experienced and accomplished, for them it’s purely a race and a lark into the woods, but these teams make up a very small minority group, so let’s forget about them for now.

40

If you’re into Adventure Racing in this day and age, you’ve either done, doing or thinking about the Godzone Adventure. I’ve raced all four Godzone events that have been held which have doubled as a round of the AR World Series, a collective of about 8-events spread around the planet each year that frame the annual World Championships.

I’ve been following the sport since it began in 1989 and actively involved since 1999, during that time I have witnessed the sport cycle through evolutions, as expected with a young sport, a certain amount of ‘redesigning the wheel’ has taken place. While perhaps reality, it’s still disappointing to see errors being repeated as people and generations change, experience is lost. Because I’ve effectively spanned two or even three AR cycles, I fear the sport is re-entering a period that I hoped we’d long since moved on from.

To give you an example, take the 6-races from the AR World Series that have been held this year. The events ranged in size between 30 - 50 teams, approximately. In the two USA events only one team completed the full course in each race, one team! it’s ludicrous. The Godzone and Raid Gallaecia in Spain each had only 3-teams complete the full courses. The other races in South Africa and Australia had much higher finisher rates which I applaud, both the organisers and the teams participating. While there are factors such as weather and the ability of teams that are contributing to the low finishing numbers, the biggest single factor is courses that are to long and to hard for the time frame the race spans. In short, they’re setting people up to fail.

I’m worried that some Race Directors are designing courses that only very teams in the world have a hope of finishing. When we went to Spain in May to race, somewhere between entering the event and starting the event, the course route grew 100km and the winning time was extended by a day. They basically added another event. This type of situation means teams better pray for good weather and some luck to roll their way because a hard event just

TEAM PERPARATION GODZONE 2015

got way harder. For years I have been advocating that events need to be shorter, more achievable and fun, and in the most part, they are, but the statistics coming out of the 2015 season are concerning.

So what’s the solution?

The first step is to communicate to the Race Directors what you’re after in an event.

Do you really want to enter and train for an event where failure is your most likely outcome?

Or would you prefer to do an enjoyable challenging adventure where through sound preparation, team work and honest hardship, you can achieve your goal of finishing the event.

I’m not talking about short courses and variations of, to me, there is one start line and one finish line, you either make it or you don’t.

If you enter a marathon and by the 20km mark you’re struggling like hell, you don’t get a short cut option where you’ll shave off 10-15km, you either complete the 42km or not.

To get more teams finishing expedition races I believe the courses need to nurture the athletes and teams more. The Wanaka 2015 Godzone course, in my opinion, was brutal and nailed the athletes day after day, I’m not surprised the finishing rate was so low and many of the top teams withdrew to injuries.

The weather didn’t help but even in fine weather, it would have been equally brutal dealing with massive exposure to the heat and sun. For the record I found it was the hardest and toughest Godzone to date which I didn’t think was a positive thing. But the course cannot be blamed entirely for only three teams finishing, the biggest factor is the teams are not ready for such a task, either under prepared, dysfunctional and in some cases, plain old dreaming.

One of my more used quotes is “don’t wish it were easier, wish you better?”

Getting Better.

Training - it’s difficult to get everyone in your team fit and healthy for a race. As people will know, if one team mate is under trained or if someone is struggling, the whole team has to slow down or increase their workload to adjust. To have a fair shot at finishing an expedition race, you want to do at least 12-weeks training.

Because you’ll spend most of the time in the race running, jogging or walking, that needs to be reflected in what training you do, time on feet. Good old fashioned tramping is excellent conditioning. To race really well, a rule of thumb is doing 5-hours of each discipline per week. That’s 15-hours, running, biking and paddling. Mix in a few solid weekend tramping trips and your body will be adjusted well enough.

Team Spirit - it’s crucial to do some team training and spend time together outside of the event not racing. Learn more about each other and enjoy the company. During that time, if you have some doubts or concerns about people in your team, then address it, don’t wait to the event because everything will be accentuated and you’re on a collision course for an awful experience. Before the 2014 World Champs our team spent 2-weeks in the mountains of Ecuador, the main goal was to summit Cotopaxi, a volcano just shy of 6000-metres. It was a ‘team bonding’ and acclimatisation trip and I think it set us up in many ways to win the race.

