It was a clean sweep on the beach for the NZ U19 Triathlon squad in Race 7 of the State Beach Series.
In the 5km run, just 15 seconds separated the first five runners home. Sam Ward crossed the line first in a time of 16 minutes 26 seconds followed by team mates Taylor Reid, Troy Macalister, Kieran Coates and Cooper Rand.
Series leader, 20 year old Tara La Grange was never going to give up her clean record and kept the U19 women "pretenders" behind her in the women's race. Elise Salt ran in second, Nicole van der Kaay third, Alana Lythe fourth and Emily Pearce fifth.
Cooper Rand swam fifth in the 1km swim, Michael Perree seventh and Andrew Ranford ninth.
 Back Row (L-R): Cam Durno (coach), Tayler Reid, Cooper Rand, Sam Ward, Kieran Coates, Troy Macalister, Nicole van der Kaay, Emily PearceFront Row (L-R): Andrew Ranford, Michael Perree, Elise Salt, Alana Lythe (Photo: Sam Mayhew Photography; click to enlarge) |
The team are in Auckland for an annual development camp which Director of Coaching Brett Reid says is aimed at getting to know their peers, and developing other aspects of their sport. The athletes will spend time learning about athlete responsibility, in leadership workshops, understanding bike mechanics and physical preparation.
The athletes are looking to qualify for the Junior World Championship Team for 2012; the event is being held here in Auckland.
We also have the report, results and photos for race 7.
