 Sam Warriner(Photo: Sovereign Tri Series; click to enlarge) |
The Sovereign Tri Series got underway with the Sovereign Tinman at Mount Maunganui today with former World Champion Sam Warriner taking out the women's title and local triathlete Andrew Lloyd winning the men's in testing conditions.
The day dawned fine but participants had to deal with an incessant wind that took a toll on many of the tents in the event village and delivered a choppy swim for competitors to cope with across all events.
It was those conditions though that played a part in the victory for the vastly experienced Warriner, who typically said the tougher the conditions the better.
"That has really surprised me, I wasn't sure what sort of shape I was in coming in to today to be honest but I can't help myself, once the race is underway the adrenalin kicks in and the old competitive Sam comes out! I did struggle in the swim though and actually swam into a boat and just about broke my arm! But once on to the bike I was fine and managed to come through a couple of tough patches on the run to hold on to my lead. This is such a great event with so much history and is a great season opener, I am delighted to win but equally this for me is about being here to support my Sweat 7 athletes."
Warriner won from defending champion Leah Stanley (Cambridge) with Sweat 7 athlete Hannah Sturmer (New Plymouth) claiming third place.
 Andrew Lloyd(Photo: Sovereign Tri Series; click to enlarge) |
It was an emotional victory for Lloyd in the men's race, the Papamoa triathlete has spent much of his off-season in Europe training and delivered in fine style to win his first event at home. Lloyd emerged off the bike with Matt Franklin and James Bowstead but quickly went to the lead looking to burn off his opponents early.
"Man that was tough but so rewarding to get across the line. I was just running scared around The Mount, I know that James (Bowstead) is such a great endurance athlete so I never thought I had it won. This is my first win in a race here at home so means so much to me, I want to dedicate this to my parents who have done so much to help me race and pursue my triathlon career."
Lloyd won from Bowstead and a fast finishing Kieran McPherson (Matamata) and could hardly stand upon crossing the line, such was his effort in claiming victory.
Silver Fern star Laura Langman enjoyed her first foray into triathlon and completed the full distance Sovereign Tinman in good style.
"The swim was actually quite good, I was really surprised, I came out of the water really well but then I struggled on the bike. My 'supporters' were having a laugh at apparently how high I was sitting on the bike and it was tougher than I thought it would be but I then enjoyed the run and had a great day. I have really enjoyed the training for this and it has been great cross training for my netball, we are already thinking about entering Kinloch so this might not the be last time you see me in a triathlon this summer!"
Television and radio personality and former New Zealand cricket Mark Richardson was also racing as he continues his quest to qualify for the New Zealand age group team to the ITU World Champs in Chicago next year.
"That swim was tough today, it was awful for me, I reckon I was ten minutes behind everyone out of the water but I powered my way through the bike. It was the first time I have ridden my new Specialized Shiv in a race and it showed – that with the training I am doing of course! I was worried I might have lost a little on my running with all the swim and bike training but I felt pretty good and had a decent day. The venue is just amazing, you feel like you are on holiday and the run around the base of The Mount is spectacular."
The day was also notable for the participation of three businesses in the Sovereign CEO Challenge. This is a challenge that runs throughout the Sovereign Tri Series this summer, with CEO's leading their staff by participating in any one of the events and encouraging them to do the same, either in team or individual categories. Sovereign CEO Symon Brewis-Weston is himself racing at the Takapuna event and Sovereign has donated a $25,000 cheque to the charity of choice for the company with the best proportional representation during the series.
Whakatane District Council brought an incredible 150 of their staff, including CEO Marty Grenfell and Mayor Tony Bonne. Lysaght Consulting featured prominently too and were joined by Gabbie and Coombes Lighting in turning the day into a fun activation with workmates and families at Pilot Bay.
Results: Sovereign Tri Series - Sovereign Tinman
Standard (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run)
Women
1. Sam Warriner (Whangarei) 2:02:24
2. Leah Stanley (Cambridge) 2:03:31
3. Hannah Sturmer (New Plymouth) 2:08:19
Men
1. Andrew Lloyd (Papamoa) 1:48:26
2. James Bowstead (Waiuku) 1:48:55
3. Kieran McPherson (Matamata) 1:51:05
Sprint (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run)
Women
1. Ashleigh Williams (Auckland) 1:02:55
2. Francesca Stafford (Auckland) 1:05:39
3. Rose Dillon (Auckland) 1:06:17
Men
1. Kyle Smith (Taupo) 54:53
2. Fynn Thompson (Cambridge) 56:20
3. David Martin (Palmerston North) 57:19
Complete results for all events will be posted to www.triseries.kiwi later today (Sunday)
