Francisco Javier Gomez, of Spain, left, Jan Frodeno, of
Germany, centre, and Bevan Docherty, of New Zealand, run
side-by-side before making the final turn in the men's
triathlon today. Docherty came in third. Photo Robert F.
Bukaty/AP.
New Zealand's Bevan Docherty held on to claim a bronze
medal in a surprise finish to the Olympic men's triathlon
today.
Athens Games silver medallist Docherty positioned himself to
go one better at the Ming Tombs Reservoir course but couldn't
match the sprint of shock German winner Jan Frodeno. Second
place went to Canadian Simon Whitfield, the Sydney 2000
champion.
The leading trio relegated hot favourite Javier Gomez of
Spain into fourth place.
In a race of attrition, Docherty looked strong as the leading
group of runners slowly disintegrated in stifling hot
conditions.
However, he couldn't match Frodeno and Whitfield when they
accelerated over the final 400m. The New Zealander
continually turned to check the progress of Gomez, ensuring
at least bronze would be his.
He appeared to grimace as he crossed the line, holding a New
Zealand flag with a mix of fatigue and disappointment that he
had once again missed gold by a narrow margin.
However, the man who trailed compatriot Hamish Carter home in
the 2004 race was smiling and gesturing energetically to
supporters when he collected his bronze medal soon
afterwards.
Whitfield appeared to have victory in his grasp but the
gangly Frodeno found another gear to surge in front of the
Canadian with 150m remaining. He collapsed on his back after
crossing, letting out a roar with his arms outstretched.
Frodeno won in one hour 48 minutes 53.28 seconds, 5sec clear
of Whitfield, with another 7sec back to Docherty.
Belgium's Axel Zeebroek and Luxembourg's Dirk Bockel had a
minute's advantage after strong cycle legs but were gradually
hauled before the halfway point of the run.
Six runners opened a gap over the second half of the run --
Frodeno, Whitfield, Docherty, Gomez, Briton Alistair Brownlee
and Spaniard Javier Gomez -- but the latter two had been
dropped as they entered the last of the four 2.5km laps.
New Zealander Shane Reed, who led the 55-man field out of the
run leg, finished 34th, two places his behind brother Matty,
who was racing fro the United States.
The third New Zealander was Kris Gemmell in 39th place,
nearly 5min behind Frodeno. Medal hopeful Gemmell found
himself among the leaders at the start of the run but faded
badly over the second half.
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