Roles - Figure out early what the team roles are, everyone has a role and people will step in and out of all kinds of roles during the event period, but I consider there to be three main ones that need clarification, you can have more. Lead navigator, Support navigator and Captain. Some roles may double up but the team needs a plan for when the lead navigator needs a rest or someone to confer with. I’ve seen teams make major screw ups in the closing stages

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

41

multisport & AR

My hot tip is to be very wary of any event that markets itself as “the worlds hardest race” or “the toughest race on the planet”, for a start it’s nonsense to make a such a claim...

Nathan Fa’avae

of races because they only have one navigator and they’re so tired they’re not thinking straight. Or the navigator perceives their role as only theirs and won’t collaborate with their team mates, that’s a bomb waiting to explode.

Pacing - Most teams, as in 90%+ start way to fast. I am amazed how quick some teams go from the start line. Does sprinting off a start line of a 500km race make any sense? Most teams waste huge amounts of energy on the first day or race at a pace that is impossible to maintain. The theory I suppose is to get as far as you can while you’re fresh, but it nearly always ends in one team mate getting sick because they are pushing to hard. Here’s the scenario.

The team have modest goals of finishing the race but some team members start the race like they’re trying to win it. Someone in the team is red lining but they are to afraid to ask for help or suggest the team slow down. The ones in front notice this person is struggling so they make sure they stay ahead so the person keeps up. The struggling person is hurting, is trying their best to get fluid and food in, and starting to regret they signed up for the race, which is only a few hours old. Their body is under so much stress nothing is being digested so they start to feel really crap, and before the sun sets, they are keeled over spewing their guts out, and everyone thinks the person must have picked up a bug, or food poisoning. Their race is now custard. Fail imminent. For the majority of teams, running is your enemy. By keeping heart rates lower, nursing bodies and taking the time to be sensible, the finish line will be far more realistic. How is it in adventure races you have teams taking 3-days to complete what is normally a 2-day hike? I used to organise an Ultra Run on the Heaphy track and in my race briefing I’d say to the runners, “you can steady walk this track in 12-hours, or run it poorly in 14”. That was fact.

Egos, Power Plays, Sooks - many conflicts when examined are either communication problems, fragile egos or people being sooks (need to harden up). Some people are power freaks, I suggest you don’t race with them. In an adventure race a successful team is one where everyones opinions are valued, where people are not going to get upset when someone asks them a question, or questions things. A successful team is where people are quick to ask for help if they need it, or share their concerns with their team mates.

In short, you want people who will put team before self. They are constantly thinking, “what is best for the team”?, not “what is best for me”?. The vital thing is sort all this stuff out before the race, once the race has begun, there is little hope of things changing.

It’s not uncommon in under performing teams for team mates to be competing with each other, no one wanting to be perceived as the weakest or some people are hell bent on proving they are the strongest, what a mess. People need to swallow their egos really, what will be helpful is supporting and encouraging each other.

Here is an example of a positive discussion between my team mate Chris Forne and myself in the 2015 Godzone. It was the third night and we were hiking in the Garvie Mountains in foul weather.

I had a cold that was slowing me down and making it really taxing.

42

I’d already asked the team who felt strong and could take my gear, my pack was light but I was still struggling to keep up. Chris dropped back and asked me if I wanted to be towed. I explained to him that I would go on tow if the team really wanted to go faster, but I didn’t feel like we needed to rush at that point, and I explained that I didn’t think being on tow would serve me long term, as you tend to work harder when you’re on tow, I said I thought it’d be best if I just went my own speed and allowed myself time to recover, the team would benefit the most from that. Because Chris trusted my judgement, he agreed with what I said and we plodded on. It paid off as by the next day I had recovered and raced well over the final 24-hours, helping the team to a record winning margin.

