Triathlon: Todd keeps his crown at Rotorua

Photo / APN

Taupo's Cameron Todd successfully defended his King of the Lake title at Rotorua yesterday.

He beat off strong challenges from 1998 and 1999 winner Bryan Rhodes and elite triathlete Michael Poole.

Todd, 18, had a minute on his challengers going into yesterday's sprint triathlon after Saturday's aquathon (5.5km run and 800m swim) and the 2km open-water swim.

Although he ended up second to Poole yesterday, he had enough time up his sleeve to take the win.

"It was a lot tougher than last year," Todd said. "Rhodesy had a good swim [on Saturday] but he's more suited to Ironman distance. When Michael caught us on the bike I knew it was going to come down to the run."

Poole finished first but lost on his times - the crown and $1000 prize goes to the fastest across three events.

Emerging Hamilton triathlete Mikayla Nielson, 16, won the Queen of the Lake title after opening up a comfortable lead in Saturday's aquathon.

- NZPA