Duathlon Team At World Championships

MEDIA RELEASE

21 May 2007

Success For Duathlon Team At World Championships

A team of New Zealand’s multisport athletes had a successful day yesterday [20 May], when they took on the world at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Age Group Duathlon World Championships in Györ, Hungary.

Each athlete completed a 10km run leg, a 39.3 km cycle leg, and a further 5km run leg. The team was selected by Triathlon New Zealand - also the organising body for the team.

The best results of the day were two sixth place finishes - from Heidi-Jane Humphries [Wellington] in the 25-29 female age group, and Jan Brosnahan [Dunedin], in the 50-54 female age group.

Other strong results came from Rhonda Cooper [Wellington], who was seventh in the 35-39 female age group, and Stephanie Anderson [Wellington], who finished ninth in the 20-24 female age group. Ian Robinson [Waihi Beach] also finished ninth in his age group [70-74]. Unfortunately the team’s biggest medal hope Brenda Fortune [Christchurch] was unable to race due to illness.

Team manager Heidi-Jane Humphries said it was a fantastic day for the team, who were racing under hot conditions.

“It was really hot out there today, with a temperature of about 25C but there was a bit of a wind which cooled us down,” Heidi-Jane said.

“Everyone had a really outstanding day and had heaps of support from each other at the finish line. We’ve got some great results to take home.”

Triathlon New Zealand Chief Executive Officer said it was great to see some solid results in the age group fields.

“New Zealand’s performance in multisport events around the world is continually improving,” Dave said.

“Our team’s performance at this year’s Duathlon World Champs highlights New Zealand’s strong presence in multisport internationally.”

Results

20-24 Female

9 Stephanie Anderson [Wellington]

25-29 Female

6 Heidi-Jane Humphries [Wellington]

35-39 Female

9 Rhonda Cooper [Wellington]

40-44 Female

17 Sheralee Cleland [Palmerston North]

50-54 Female

6 Jan Brosnahan [Dunedin]

20-24 Male

12 Andrew Leighton [Nelson]

25-29 Male

17 Jay Maciqulham [Palmerston North]

22 Dion Jelley [Auckland]

40-44 Male

17 Darren Blackhurst [Wellington]

24 Rog Nightingale [New Plymouth]

70-74 Male

9 Ian Robinson [Waihi Beach]

ENDS

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