Moving Efficiency - most teams will increase there odds of finishing or placing higher if they moved forward with more intent and focus. The finish line in any race only gets closer when you’re moving towards it, so limiting any stoppages should be a high priority. If a team needs to stop, maximise the stop. Here is a common occurrence. Someone needs to go to the toilet so the team stop. While stopped people cool down so they put layers on.

Ten minutes later they’re to hot so they stop again to take layers off. Ten minutes after that someone has a stone in their shoe or feels a blister forming, so the team stop again. Once they start moving again someone else needs some food but it’s in the bottom of their pack, another quick stop. They get going again but need to stop again as it’s getting dark and they need to get their lights out. In these cases, the teams moving speed is fine, the issue is stoppage time. In this example, a top team would have stopped once and addressed everything at once.

Sleep - Unless you’re ranked in the top 5 teams in the world and in the World Champs, you should be sleeping between 2-6 hours per night, every night. If you opt for 2-hours you’ll be cutting it fine, 4-hours is sensible and 6-hours is wise if needed. Anymore than that you risk missing cuts off, but if the night navigation is difficult it’d pay to rest up until daylight. Most teams don’t sleep enough and pay the consequences. A good example was team Torpedo7 in this years Godzone, what should have been an easy second place, they made a series of errors that resulted in a DNF. They went around in circles in the Waikaia Valley looking for a track that wasn’t necessary to find. All they needed to do was orientate the map and drop to the valley where there was a major catching feature, a river and a road, but in a sleep deprived state they wasted hours. Once back on track later in the next stage they missed a checkpoint. I’m sure had they been more rested and alert neither of those would have happened.

Feet - foot related problems are responsible for many people quitting. Time on feet is the best way to condition them, some quality merino blended socks (Bridgedale) will help and lather your feet in Ready Set Go anti-chafe cream, start putting it on a few days prior and reapply during the event whenever you have your shoes off. I prefer inov-8 shoes for Adventure Racing because

TEAM SEAGATE COTOPAXI, ECQUADOR

they are lightweight, grippy, have wide toe room and protection, ultimately, caring for your feet.

So there are some tools to get your team going better pre and during the race.

I believe with teams improving and stepping up, the completion rates will rise too.

But it’ll also help if the course design reflects what is happening for the teams at various stages and what they’ll likely need. An example is, countless times in races I have done, we’ve finished a major trekking stage, our feet are mashed, tender and sore.

Then, the very next stage is a monster bike ride where the climbs are so steep they are unrideable. So after a tough walking stage, we squeeze our swollen feet into tight bikes shoes and proceed to push our bikes up mountain sides for hours, for the less experienced teams, this combo will annihilate their feet so by the next trekking stage they can barely walk, and subsequently they pull out. A well designed course will take into account what the athletes are experiencing and what their needs are. After a truly hard stage, the teams will need some recovery, either an easy bike ride where they can spin their legs out to recover, or a paddle stage where they can get off their feet completely.

I’m aware there are many constraints to designing a course, land access, risk of flooding rivers, legislative permits, time limitations for logistical movements, limited resources, the list goes on.

But most of those things can be mitigated. I’ve done some really unenjoyable stages in races over the years, some of them I can understand why they’re part of the course, other times I’m just left scratching my head as to why. I’ve heard people say “It’s an AR, it’s meant to be epic”.

Yes, that’s true, but I think that a course designer can only play that card a couple of times per race, anymore and the athletes are starting to question why they’re racing, they just feel like they’ve

paid an entry fee into a pointless suffer-fest.

One Race Director recently asked me my thoughts about the race course we’d just completed and I questioned him on the logic of some of his decisions. After hearing my thoughts he concurred they were good ideas but he’d never thought of them or considered things that way, which led me to believe that there is a lack of experience and information being shared, the wheel undergoing further design. That highlights to me that it’s important that teams communicate what it is that they really expect. Race Directors in expedition races don’t make money, they do it for the love and service to their sport. They give it their best shot and I’d like to think it’s better than having no races at all, but when only one team finishes a race, I fear that’s doing more damage to the sport than good. It’s important to mention too that a great event is not just about the course, some events may not have got the course right, but they have still achieved great things, by having controls and gear in the right place, flawless logistics, hosting, sponsorship, athlete support etc.

