Chris McDonald (above), of Australia, crosses the finish
line to win the men's Challenge Wanaka title in record
time. Photo by Stephen Jaquiery.
New Zealand triathlete Gina Ferguson was in a class of
her own to win back-to-back Challenge Wanaka titles, while
Australian Chris McDonald exorcised his race demons from last
year, to also set a course record.
Ferguson, of Christchurch, cut a solitary figure around the
course and was unstoppable to lead from start to finish in
the women's race.
She powered away on the bike, after exiting the 3.8km swim in
second place overall, to blitz her own course record by more
than 5min.
There was daylight between Ferguson's winning performance and
the next female athlete.
To the delight of the local crowd, Wanaka triathlete Merryn
Greenwood was the second woman home, in a time of 10hr 3min
17sec, improving on her fourth result from last year.
A decisive break on the 180km cycle, between Tarras and Lake
Hawea helped push Chris McDonald to victory, although the big
Australian privately doubted whether he could hold on to his
lead through the 42km run.
McDonald was second last year, when he was run down on the
final leg by Germany's Marc Pschebizin, after leading off the
bike.
The men's race was a riveting combination of endurance,
speed, and determination - especially from McDonald.
He exited the swim, more than 2min behind the leaders, and
unleashed his frustration in a powerful performance on the
bike.
Within 30km of climbing into the saddle, he had caught up
with the leading bunch.
McDonald said he pushed himself extra hard for the first 80km
on the bike.
He led a bunch, which consisted of Justin Daerr (USA), Keegan
Williams (NZ), and Petr Vabrousek (CZE), through to Cromwell
at an average bike speed of 40kmh.
The group turned north into a strong headwind and rode back
alongside Lake Dunstan.
McDonald and Daerr, training partners for the past six
months, made their break shortly after the turn-off, near
Tarras, in what proved to be a turning point in the race.
The pair worked together to establish a lead through to Lake
Hawea, where they turned again to receive a helping tailwind
on the return to Wanaka.
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