The 2XU Triathlon Series at Elwood kicked off in spectacular fashion with Race 1, setting the stage for an exciting season of local short course racing. Tri-Alliance made a formidable presence with 60 registered athletes, and the energy at the TA tent was nothing short of electric.
The Tri-Alliance culture was a driving force, attracting racers even beyond those officially linked to the squad. The vibes were infectious, and morale soared throughout the day. The TA tent, a hub of activity, showcased the unity and camaraderie that define our squad.
Tri-Alliance not only dominated the atmosphere but also the competition. The team's outstanding performance resulted in an impressive haul of 5 first-place finishes, 2 second-place finishes, and 1 third-place finish. The racecourse was painted in yellow and blue, a testament to the squad's widespread presence.
Unpredictable weather conditions added an extra challenge, but seasoned athletes that we are, accustomed to training in all weather, navigated the elements with ease. The swim presented its own set of challenges, reminiscent of tough Thursday nights at Elwood, while the fast cycle course with crosswinds provided a fast ride. The run course was bustling with activity, every inch covered by Tri-Alliance athletes spreading the love among themselves.
Shoutout to TA members Pam, Sam, Simon, and Greg, who all contributed their expertise as Technical Officials, to support the sport, embodying the squad's commitment to the triathlon community.
Let’s break down some of the stats and highlight remarkable individual performances. Chris (Dicko) claimed the fastest overall time at 1:03:05, closely trailed by Johnny and George with a 1:04 and Ant with a 1:06 and Matt with 1:07. Fastest females on the day were Sammy with 1:11:44, followed by Neda with 1:14:58.
Ant dominated the swim with 6:43, with Lachy next out in 7:11. We know Lachy will be coming for him next time round. Angus set the pace on the bike with a 30:10 as part of a team and George within striking distance with 30:36 in the individual race. As usual, Dicko was not far behind with 32:11 and Johnny and Ant were only a min back with 33mins.
Johnny's impressive run time of 18:43 showcased the squad's running prowess. Dicko was closing with 19:08, followed by George in 19:46 and Super Mario giving the young ones a chase with 19:56.
In a testament to the squad's dedication and rigorous training regimen undertaken during the off-season: - a staggering 6 athletes shattered the sub-20 minute barrier in the run
- a further 19 athletes boasted sub-25 minute run times
- 2 athletes achieved elite cycle times with 30 minute finishes
- a formidable 5 cyclists achieved sub-35 minute times
- an additional 11 athletes posted sub-38 minute cycling times
- 1 athlete achieving a remarkable sub-7 minute time in the swim
- a commendable 5 swimmers clocked in under 8 minutes
In the overall results, Shauna and Sammy secured 1st place, with Chris and a team comprising Georgia, Angus, and Michelle taking 2nd. Narelle clinched 3rd place, while George, Ant, Gary, and Doug secured 4th. The depth of talent was evident with 19 top-10 places.
The Fun Distance event was just as successful and saw Bradley emerge as the fastest overall, closely followed by Erin. Bradley, Erin, and Eleesha claimed the top spots in their respective categories, further solidifying Tri-Alliance's dominance.
The depth and breadth of talent within Tri-Alliance was on full display, painting a vivid picture of the hard work and dedication invested during the off-season. These stellar statistics not only underscore the individual achievements but also speak to the collective strength of the squad. As the season progresses, Tri-Alliance stands poised to leave a lasting mark on the triathlon circuit, with a roster of athletes who have honed their skills to perfection.
The success of the day wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of the Tri-Alliance family. From helping with the tent, setup tasks, BBQ duties, supporting the TriKids event by volunteering, pack downs, coffee and food runs, entertainment, baking TA cookies – you name it, you guys did it! THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do. We see it and we truly appreciate it! |