They’re doing many things right.

My hot tip is to be very wary of any event that markets itself as “the worlds hardest race” or “the toughest race on the planet”, for a start it’s nonsense to make a such a claim, but I’ve found these events miss the mark.

From a commercial business aspect, if one team out of thirty odd finishes a race you have organised, you have to ask the question, “how many satisfied customers are going away raving about your event?”

In closing, teams and athletes can only control their efforts. If you line up you are at the mercy of the event, so accept whatever is in store and strive to be the best team and team member you can be, that I hope, will give you the exhilaration of crossing the finish line, because most teams don’t finish.

•

femme active

GIRLS ON TOP

TREKKING PERU Words & images: GIRLS ON TOP

The Huayhuash circuit trek in Peru is reported to be one of the most spectacular treks in the world. The Circuit is 110 kms long and can take between 7 and 14 days. It is located about 100 kms South of Huaraz in Peru and involves climbing 5700 vertical metres and reaching a maximum altitude of 5060 metres. The Huayhuash range is 30 kms long by 15 kms wide and encompasses three major summits over 6,000 metres, countless other razor sharp peaks, bejewelled alpine lakes, chaotic ice falls, gargantuan rock faces and fascinating contorted strata.

On arrival in Huaraz we set about gathering quotes from several trekking agencies for the full monty (guide, cook, donkeys) the half monty (donkeys and donkey driver) and the DIY (no donkeys).

After analysing the quotes and assessing what type of experience we were after we settled on hiring a donkey driver, four donkeys, a cooking tent, a big pot, four wooden boxes and booking private transport to the start of the trail at Quarterhuain. Our friends, Richard and Susan, from NZ were joining us for the trek so there would be four of us.

We then prepared a shopping list and menu for five people and hit the local markets and shops. Our shopping list looked a little like this: potatoes, pasta, rice, lentils, avocados, cheese, tomatoes, carrots, onions, bread, biscuits, cake, fresh fruit, canned fruit, instant puddings, nuts, raisins, chocolate bars, banana chips, rolled oats, muesli, yoghurt.

Shopping in the street markets was an awesome way to interact with the locals and a really cool experience. As we had donkeys to carry the food we were able to take as much fresh produce as we wanted. This was quite a different approach compared to shopping for a NZ tramp where you have to carry everything yourself. However, we also threw in some local NZ dehydrated meals from Absolute

44

Wilderness foods for the days when we knew we would be walking most of the day and would be too tired to cook. It was a bit of a mission traipsing all the food back to the hostel but pretty rewarding.

At the end of our five or so shopping trips into town our small hostel room was full to the brim. Not only were our panniers and clothes sprawled all over the place, but the wooden boxes and shopping bags full of food for 10 days filled every space in the room! What a sight! It was a late night for us - repacking and recounting all of the boxes of food to make sure we had just the right amount of food. At one point we wondered if it was worth all the effort and whether or not we should have paid a bit more and gone with the full monty option.

To help plan our route for this trek we used the Pikes on Bikes new book “Peru´s Cordilleras Blanca and Huayhuash.”Neil and Harriet Pike - this book was extremely useful and provided us with detailed and extremely accurate route information. Some of the trails were not accurately shown on our map so without this book as a guide we couldn´t have done this trek unguided. If you are planning on trekking in this region it is a must - check out www.trailblazer-guides. com for details on where to buy it.

Here is a blow by blow account of our trek.

Trek start day.

Sleeping height 4,170m Campsite: Quartelhain The alarm went off at 5am and we jumped out of bed and began taking all the bags and wooden boxes to the front gate ready for our private taxi to take us to the start of our trek. It was a pretty scary four hour drive to the start. The road consisted of steep switchbacks up and down massive stony hills. We tried not to look out the window down the sheer cliffs to the river below as we bumped our way along the narrow gravel road.

