Race Report:
as reported in the Otago Daily Times.

Eddie Smith and Amanda West were convincing winners of the Otago Triathlon championships held at Macandrew Bay yesterday (14 March). The course, incorporating a 750m harbour swim or 5km kayak, a 20km cycle and 5km run attracted 60 entries, with kayak sections boosting the number of competitors to about 100. Both Smith and West led their respective fields throughout despite both being juniors, impressed with the manner of their wins over their more experienced colleagues.

West (19) dominated the senior women's field to win in 1hr 7min 4sec, completing the swim in 10 min 31 sec and cycle in 35min 40sec. Rival Alison Bradshaw, who had a poor swim, finished second in 1hr 8min 20sec, with Taryn McLeod 2min 37sec behind in third. While West built on a commanding lead from the swim leg, Smith had a five-way battle throughout with pre-race favourite Ian Paulin, Jon Linyard, Colin Clearwater and Lachie Cameron.

Leaving the water in an impressive 9min 52sec, Smith was unable to pull away on the cycle stage, finishing with Paulin, Linyard and Clearwater in 32min 41sec. Cameron trailed by 42sec. Going into the run section, Smith (19) quickly opened a decisive lead, while Cameron moved into second place and looked to close on Smith.

However, Smith's superior running ability prevailed as he went to the line in 59min 1sec. Cameron finished 48sec back in second place, with Clearwater third in 1hr 12sec. Fifth place-getter Ian McDonald was awarded the Bruce Dellow Memorial Trophy as the first veteran in 1hr 4min 40sec. Carmel Cadzow was first veteran woman in 1hr 11min 54sec.

Geoff Walford won the senior men's kayak section in 1hr 19min 39sec and Sue Olaman the senior women's section in 1hr 24min 3sec. Dave McLean, third overall, won the veteran men's section in 1hr 24min 3sec.