Posted: November 23, 2004

Triathlon: Australians Dominate Largest Field Ever At Thai Airways International Laguna Phuket Triathlon

A record breaking field of 628 athletes and a power house pro line-up entered the new look 2004 Thai Airways International Laguna Phuket Triathlon presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand on 20 November. In its eleventh year, this premier event attracted 100 more athletes than ever before and more than doubling its previous total of 3-man relay teams. Triathlon travel groups from Italy, Germany, Korea, USA, Canada, Singapore and Australia added to the increase in athlete numbers and the overall higher energy of the event.

The 2004 race took on a whole new look by moving the transition location to a purpose built lakeside arena and changing the run course to two 6k-loops, taking athletes through the Laguna Phuket resort complex. "The changes were made to increase the quality of the event for the athletes, sponsors and spectators.", commented Race Director Murphy Reinschreiber, who has been involved with the race for its 11 year history.

The spectacular mass beach start at the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket saw hundreds of swimmers vying for position in a torrent of humanity. The unique I.8k swim leg crossed two bodies of water. From the crystal clear Andaman Sea athletes sprinted over the beach to swim the last 620 metres in a beachside lagoon. First out of the water was German pro Christoph Fuerleger in 24:51, followed by the fastest female swimmer, American Barb Lindquist in 25:02.

The first athlete to complete the gruelling 55 kilometre bike course through Phuket’s mountainous coastline and charming countryside was Australian Ritchie Cunningham with a time of 1:23:38 ahead of fellow Australians Miles Stewart, Simon Thompson and Craig Alexander. Three time World Hawaii Ironman Champion Canadian Peter Reid dropped out at the 8k's mark with a tyre puncture.

The men's battle on the scorching hot 12k run course was nothing short of brilliant. Simon and Craig put on the pressure from behind, then shortly stole Ritchie's lead. First to cross the finish line with a total time of 2:33:07, scoring US$3,000 in prize money, was Craig Alexander who previously tasted victory at this event in 2002. Just 53 seconds later followed the 2003 defending champion Simon Thompson and then Ritchie Cunningham.

25-year old Australian Nicole Hackett, mother of 13-month old Joel, won the women’s championship title in 2:53:06. An amazing athlete, Hackett has been named International Triathlon Union World Champion already three times. Second place went to Canadian and 2-time defending champion Carol Montgomery followed by Current world ranked ITU #1 Barb Lindquist. Canadian and 7-time Ironman champion Lisa Bentley amazed all with a blistering 45:57 12k run, placing her run third overall behind Craig and Simon!

Results
Pro Men
1. 2:33:07    Craig Alexander        AUS     25:04/1:24:52/41:35
2. 2:34:00    Simon Thompson      AUS    25:03/1:24:52/42:32     
3. 2:36:50    Ritchie Cunningham  AUS    25:10/1:23:38/46:31
4. 2:39:07    Miles Stewart           AUS    25:04/1:24:45/47:35
5. 2:43:52    Gerald Horvath          AUT    25:26/1:29:55/46:51

Pro Women
1. 2:53:06    Nicole Hackett        AUS    25:08/1:35:10/50:54
2. 2:54:53    Carol Montgomery   CAN    26:32/1:38:02/48:18
3. 2:57:46    Barb Lindquist        USA    25:02/1:39:43/51:01
4. 2:58:12    Jessica Harrison     GBR    27:37/1:37:50/50:48
5. 3:01:26    Lisa Bentley           CAN    30:16/1:43:03/45:57

Complete race results can be found at www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com.