We arrived at our drop off point at Quarterhuain at 11 am only to be told that our donkeys and driver were going to be 4 hours late - bugger. We had no choice but to pitch our kitchen tent and wait. We waited and waited, and waited. So much for our early start ... Once it got to mid afternoon and there was no sign of him we decided that it was too late to start walking and set up our tents etc at the designated campsite. Our donkeys and driver finally turned up at 4.30pm. We were not sure if there was a miscommunication with the agency and donkey man or if he was just slack. This meant we had just lost a day of walking. However, we had no choice but to welcome him with a smile. We were just relieved he had turned up at all as we were not able to move without him and

his donkeys.

Our donkey driver Christian seemed nice and we managed quite well communicating with him in our basic Spanish. Debbie went over the Topo map with him, showing him our planned route and renegotiating with him to suit the needs of his donkeys.

Together they came up with a final route plan that they were both happy with.

Each community sells you a ticket for passing through their area and using their campgrounds. In some instances they block the path, lock the gate so they definitely get their money. There are 9 communities and the total cost is approx NZD100. (250Soles). That afternoon we paid our first fee to one of the local ladies.

It was a rare chance to interact with the locals and nice that they always took the time out to ask the usual questions. Where are you from? Where have you come from today? and Where are you going to next?

Day 2 Quartelhuain to Mitucocha camp Sleeping height: 4,260m Highest point: 4,690m Walking time: 4 hours The night was pretty cold but we found that sleeping bags zipped together worked a treat. The next morning our water bottles had ice floating in them and the tent fly was coated in ice. We reluctantly got up at

7am and cooked porridge and coffee. This became our morning staple and set us up for a full morning of trekking.

We started walking at 8am. Debbie had been in charge of taking down the tent and her hands were freezing. After 20 minutes we stopped and rechecked the map. Debbie was white and felt nauseous .... after rubbing her hands and changing to some thicker gloves she started talking again and then vomited several times.

That seemed to do the trick! Who would have though the cold would have had such an impact on her. She reassessed the map and realised we were in the wrong valley.

Luckily, she made a speedy recovery or our detour may have been a lot worse.

We sidled around to the next valley and were on track before too long. It took us 2 hours trudging steeply uphill with numerous switchbacks to our first pass, Cacananpunta at 4690 metres. We spent the rest of the day going downhill through a beautiful valley. At one point we came around a corner and were greeted by a magnificent view of the Huayhuash range.

Just before our campsite we came to a locked gate at the local village (2 houses) where it seemed the entire village (7 people) was waiting to collect our money and give us tickets to their community. We arrived at our campsite early afternoon so spent the afternoon walking up to view the

nearby Lake Mitucocha.

Day 3 Mitucocha camp - Carhuacocha Highest point 4,870m Sleeping 4.160m Walking time: 3.30 hours Today’s pass was up a gentler slope on mainly grasslands. Initially, we lost the views of the mountains, but after two hours of walking the mountains were once again revealed and wow the views were even better than the day before. We chose an incredible spot for lunch and relaxed in the sun gazing at the surrounding lake, five peaks and four glaciers. We arrived at our campsite around 1pm. The campsite was situated at the far end of Lake Carhuacocha in full view of the surrounding mountains.

Once again we spent the afternoon relaxing in the sun, washing our clothes and bodies before cooking dinner. Our plan for the trek was to do shorter days at the start to allow time to acclimatise. This seemed to pay off as no one in the group had any ill effects from the altitude. Basically, after 4pm we lost the sun and it was freezing so as a general rule we started cooking at four, ate at five and were in bed by six.

