Triathlon treat

TROPHY TIME: Winners of the Australian Defence Sports Triathlon Association’s inaugural national championship carnival, from left, FLTLT Ewan Stewart, AB Tricia Muller, CAPT Madge Dell and CPL Geoff Hanckel.

ADF triathlon participants returning their bikes after completing the bicycle leg of the carnival. Photos by Billy Cunneen

Volume 48, No. 22, November 30, 2006

By Barry Rollings

AIR Force men finished first and second in the premier event and also took the aquathon and sprint triathlon at the Australian Defence Sports Triathlon Association’s inaugural two-day national championship carnival at the Penrith Regatta Centre from November 8 to 9.

Experience proved invaluable as strong-running FLTLT Richard Gardiner from RAAF Base Williamtown won the aquathon on day one. But on day two he had to be content with second in the main event, the Olympic-distance triathlon, a mere 32sec behind CPL Geoff Hanckel, a PTI from RAAF Base Wagga.

CPL Hanckel’s total time was 2hr 2min 31sec, while FLTLT Gardiner crossed the line in 2hr 3min 3sec. The Olympic-distance event consisted of a 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run.

CPL Hanckel completed the 1.5km swim in 21min 41sec, hotly pursed by FLTLT Gardiner, a veteran of about seven years of triathlons and the Hawaii Ironman in 2005, in 26min 45sec.

FLTLT Gardiner narrowed the gap marginally when he completed the cycling in 1hr 2min 30sec to Hanckel’s 1hr 3min 43sec.

In the run, FLTLT Gardiner, winner of the ADF athletics marathon in July, continued to eat away at CPL Hanckel’s advantage. He finished with the better time of 33min 48sec to 37min 7sec, but it was not enough to overcome the winner’s healthy swim leg lead.

Having just completed the gruelling Port Macquarie 70km triathlon the weekend before, CPL Hanckel struggled to keep a rhythm on the bike.

“I knew I could get a good lead in the swim, and this is something I really needed coming into the bike and the run,” CPL Hanckel said.

“The race on the weekend was tough and drew on much of my energy, and with Richard’s strong run ability, I knew I had to watch my back, as he is an awesome runner.”

In the aquathon (run-swim-run), FLTLT Gardiner’s strong run helped him just hold off PTE Wayne Elliot and his outstanding swim in the men’s event to claim the title.

The sprint distance triathlon (750m swim, 20km ride, 5km run), traditionally an event for those wishing to race the triathlon without the longer distances, makes it perfect for the novice who is dabbling with the sport.

FLTLT Ewan Stewart from RAAF Base Richmond ran a hard race and was a clear winner on the day in 1hr 7min 33sec in the men’s race. AB Trisha Muller was too strong for AB Sam Morley and was a clear winner in the women’s in 1hr 17min.

Full results can be viewed at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/RaafWeb/sites/ADSTA/

.