Triathlon: Rookie fights to end

Terenzo Bozzone was too good in Taupo. Photo / Herald on Sunday

A courageous effort from rookie Matt Burgess couldn't stop pre-event favourite Terenzo Bozzone from winning yesterday's Taupo Half Ironman.

In overcast conditions with a slight wind, Andrew Mackay was the first out of the water ahead of Bozzone (Auckland) and 21-year-old Burgess (Papakura) after the 2km swim.

Burgess, in only his second race over the distance, led early on the 90km cycle before being overtaken by Bozzone.

The pair continued to battle for the lead during the 21.1km run, with Bozzone winning in four hours, six minutes and 40 seconds, a mere 16 seconds ahead of Burgess.

In third place was former winner of the event, Cambridge's Keegan Williams in 4hr 13min 29sec.

The women's race was won by Wellington's Belinda Harper in 4hr 47min 50sec, 47 seconds ahead of Hannah Lawrence (Auckland) with Papakura's Hilary Wicks in third.

- NZPA