Day 4 Carhuacocha - Huayhuash Highest point 4,830m

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

45

femme active

Sleeping 4,160m Walking time: 6 hours Today was our first full day of walking so we were up and ready to walk by 7am There was no sign of Christian or our donkeys. We set off anyway hoping that our gear would be safe and that he would be at the next campground to meet us. Today was the first day we took an alternative route instead of following the donkey trails. It was nice to be off the main drag and away from the other groups. The path was much narrower and we were forced to consult our map and guide more often which made for a far more interesting day for us. We followed a path around the lake, then angled off through a valley carved by a glacier. We then skirted past four alpine lakes surrounded by massive piles of moraine. The scenery was to die for and we were also treated to a series of avalanches from the glaciers towering above. Once we passed the four lakes - Laguna Carhuacocha, Laguna Siula, Laguna Quesillaococha and Laguna Gangrajanca, we climbed what was described as a precipitous slope out of the valley. It was so steep that we had had to rest every few steps. The precipitous climb however led only to a false summit. After another half hour of crossing a swampy plateau, complete with stepping stones in places, we started to tackle the real climb to the pass. It zigzagged steeply in the blazing sun with the heat bouncing off the rocks. Wow what a trail. The views at Siula punta at 4830 metres were incredible. After the pass, the path gently sloped downhill for another two hours to our campsite. To our relief the donkeys and gear were here, and our tents were even up. It turned out that our donkeys had wandered off in the night and it had taken our donkey man a little longer to find them than usual.

Day 5 Huayhuash - Viconga Highest point. 4.780m Sleeping 4,360 Walking time: 4 hours We had hot pools to look forward to that

46

night so we left camp at 7am eager to beat the other groups and have the pools to ourselves. We walked up to a gently sloping pass in full view of a Nevado Trapecio, an impressive pyramid shaped mountain, before descending into a gorgeous valley.

The scenery today was not as spectacular as previous days, but we had great views of Lago Viconga which had a small hydro station. We arrived at camp (Aqua Caliente) reasonably early and spent the afternoon hanging out in the hot pools. They were to die for - 3 concrete rectangular deep and slippery havens of warmth all to ourselves.

While we were hanging out in the pools Christian got very drunk with two other donkey drivers. There was a small shop by the hot pools selling coke, beer, yogurt and chocolate. We bought yogurt! Christian then passed out under a donkey blanket outside in the freezing cold after Emma told him he was being unprofessional and he could not have one more beer.

The toilets at most camps were flush with no seats, however this camp set a new standard. Literally if you fell in you would die. There were two doorless and roofless plywood cubicles perched over a large concrete square hole to an open pit below.

Day 6 Viconga - Cuyoc camp Highest point 4,950m Sleeping 4,550m Walking time: 4 hours We started our day with another soak in the hot pools. Bliss! Once again our tents had frost all over them but it was a small price to pay for clear and stunning night skies. The stars that night were incredible. Our walk to the top of the pass -Punta Cuyoc, was once again mainly on grassland. Part of the way up we came across hundreds of black, plump, furry caterpillars - they were crawling up a dirt slope then rolling back down - so funny.

Susan commented that it remind her of the cycle of daily life - working your butt off to get somewhere then falling down again only to have to pick yourself up and give it another go.

Once at the top of the pass we had magnificent views of Nevado Nevados Puscanturpa and a glacier so close to us we could almost touch it. Unfortunately, it was freezing at the top so we didn’t stay long and hightailed it down 30 mins of steep descent to the campsite below.

Today’s campsite was in a huge valley and yet again we had magnificent views.

From this campsite we had two pass options to take to get over to the next valley. We had been deliberating which one to take for a couple of days. One pass was shorter (Paso San Antonio) but described as dangerous in our guide book, the other was longer but safer (Paso Jurau). That afternoon Emma and Debbie decided to head up to check it out. On arriving at the top of the pass and looking down the valley below they made a call to take the longer but safer route over Paso Jurau.

Day 7 Cuyoc camp to Cutatambo - via Paso Jurau with a side trip to Sarapococha Highest point 5,080m Sleeping 4,270m Walking time 9 hours Today´s word was primo! We started early in order to nail the pass before the afternoon cloud rolled in and because we wanted to explore the Sarapococha valley at the end of the day. Our pass was tough going up but once again the views were spectacular and we were treated to seeing some Vicuna (Llama like animals but more petite and slender) The climb off the pass was much more sedate than that off the San Antonio pass and we were pleased with our decision.

