Andres Di Leo worked through the field to take the individual race victory in Sunday's Masters Games cross triathlon and Rabbit Island.
Argentinian Andres Di Leo worked hard for his win in Sunday's Masters Games cross triathlon at Rabbit Island, with Nelson triathlete Alan Bryson chasing all the way and coming up short by 14 seconds.
The event started with a 750m swim in perfect sea conditions - although a little chilly at 12 degrees.
Competitors could choose to do the swim only and Simon Kneebone chose that option, coming out of the water in 11min 50sec.
Doing the triathlon as a team, Matt Newberry (12.33) was next, tagging Garry Clarke, who set off at the front of the field for the 15km bike ride through the forests of the island.
Jon Linyard (12.38) was close behind.
Christina Harris (13.27) was the first woman out of the water, ahead of triathletes Kerry Newton (14.02) and Jess HIldyard (14.41).
A running injury meant Linyard was going to hand over to his wife Karen for the run section, but before that he ripped of the quickest bike ride in 36min 21sec, 11 seconds quicker than Clarke.
With all the combinations of swimmers and teams, it was hard to tell what what was happening in individual competition, with Kelly Barber and Josh Barber showing out early, ahead of Di Leo and Bryson.
Jess Hildyard had a good swim to be right behind Di Leo and in a good position at the head of the women's field.
As the bike and run unfolded, Di Leo went to the front of the field, with Bryson gaining four seconds on the bike ride and nearly a minute on the run.
Clarke finished the bike ride with most of his lead intact, handing over to Newberry, who cruised home for a clear win in the team section in 1hr 6min, 48sec.
Di Lea had to hang tough, but crossed the line as first individual in 1hr 10min 26sec, 14 seconds clear of Bryson.
Kelly Barber was next, ahead of 16-year-old Billy Bathgate, who heads to Australia soon for the world duathlon championship.
Hildyard was the first woman to finish, ahead of Kerry Newton and Susan Donaldson.
- Stuff
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