Triathlon: Veteran Sheldrake stumbles at death

Hamish Hammond overtakes Stephen Sheldrake at the finish line. Photo / Christine Cornege

Hamish Hammond tasted victory in the Contact Tri Series in Whangamata yesterday as veteran Stephen Sheldrake tasted the dirt.

Sheldrake had a comfortable lead from the end of the cycle race in tough conditions, but he was overhauled by Hammond and stumbled just 2m from glory, leaving the 21-year-old an open line.

"I think they need to introduce a new run distance, maybe 9.98km and I would be on top of the podium," said Sheldrake.

"This is old-school triathlon - waves in the swim, rain on the bike and a cross-country run - so this was great, back where it all started here in Whangamata. I love coming here. Pity about the weather but it isn't cold. Hamish ran a great race, though, and was strong to the finish. Congratulations to him."

Greytown-based Hammond had to play catch-up in the awful conditions as athletes bashed their way through choppy water conditions in the two-lap 1500m swim and rode carefully on the 40km bike ride with roads slippery as rain continued to hit the Coromandel Peninsula.

"I have really only been in triathlon two-and-a-bit years so I am still new to the sport," said Hammond.

"I have worked hard in the holiday break, working hard outside while everyone else was snuggled up inside so I figured I would be in good shape."