Multisport: Osborne distances rivals

Luke Osborne confirmed his status as Hawke's Bay's top duathlete with a superb sub-two hour performance in the Shoe Clinic 3 Rivers Festival of Duathlon's premier event.

In fine but windy conditions last Sunday he finished the Pure Catering course (10km run, 36km cycle, 5km run) in 1:58:06, more than eight minutes ahead of his closest rival, World Age-Group triathlete Steve Charles. The open-grade athlete was quicker than the fastest two-man team (cyclist Dean Hepburn and runner Kristian Day) by 20 seconds.

Osborne's time was nearly six minutes quicker than his effort in the corresponding event last year.

Luke Williams (Vet 1) was third.

First woman home was Ali Hollington (Vet 1, 2:12:54), who was more than five minutes ahead of Naomi Fergusson. Annika Edmondson finished third. All three are heading to the World Age-Group championships on October 22.

In The Hub Duathlon (5km run, 20km cycle, 2.5km run), Ross Rainham (open) was first in 1:02:39. First female was Hayley Davis in 1:13:36.

Junior triathlete Patrick Dunphy took out line honours in the More FM Duathlon (3km run, 10km cycle, 1.5km run) in 47:21. Vikki Bond held off younger rivals Ruby Mawley (junior) and Sarah Clapperton (open) in the female division.

Moved from its previous mid-winter slot, the 3 Rivers doubled as the Hawke's Bay Multisport Club's duathlon championship, and wrapped up the winter schedule of racing. Approximately 100 athletes turned out.

The Hawke's Bay Multisport Club are holding an orientation evening today for anyone interested in taking up triathlon. It will be held at Plus Rehab Taradale, 12 Lee Rd, at 6.30pm.