Mudgee triathletes were suffering no ill effects from the festive season at the fourth club race in Lawson Park on Sunday with some of the fastest times of the season recorded.
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Flawless conditions mean fast times and women’s winner Nicolette Karskens didn’t disappoint.
Karskens recorded the quickest women’s long course time of the season in a tough two-way battle over all three legs of the triathlon.
Karskens held off a strong challenge from Giselle Denley to win the event in 53 minutes - 37 seconds ahead of the second place getter.
Slightly ahead of Denley in the pool, Karskens started the cycle leg at a moderate pace which left the way open for Denley to power past along Lawson Street in the early stages of the17 kilometre ride.
Karskens picked up the pace, caught her rival along Burrundulla Road and worked strongly to hold the lead in the race along Lue Road before heading home into the three kilometre run around Lawson Park.
Tuesday run group has paid off for Denley who stayed hot on the leader’s heels on the run but was not strong enough to get past the determined Karsken. Karskens ran 14:39 mins and Denley 15:11 mins.
Club president, Matt Webster, said Denley is continuing to bring her best game to the club races and is improving each month. Denley won the third club race in December.
Third place in the women’s event was taken out by Soolan Clifford who has her sights and training set on Ironman Port Macquarie in May.
The junior girls continue to impress with Sian Potter and Bronte Clifford going stroke for stroke in the swim. Sian’s swim time of 4:55mins put her ahead by 1:13mins from the rest of the women’s pack.
Matt Webster dominated the men’s field taking first place in 44:59 mins with a stunning run time of 11:19mins for three kilometres.
Brenton Leonard - second and Kieran Bennetts - third, were impressive in a large men’s field of 18 triathletes. Work horse veteran Mal Pitt was just behind in fourth place after a blistering bike time of 28:58mins.
The junior boys kept pace with their older rivals in the three kilometre run leg of the long course race. Lachlan Wall on 12:37 mins was the third fastest runner overall on the day.
A number of Red Devils will compete at the popular Husky Triathlon Festival on February 17. This event will attract athletes to the ocean swim, the sprint distance triathlon and the favoured long course event.
The third race in the Central West Inter-Club Series will be an Australia Day competition in Bathurst, where the Grand Prix format appeals to many athletes.
The next club race will be held on Sunday, February 5.
Big Devils: Female: 1. Halle Potter, 2. Chloe McGilvray, 3. Hannah Rodgers; Male: 1. William Turner, 2. Connor Whale, 3. Jordyn Richards.
Little Devils: Female: 1. Ruby George, 2. Billie Rohr, 3. Madison Johnson; Male: 1. Jesse Johnson, 2. Patrick Holleman, 3. Toby Turner.