That afternoon we by-passed the campsite and instead headed up on a sidetrip into another valley to explore Quebrada Sarapococha. In 1985, after a first ascent of Siula Grandes West face, Jo Simpson fell and broke a leg while descending with climbing partner Simon Yates. His extraordinary escape back to base camp from the bottom of a crevasse became a mountaineering legend (Touching the void, film and book) . This

We arrived at camp (Aqua Caliente) reasonably early and spent the afternoon hanging out in the hot pools

valley was like walking though a game of pick up sticks but made up of giant rocks thrown around by an angry ogre. What an incredible valley, we saw yet another spectacular glacier, got up close and personal with a glaciated lake and saw two more aqua marine alpine lakes from above. We got back to camp around 4pm feeling elated. What a spectacular day!

Day 8 Cutatambo - Huatiaq Highest point 4,270m Low point 3,500m Sleeping 4,270m Walking time: 6 hours This was the first day of the trek where we had no pass to climb so no tough uphill, however, this is Peru so ... yeah right!

Our day started with frosted tents yet again, frozen drink bottles, wet undies left outside as stiff as boards. We walked for four hours down a valley following a river that cascaded over huge boulders giving us many waterfalls. As an added bonus we found ourselves walking through fragrant lupin bushes. We also came across a calf which Richard patted and we named Michelle - she proceeded to follow us for two hours. Eventually, we came across some farmers and Emma gave them the calf. Boy, were they happy.

We had the option of going to the only local village on this trek so we did - it was downhill! We sat in the town square (think dusty with a few flowers and benches) and ate fresh bread and avocado. It was Saturday so most of the town was at the local athletics day complete with brass band playing and someone who liked the sound of their own voice yelling over the loud speaker system. There were three kids that shyly hung around us, one getting brave and getting closer. We gave them a carrot and some lollies. And then we began what our book described as a “slog uphill” of two hours - very accurate description.

We arrived at our campsite in Huatiaq just before the cold and wet descended on us. We spent the afternoon huddled in our cooking tent.

Day 9 Huatiaq - Inchhuain Highest point 4,610m First pass 4,790m Second pass 4,850m Sleeping 4,060m Walking time: 6 hours Lucky for us the day dawned fine but cold. The description for the day in our book went something like this.. “The circuit nears its end with a bang!” Today we went over two passes Tapush Punta and Yaucha Punta. We had camped only halfway up the slog from yesterday so continued up another 2 hours. Yes that made a 4 hour hill! The scenery to the first pass was not particularly exciting but just after it we dropped down steeply, sidled around a hill and came across the first trees we had seen on the trek. Wow! The second pass had several levels, we climbed, then traversed the pampas (swampy grass flats), climbed scree, traversed pampas, climbed again and eventually made the top for once again magnificent views of mountains and alpine lakes. The highlight of the day had to be sitting on top of the second pass eating our lunch and having a condor fly overhead so close to us. We could hear the wind in his wings and see the individual feathers. What incredible creatures. From the top of the pass we traversed along a ridge line with the land dropping away steeply on either side we felt like we were on top of the world.

It was then a drop straight off the edge for 30 mins to the donkey trail below and

a further 30 mins walk into camp. What a descent! What a day.

Day 10 Inchhuain - Llamac Highest point 4.270 metres Walking time: 4 hours 30 mins As we had to catch the local bus from Llamac back to Huaraz at 11am and we didn´t have seats booked, we hit the trail at 6am. The trail was mostly downhill with a few climbs thrown in to remind our legs and lungs we were still in Peru. On arrival into Llamac we were greeted by the owner of the bus company and quickly secured tickets. The 4 hour bus journey back to town was broken up with a 1 hour stop in a local town where we found coffee and apple pie. Yum. On arrival back in Huaraz we showered then celebrated our awesome trek with several pizzas, and a bottle of wine.

The entire Huayhuash circuit was an amazing experience and one of the best treks we have ever done. We can´t rave enough about it - it was the perfect way for us to recharge our batteries and get our headspace prepared for continuing our cycle North towards Ecuador ...

Weather We were so lucky with the weather. While freezing at night and morning it was sunny most of the time. We had one night it rained for about an hour but we were finished walking so we sat in our cooking tent until it cleared. June seems the perfect time to trek this circuit provided you have sufficient warm clothing and good sleeping bags.

•

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

47

WHAT LIES BEYOND YOUR LIMITS?

