Wanaka turned on an overcast but otherwise perfect late afternoon and early evening for round three of the Contact Tri Series as local favourites were pipped for honours in both men’s and women’s elite races.

 

With no wind and a Lake resembling a mill pond, competitors set out eagerly on the 750m swim in the sprint distance event.

 

In the women’s it was Invercargill’s Penny Hayes who led out of the water with pre-race favourites Nicky Samuels, Sam Warriner and Maddy Brunton not too far behind.

 

None had the cycling legs of Samuels though as the Wanaka triathlete split the field, eventually leading by 1.13 heading into the 5km four lap run course from Warriner.

 

It proved not to be enough however as Warriner showed no ill effects of last weekend’s win at the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman to run Samuels down in just the second lap, going on to win by.

 

Warriner was delighted with her form but fulsome in her praise of Samuels bike riding ability.

 

“I knew Nicky would be tough to beat on the bike, she always has been and clearly still is a great cyclist. I was perhaps feeling a little tired from last weekend and probably started my run a little late.

 

“After such a bad year last year I just feel great to be involved in races such as this with such a fantastic crowd lining the streets of Wanaka. I’m enjoying racing again - that is the most important thing.”

 

Samuels had to be content with second after winning this race last year, like Warriner, Samuels was full of praise for her opponent.

 

“I thought I had enough of a lead off the bike but then didn’t’ feel that well on the run, perhaps if it had been just one lap I would have won! Full respect to Sam though, she is a wonderful runner and proved that tonight. I simply didn’t have enough of a lead getting off the bike.”

 

Waikato’s Brunton held on for third, continuing her run of podium finishes in each of the three Contact races so far this summer.

 

In the men’s race it came down to a sprint finish and as per last year it included local hope Tony Dodds. Unfortunately history again repeated as Dodds had to be content with second, losing out this time to former World Championship U23 bronze medalist Martin van Barneveld with Austria’s Andreas Giglmayr in third.

 

Dodds led out of the water but a large group quickly formed on the tight bike course and despite numerous attempts at breakaways, nothing eventuated.

 

On to the run Dodds and van Barneveld quickly took control, running shoulder to shoulder for the duration until van Barneveld kicked clear within sight of the line to win by just one second, delighting the man they call ‘the Flying Dutchman’.

 

“I knew Tony was the man to beat heading into the race, he is running really strong and was always going to be the danger. I think what won it for me today was my tactics.

 

“I’ve got to be happy though, having just come off an injury this is great to race so well. It certainly helps me look forward to season ahead in a positive mood with other key dates in the Contact Tri Series and then across to Mooloolaba.”

 

Van Barneveld echoed the sentiments of all competitors when summing up the evening racing conditions in such a stunning location.

 

“I just love racing at night in front of the large crowds, tonight was a real buzz and a chance to show off the sport to big live crowds and hopefully many more who see the coverage.”

 

Dodds agreed with Van Barneveld with regards the tactics, admitting he made a mistake late in the run.

 

“I went too early on the last lap and paid the ultimate price on the finish line. I had a go down the back of Pembroke Park but Martin stayed ahead and did enough from that point.”

 

Austrian visitor Andi Giglmayr rounded out the podium with a strong showing after making the trip from his training base in Australia.

 

Also on the day age group triathletes took part in the Contact Trophy races and beginners enjoyed near perfect conditions for the Contact 3:9:3 as yet more participants were introduced to the country’s fastest growing sport.

 

1          Martin Van Barneveld           Wellington                  54:57

2          Tony Dodds                           Wanaka                      54:58

3          Andreas Giglmayr                 Austria                        55:25

4          Dylan McNeice                      Christchurch               56:02

5          Harrison Dean                       Nelson                        56:28

 

1          Sam Warriner                        Whangarei                 1:02:01

2          Nicky Samuels                      Wanaka                      1:03:26

3          Maddy Brunton                      Waikato                      1:06:26

4          Janine Simpson                    Tauranga                    1:06:46

5          Rebecca Grant                      Dunedin                      1:07:36