Hagener uses paddle power to pass Page

The rivalry between Malte Hagener and Jason Page over the Ron Bisset Memorial shield played out another chapter on Sunday, with Hagener reversing his fortunes.

Hagener had finished runnerup to Page by just 12 seconds in the annual Wanganui Multisport & Triathlon Club race last year.

This time Hagener, as a stronger paddler than Page who prefers triathlons over multisport racing, chased the leader down after giving way to him on the cycling leg.

Adam Holmes rounded out the podium in third.

Club spokeswoman Melina Holmes said there was a good field of athletes for the multisport race, which is run at the same time as the club's duathlon.

"Some good racing by all athletes, young and old, with the weather playing its part providing good conditions on race day."

Being a multisporter, Hagener went out to the lead during the 5km run, heading out on the 20km bike leg in good shape.

However, police dog handler Page, who enjoys longer Ironman events, put in a solid bike ride and hit the front by a slim margin for the 5km kayak leg - much as he did the year before.

"Page valiantly tried to hold on to the first place position on the two-lap kayak course on the Whanganui River, but it was inevitable that he would be overtaken by the stronger paddler, Hagener," said Holmes.

Hagener would claim the race with a two and a half minute advantage over Page, with fellow ironman athlete Adam Holmes finishing a further 2.30 minutes back at the club's headquarters on Anzac Parade. The annual race honours the late Ron Bisset - a former club member and winner of the first triathlon held in New Zealand in 1977.

A full list of results are available on the club website at www.wmtc.co.nz.