FIND OUT. ENTER THE SOVEREIGN TRI SERIES. Unleash your inner champ. Clock up a race-day best. And do it on some of the most picturesque courses in the world.

Life. Take charge.

Register today.

DUO AUCKLAND

TRI TINMAN

15 November 2015

29 November 2015

TRI WANAKA

DUO CHRISTCHURCH

9 January 2016

16 January 2016

TRI WELLINGTON

TRI KINLOCH

30 January 2016

14 February 2016

TRI TAKAPUNA 28 February 2016

Enter now at sovereigntriseries.kiwi

ENTRY FORM > CLUTHA CLASSIC 2015 Name Phone Email Address

Male

MONDAY 28th DECEMBER 2015 > WANAKA FORESHORE > REGISTRATION FROM 8.30am RACE BRIEFING 9.45am > ENTRY FEE $50 (Late entry fee on the day $60)

Female

Age Categories: Open (all ages)

Veteran (40yrs plus)

Junior (17yrs to 19yrs)

Masters (50yrs plus)

Race Classic (Wanaka foreshore to Lindis River) 54km Sprint (Alberttown to Lindis River) 39km Boat Type Event Declaration: In acceptance of my entry form, I do hereby for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assignees release and forever discharge the organisers the sponsors and all persons involved in the conduct of this event from all claims or actions whatsoever in any manner arising out of my participation in this event. I attest and verify that I am fully aware of the risks involved in participation and that I have no physical or medical condition which may have potential to put myself or any other person at risk and that I am sufficiently trained for the event. I agree to abide by the organisers rules and accept any decision or direction given by them. I allow sponsors/ organisers to use my name/photo for promotional purposes. I have read the race rules, course description and will attend the race brie ng and agree to abide by the contents.

Signature

KAYAK PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATE: A kayak Grade 2 certificate of proficiency is required for anyone entering in either race.

Please supply a certificate with your entry. If you supplied a certificate last year we have that on record

PLEASE NOTE: We will have rescue kayakers and jetboats on the course, but we expect that competitors will help fellow competitors in difficulty at any stage during the race.

NOTE: If the Clutha River is in flood, race will be transferred to Matukituki River

COMPULSORY GEAR LIST: Kayak Helmet (no cycle helmets allowed) Buoyancy aid (to be 6.2kg positive buoyancy) 20 litres buoyancy in boat (foam or airbags) Repair kit (duct tape minimum) Polypro top/bottom to be worn or carried Wind proof jacket to be worn or carried First aid kit to include survival blanket, 7.5cmx4m bandage, 1” strapping tape and 3 plasters

SEND THIS ENTRY FORM, A CHEQUE & A COPY OF YOUR PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATE TO: or Pay online: 030675 0416821 00 Southern Lakes Multisport Club Inc c/o Bill Godsall PO Box 133 Cromwell E: bgodsall@sportotago.co.nz

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

22

56

SOVEREIGN TRI SERIES

DEATH VALLEY DOUBLE

44

30

CRAZYMAN TURNS 25

KATE BEVILAQUA

CONTENTS 10 News

World Watch

Something Wild

Newsbytes

60 GIVEAWAYS 64 Femme INSPIRATION

KATIE PERKINS

ELISE SALT

20 Triathlon High Performance

SOVEREIGN TRI SERIES

TONY DODDS RIO TEST EVENT

KATE BEVILAQUA ULTRA 520k

RAROTONGA TRIATHLON THE MOST VITAL FEW

40 Multisport & AR

AILSA ROLLINSON

70 Femme ACTIVE

Girls On Top – Debbie Chambers

74 Femme FITNESS Anna Russell

76 Training Regulars

Smart Coaching

MOST TEAMS DON’T FINISH

Multisport Doctor

CRAZYMAN’S QUARTER CENTURY

Mr Smith Training Exponential Performance Coaching

48 Running

Striding Out

Habit Training

LISA TAMATI

86 Regulars

DEATH VALLEY

TIM ROBERTSON

Directory

Subscribe

triat hl on magazin e.c o. n z

50