Race Report:
Story and results from Graham Jackson

There was one really important thing in the race at Christchurch on Sunday; one big factor. Yes, it ws good to see John Hellemans finish 5th overall. Yes, it was good to see the return of "Wellington Worlds" 35-39 2nd placegetter Ross Thomson, back after a few seasons away from the sport (6th overall).

But the big thing for Canterbury triathletes and supporters was Jenny Rose competing in her home event, at a time when so many of our home grown athletes are seldom seen over the NZ summer.

In conditions that could only have been improved by some cloud cover ie slight sea swell, windless and 16-18 degrees Rose blitzed the women's field. In doing so she finished 8th overall in what will be her last outing in NZ before World Cup races in Japan and Australia, then returning to Europe in May.

In the men's race Kris Gemmell led the pack out of the water, only to surrender the lead during the bike. Passing transition at the end of the first lap in the run, Gemmell was running off David Plew's shoulder, but pulled away to a winning margin of nearly 90 seconds in the 2nd lap.

Another 'name' to front, was Karen Mills who did the swim and run legs in a team before heading to Taupo to compete in her first Ironman.

Results:

Female
Under 20 
1 Leanne Matchett Pukekohe     2.38.48 
2 Joanna Ryder Christchurch    2.41.25 
20-29 years
1 Louise Thompson Christchurch 2.33.55 
2 Brigitte Nimmo Wellington    2.34.18 
3 Anna Cheyne Auckland         2.45.03 
30-39 years
1 Jenny Rose Christchurch      2.15.39 
2 Karen Hopkinson Christchurch 2.45.53 
3 Jackie Dalton Christchurch   3.05.14 
40-49 years
1 Diana Illston Christchurch   3.03.56 
2 Diane Schurgers Christchurch 3.14.30 
50-59 years
1 Rose Edyvean Christchurch    3.01.44 
2 Shirley Rolston Christchurch 3.16.29 

Male
Under 20
1 Jonathan Collett Blenheim    2.11.16 
2 Eddie Smith Dunedin          2.13.22 
3 Simon Rollo Christchurch     2.19.21 
20-29 years
1 Kris Gemmell Christchurch    2.06.29 
2 David Plew Christchurch      2.07.50 
3 Chris McAteer Christchurch   2.10.53 
30-39 years
1 Peter O'Brien Christchurch   2.17.47 
2 Martyn Birch Blenheim        2.20.53 
3 Tim Anderson Christchurch    2.21.01 
40-49 years
1 John Hellemans Christchurch  2.11.48 
2 Ross Thomson Christchurch    2.11.51 
3 Jon Spar Christchurch        2.18.57 
50-59 years
1 Morris Hall Dunedin          2.36.43 
2 Ross Allen Christchurch      2.50.03 
3 Allan Middleton Christchurch 2.59.57 
60-69 years
1 Anthony Sepie Christchurch   3.32.04