Ironman: Bay trio trounce their team rivals

A Hawke's Bay Sun Devils triathlon trio of Sam Kettle, Hayley Davis and Lucas Duross won the teams' title at Saturday's Taupo Half Ironman.

In hot, sunny conditions which suited the Bay trio, they won the event by more than two minutes to secure the first prize of $300.

Kettle clocked the fastest 2km swim time in the teams section when he exited a cold and choppy Lake Taupo in 27m 03s.

"It was a tough start and I had difficulty sighting the first buoy, but once I found my rhythm I focused on good straight lines and keeping my stroke rate up," Kettle said.

Davis wasn't 100 per cent for the event with the remains of a lingering cough but this didn't show on the course as she produced a superb 90km ride of 2h 37m 26s, one of the fastest rides on the day.

"I found the ride a bit lonely at times and the road rough but kept telling myself to just keep going. The conditions were good but I found my legs and energy going around the 75km mark but being part of a great team kept me pushing on to finish.

"I was glad to tag Lucas off on the 21.1km run," Davis said.

Duross had an outstanding 1h 21m 27s run, the third-fastest of the day, to keep the team in first position.

"I started the run a bit quick after some nerves waiting in transition but I then settled down and began to enjoy it.

"I passed a few of the men's team runners so knew we were doing well. It was great to win and race with Sam and Hayley," Duross said.