Wanaka triathelete Tony Dodds won his home-town leg of the
Contact Tri Series short-course triathalon last night but
declined to take home the prize money.
Dodd's local sponsors chipped in to boost to $10,000 cash the
first prize in the elite men's race, on the understanding
that if Dodds won then the money would go to charity.
He was first out of the water, had a strong bike ride in the
leading bunch of four and never looked back on the run home -
finishing in 54min 30sec.
Second, 0.34sec behind, was Ben Phillips, of Christchurch,
and third was Australian Bryce McMaster in a 55min 19sec.
The event was the fourth of seven events in the national
series.
The expected duel with last year's series winner, Ryan
Sissons, of Wellington, did not occur.
Sissons did not make the lead bunch on the bike ride and
could not make any gains as he led the chase, eventually
setting out on his own to bridge the gap.
On the last of eight laps around Wanaka's waterfront streets,
the cramp he was suffering in his calf became so bad he had
to stop briefly.
Although he completed the run, Sissons said afterwards he had
no option but to ''cruise'' home in sixth place in the elite
race.
Dodds said 2013 would be a ''huge'' year for him as he set
his sights on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.
Kate McIlroy, of Wellington, secured back-to-back wins in the
series finishing in 58min 5sec - 30sec ahead of Nicky
Samuels, of Wanaka. Rebecca Kingsford, of Tirau was third in
58min 51sec.
During the cycle leg, the three women opened up a lead of
about 3min over the rest of the small elite field.
But McIlroy dominated from the outset of the run.
McIlroy, the world No 10, also has her eye on the Glasgow
Games and said afterwards she had ''unfinished business''.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.