Fine
weather, the technical excellence of the Japanese
Triathlon Union organizers, and cheering throngs of
thousands welcomed the opening of the 2001 ITU World
Cup Series in Gamagori, Japan.
A
strong field of women dove from the pontoon with picture-perfect
precision. To no one's surprise Barb Lindquist (USA),
Loretta Harrop (AUS) and Nicole Hackett (AUS) soon
moved to the front on the two lap, 1.5 km swim. However,
the trio were unable to drop Rina Hill (NZL) or Laura
Reback (USA), so a group of 5 started the flat, highly
technical 40km bike course. Lindquist and Hill, unable
to stick to the pack were dropped half way through
the bike and caught by the chase group which included
Stephanie Forrester (GBR), Emma Carney (AUS) and Siri
Lindley (USA).
Reback,
Harrop and Hackett stormed into the bike to run transition
with a formidable lead and ran together for most of
the flat, 10km run course which passed by the wildly
cheering spectators three times. Reback's running
ability proved too much for her contenders, as she
slowly pulled away to finish with a comfortable 20
second lead over Nicole Hacket. Loretta Harrop was
third, a further 13 seconds back. Stephanie Forrester,
who posted the strongest run time of the day (34:15),
closed the gap considerably on the run and finished
4th.
The
men's event was deja vu for Chris McCormack (AUS)
and Matt Reed (NZL), who appeared to be playing scenes
from the 1999 Gamagori World Cup. The main difference
this time being that McCormack did not drop Reed on
the run, but ran shoulder to shoulder with him until
the last 50 metres.
True
to form, Hamish Carter (NZL) led from the swim and
quickly organized a group at the front of the cycle
portion which included Kiwi team-mates, Craig Watson
and Shane Reed. Chris McCormack, Matt Reed and Hector
Llanos of Spain, down 15 seconds at the start of the
bike, formed the chased group and soon bridged the
gap to the leaders. McCormack and Reed's technical
cycling ability proved too much for the remainder
of the lead group, as the pair glided effortlessly
through the endless corners to finish the bike with
just over a minute lead on Hector Llanos, Chris Hill
(AUS) and Craig Watson.
McCormack
and Reed took advantage of their lead on the run and
ran neck and neck until the final finish straight
in front of the grandstands. With less than 100 metres
to go, McCormack surged and Reed responded - much
to the delight of the thousands of cheering spectators.
But the kick of the 1997 World Champ was too much
for Reed, and he succumbed near the line allowing
McCormack to reclaim his Gamagori World Cup title.
Tim Don who posted the fastest run time of the day
at 31:02 claimed the last step on the podium, nipping
Hector Llanos just before the finish.
The
awards ceremony was filled with Japanese tradition
and pageantry, with the added charm of the presence
of the Prince and Princess Takamada who did the honor
of presenting the medals.
The
World Cup Series now moves on the Ishigaki, Japan
(April 22), that delightful tropical Isle at the southern
most tip of Japan, then to St. Anthony, Florida, USA
(April 28)
