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Posted: January 18, 2004 Triathlon: Road to Ironman Australia - Tasmanian Half Ironman Round Nine - Road to Ironman Australia Qualifying Series
Clear and sunny skies welcomed the athletes to the start of the Tasmanian Half Ironman in Ulverstone, Tasmanian, the finale of the Road to Ironman Australia Qualifying Series. The clear blue skies brought with it cool and crisp morning temperatures and cold water of approximately 14.7degrees. The fresh morning did not cool off the pace as the athletes were quick to warm up and complete the 1.9km swim. Two Tasmanian local age group athletes were first to exit the water, Paul McKenzie in 27:19 with Peter Kay close behind in 27:24. Brent Sheldrake of NZ was the first elite athlete out of the water in 27:48 followed by local favourite Joe Gambles in 28:12. Jason Shortis was seventh to exit in a time of 29:31, with Sean Foster in 29:58 and Paul Patrick just behind in 31:14. Edith Kosztouits was the first elite female to exist the swim in 31:36 placing her 32nd overall. Victorian elite Nadelle Gregg was second in 38:35 with Jodi Barker third in 40:45. 1990 marathon Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist Tani Ruckel also raced in the elite section and was fourth out of the water in 57:51. As athletes took to the cycle leg, the sun shone brightly and the wind picked up its pace a little making for more interesting racing. Jason Shortis was quick to show he meant business and rode strongly to take the lead. However, after the 90km cycle, 40-44 age group athlete Kevin Ferguson was first to dismount his bike after a great 28:40 swim. Jason Shortis was second off the bike and first elite in 2:51:01, only one minute behind Ferguson. Some four minutes back saw Sean Foster, Joe Gambles along with Brent Sheldrake and Darren Franken head out onto the half marathon run. Paul Patrick headed out with a seven minute deficient from the leaders. Female favourite Edith Kosztovits had a strong cycle and finished in 30th place overall in a time of 3:17:47. Next elite to dismount was Nadelle Gregg 17 minutes back with many top age group females between the two elite competitors. The wind continued to pick up speed throughout the half marathon which seemed to help race favourite Jason Shortis as he reclaimed the lead after the first lap (7km). After Shortis took the lead he continued to run confidently to cross the line first in 4:10:28. Eight minutes back saw local star Joe Gambles finish second in 4:18:34 whilst 40-44 age group athlete Kevin Ferguson had an incredible race to finish in third place in 4:19:20. Sean Foster held onto fourth in 4:19:33 followed closely by Brent Sheldrake in 4:19:49. Edith Kosztovits continued her dominance on the run to finish first in 4:48:23 after a 1:30 half marathon. 30-34 age group athlete Alison Kean from NSW was 12 minutes behind to finish second overall followed closely by another age group athlete, 35-39 Sharon Allen from Tasmania. 25-29 Western Australian age group athlete, Kate Bebilaqua was another one minute back finishing fourth overall. Second elite competitor and fifth overall was Nadelle Gregg in a time of 5:06:22. Although the race for first place was completed in just over four hours the age group athletes continued to race for up to seven hours. For many they are hoping to claim one of the 25 qualifying spots for the 2004 Snap Ironman Australia triathlon in April but for most it is simply about battling the odds to cross the finish-line. Results:
Women...
Ironman Australian Triathlon - April 4, 2004 Ironman WA Triathlon - November 28, 2004
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