Otway Odyssey 100km MTB Marathon
20th Feb 2010

The day started off at 5am with 3 sleepy eyed guys looking at each other, there was no need for an exchanging word, and we shook our heads as we ate breakfast.

As 06:30 came around so did the smiles as everyone's nerves started to niggle as we and the girls ran around making last minute arrangements for the race. The weather forecast was for a top of 33 with northerly winds. This made the first 25km’s of the race interesting as the winds pounded competitors head on, throwing up dust as we struggled up the first 9km climb of 350m assent followed by a further 490m assent.

Our race plan was pretty simple, tempo, eat and drink. As it was Hayden’s first 100km race he felt a bit uneased starting so for back in the pack but had placed all his faith in his older brother, Grant, who had raced a number of MTB marathons and true to Grant’s word as the race went on we passed over 600 competitors.

The heat took it toll on everyone with many riders struggling with cramps and over 200 riders pulling out of the race. Grant had pulled away from Hayden at the 55km mark as he struggled with cramping. Grant gained almost 6mins over the next 20km and caught up to CBD's Paul Randell before he ran out of water. Grant rode the next 30mins without water before reaching the feed zone however the damage seemed to be done.

With Grant and Paul also struggling from cramps, Paul dug deep and climbed the last 13km in a very respectable time putting some 5mins back between him and Grant. Hayden gained back 2 mins after also running out of water in the last 15km loop. A great result with three CBD riders in the top 50 of the 900 strong field with all the big MTB riders taking part.
For full results click here

Hi Anthony and Dave,

On the weekend I competed in the Australian Championships (ITU Junior U/19) held at Sandringham. As a runner up in this event for the past two years, I was very pleased to come away with a strong win on Sunday. Consequently I have secured one of the three spots available for the Australian Junior Elite Team to compete in the Triathlon World Championships in Budapest this September.

I particularly wish to acknowledge your support.

Thank you so much for your generosity as with the bikes, gear and ongoing support (which is immeasurable and directly tied to every success of any member of the VIS triathlon program) you are helping assist me in achieving my goals. I look forward to continuing this relationship.

Thanks again!
Holly Aitken

Tri Alliance Race Report - Race 5 Portarlington
Gatorade Triathlon / Brooks Fun Tri Series
Sunday 14 February 2010

Almost perfect weather conditions greeted us for Race 5 of the Gatorade and Brooks Fun Tri Series. Nice and cool, overcast and still calm water in the bay (free of jellies too!). Tri Alliance had approximately 50 athletes make the journey down the highway which is a fantastic effort and shows the commitment that we have in the squad.

The day started with the Brooks Fun Tri where we again had some very good results. The lack of room and slight hill at the mount and dismount line made for a very eventful morning where a number of athletes lost control of their bikes.

Berit Barton continued her great form for the summer though as she finished a strong second place in her category. We also had a number of first time athletes who we officially welcome to the club, being Carly Laughton, Sabine Benthien, Michelle Donnison and Emma Baston. Well done girls and we hope you enjoyed your first experience!!

In the Gatorade race, we had some more very good results. The distances in Portarlington are longer than the normal sprint races and it is a more challenging course as well. The wind had picked up a bit around the back end of the bike course, making it an even tougher morning for all. Sarah "Rocket" Grove put in another big race to finish second in her category, and fastest Tri Alliance athlete overall; this also includes the fastest female bike split for the day, even beating the elite bike times!   Read more...

I had a much more successful day at the Tasmanian Olympic Distance Championships and round 3 of the state series on Sunday. It was a wet day on a challenging course but I felt strong, fast and didn't experience any technical difficulties. I finished the 1500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run in a touch over 2 hours and 14 minutes as first female and 10th overall.

I was also notified yesterday that I am a finalist in the
TIS Tasmanian Sports Awards, Tasmania's most prestigious sports awards, which will be announced on Friday 12th March.

Training for Ironman Australia (Port Mac) is going well and the next three weeks will be long and hard in the build up to my main race for the season.

Kind Regards,

Amelia Pearson