While the triathlon scene in Europe is still looking forward to the start of the season, the southern hemisphere is already stepping on the gas. So also at the Challenge Melbourne, at the end of which there was an Australian double victory.
In the men's race, Tim van Berkel prevailed against his compatriot Clayton Fettell. He initially pulled away from the other starters in the swim and also kept his lead on the bike. In the final triathlon, however, he had to pay tribute to his high pace. Van Berkel was the first to catch up with him and left him only a little later. Things got worse for Fettell after that as John Polson, Michael Fox and Todd Skipworth also passed him before the end of the race. Fifth place remained for Fettell in the end.
In the women's category, Australia's Annabel Luxford was the big favorite. She won clearly ahead of the Swiss Caroline Steffen and her compatriot Rebecca Hoschke. The former short-distance specialist laid the foundation for her success in swimming, but unlike Fettell, her calculations worked.
result men
1. Tim van Berkel (Australia) 3:52:37
2. John Polson (Australia) 3:53:30
3. Michael Fox (Australia) 3:53:58
4. Todd Skipworth (Australia) 3:54:32
5. Clayton Fettell (Australia) 3:55:01
result women
1. Annabel Luxford (Australia) 4:16:01
2. Caroline Steffen (Switzerland) 4:20:05
3. Rebecca Hoschke (Australia) 4:25:29
4. Madeleine Oldfield (Australia) 4:31:30
5. Wendy Mcalpine (Australia) 4:32:01