Duathlon: Tingay seals win on debut

Conditions proved almost perfect for the Contact national duathlon championships and the national school duathlon championships at Taupo Motorsport Park yesterday, with the day dawning cool and foggy but soon clearing to blue skies and warm temperatures for the close to 500 participants.

There was a surprise winner in the elite men's race, with Brett Tingay from Christchurch making a successful transition from his middle distance track exploits to the much longer discipline of running and biking over the standard 10km run, 40km bike and 5km run.

"I was third off the bike and on to the final run but always thought I had enough in the legs, even if I was two minutes behind I thought I could make it up, it all went pretty much to plan," he said.

"I'm sure I can bike a little better if I spend more time on the bike but this isn't bad for a debut appearance.

"I returned from a track trip to the USA in April and came home to no track to train or race on in Christchurch so I thought I would give this a go," said Tingay. "I am normally a miler, 1500 and 800 runner but I have done a few half marathons and stuff so I thought it must be time to go long.

"The calves were pinging a bit on the bike, it was hard because I'm not used to it. But the fog lifted and turned into a stunning day so it has been great. I'll be back again and looking to go quicker for sure."

The women's title was won by Elaine Brent (Wellington) after defending champion Mel Burke withdrew late in the first run leg, a troublesome tendon behind her right knee being the culprit.

Racing was perhaps at its most competitive in the elite under-19 national schools sprint championship, with Sam Ward (St Kentigerns Auckland) an impressive winner in the boys race, holding out Thomas McLaughlin and Zac Barber, with all three dipping under the hour mark for the race.

In the girls event there was a great win for Sophie Evans (Avonside) from Nadia McDonnell and Samantha Olley.

In the women's under-19 elite sprint, a fit looking Maddie Dillon took the honours, winning the title and being first overall in the sprint distance.

The cheers were loud and long all day though for competitors as young as 10 and those in the over 75 category, with Ray Bennett winning honours in that section as the heat of the day really took hold.

Schools from as far away as Whangarei, Ashburton, Gisborne and Christchurch were represented in the national competition, as well as a great turnout from the local schools in Taupo and surrounding areas.