Booming day at Scorching Bay

BY JIM CHIPP - THE WELLINGTONIAN

Newcomers to the sport made up a third of the field of the Anniversary Day Scorching Triathlon, according to the organiser.

Based on previous years' entries, race director Daryl Bloomfield said he expected about 20 per cent of the field of each race to be newbies but was surprised this year.

"Basically there is a core who always come back [but] for this event and from the event we had in December, it was up from 25 per cent to 30 per cent, quite a large jump."

Race day ran smoothly, he said.

"It is the first time we've had a southerly in two or three years, which made the run a bit easier because it was sheltered.

"But on the bike course most found the return cycle leg much more enjoyable. Usually we are pretty much hit by the nor-westerly so the ride back to Seatoun is a bit exposed," he said.

It meant competitors had a harder ride on the outgoing leg and an easier run home, and faster times.

Asked whether there were any surprises in the results, Bloomfield said: "I wouldn't have a clue." He said his focus was on getting first-timers out and enjoying themselves.

He singled out Cameron Goldsmith, who did not compete on Anniversary Day, and 17-year-old Lachlan Davies as competitors to watch in the rest of the series. Davies finished second in the medium 750 metre triathlon.

The medium distance sprint event times were very fast, said Bloomfield. Competitors under 23 years old seeking national selection were preparing for the Kinloch sprint championships in Taupo on February 7.

Next up is the Scorching Triathlon on February 14, St Valentine's Day, sponsored by the Heart Foundation.

Bloomfield said there will be a workplace challenge for corporate types who want to get out and have a go or to build teams.

There will also be a couples' event – husbands and wives, or unmarried couples. Their times will be added for the result.

"Singles won't be missed out, they will have a bike rack of their own," he said.

The final race in this year's Scorching Triathlon series will be at Pauatahanui on February 28.