The
lead group stayed together during the cycle until
the final 10k run, where Hill made his move. With
training partner Luke Harrop (QLD) in hot pursuit,
Hill stepped up the speed to edge away from the lead
pack to take his second national series event for
the season. Harrop chased Hill all the way to the
line for a well deserved second place with current
Australian sprint champion Bryce Quick (VIC) taking
third.
The
women's event was just as exciting with Barb Lindquist
(USA), current Triathlon World Champion Nicole Hackett
(NSW) and Leanda Cave (QLD) all exiting the water
together, followed by Melissa Ashton (NSW) heading
a second pack and former world title holder Emma Carney
(VIC) leading the third group in desperate chase.
As
the cycle leg got down to business it was clear that
Carney was going to use the cycle leg to make up for
lost ground, with a single powerhouse display which
all but bridged the gap to the second chase pack.
As Lindquist and Hackett racked their bikes for the
final run, Lindquist set the early pace, and continued
to storm home for the win. Hackett took out a safe
second place with a fast finishing Carney taking a
gallant third.
A
crowd of 8000 spectators enjoyed the 17th Devonport
Classic Triathlon which also carried International
Triathlon Union (ITU) world ranking points.
Podium
Results
:
1. Chris Hill (QLD) 1.48.44
2. Luke Harrop (QLD) 1.49.12
3. Bryce Quirk (VIC) 1.49.50
1.
Barb Lindquist (USA) 2.00.36
2. Nicole Hackett (NSW) 2.01.58
3. Emma Carney (VIC) 2.02.33
