Tough bike leg hinders rookie McIlroy

PHIL REID/The Dominion Post

WINNER: Debbie Tanner crosses the finish line to the applause of fans to win the Oceania Cup race in Wellington on Saturday.

Relevant offers

Local sport

Matthew Bell ends lengthy innings Ellis back on the pitch despite agonising condition Joseph Parker a heavy-duty hero in waiting Weepu hopes to back up this week All Whites have chance to go one better Orcas capitulate and miss out on a place in final Best yet to come for shot put golden girl MSP victory would have special significance Union feels the pinch after posting another deficit Captain optimistic despite daunting semifinal challenge

Kate McIlroy got the swim she asked for but suffered on the bike in the national championships and ITU Oceania Cup race in Wellington.

McIlroy was third in the elite category on Saturday, but had no chance when the leading trio, including winner Debbie Tanner, blitzed the 40km bike.

A disappointed McIlroy said she couldn't underestimate the challenge of a new sport.

"It is hard. You kind of forget that I've gone from a nine-minute race on the track to a race over two hours," said McIlroy.

"It's something I have to get used to, but it's only my second full-length triathlon. I felt good on the run, but I was just too far back. I probably just need to be stronger on the bike, but that just comes with time."

The former Commonwealth Games steeplechaser had a strong swim, and left the water with the top three women in her sights. On the bike, the 30-second gap increased to more than three minutes when former cyclist Rebecca Spence, Nicky Samuels and world No8 Tanner accelerated away.

"I had a good swim, but they just got away on the bike," McIlroy said.

"There was no point trying to go away on my own [on the bike], so I just stuck in the group.

"I lost quite a bit of time unfortunately."

Tanner was delighted with the win in 2h 4min 54s, and admitted McIlroy's fast finish was in her mind.

"The run was great, I'm just getting back in the groove," Tanner said.

"I looked around on the swim, and saw no one around, other than Rebecca, so I put my head down and went for it. Nicky caught us on the bike and she and Rebecca worked so hard, we all did and put some time on Kate."

Triathlon NZ chief executive Dave Beeche said Wellington would probably host the national champs next March.

- © Fairfax NZ News