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It's my second time at the Snowfarm and I must say I am still amazed to train in such a great place. The trails are endless for running and we have really good swimming facilities in Wanaka which is 30min drive from the top of our mountain.
The triathlon World was on fire last weekend as Wanaka city was hosting over 2000 triathletes to compete.
Tony Dodds, NZL team member and racing in his home town made up a little challenge doubling the prize money to anyone able to beat him in the Tri NZ series Elite men... Dare on!
Media involved, the race venue was packed when most of the top kiwi olympic distance athletes started in town at 8:10pm.
I was the only foreigner in the race and I was excited to kick off 2011 after a 2010 season made of injuries.
The race went well and we did it the hard way. To be honest, I wasn't really excepting that for this time of the year.
I excited the water in the front after 750m wetsuit swim in choppy lake wanaka. Straight on the bike, Kris Gemmell, Tony Dodds, Aaron Barclay and myself put the hammer down and we were happy to see we made a gap with all the rest of the field.
We ended up the 20k bike with a 30" lead a little bit exhausted but surrounded by the huge crowd.
Kris Gemmell dictated the pace early on the run.
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I really enjoyed the race and I am happy to be back racing at this level early on the season.
I am now back into my altitude training in the middle of the mountains. From here, I wish you an happy new year.
Take care.
Laurent
Results:
Finish/Name/Swim/Bike/Run/ Overall
1er Laurent Vidal 09:08 / 29:54 / 14:13/ 53:15
2eme Tony Dodds 09:06/ 29:56 / 14:29 /53:31
3eme Kris Gemmell 09:10 / 29:51 / 14:46 /53:47
4eme Ryan Sissons 09:16 / 30:24 / 14:08 / 53:48
5eme James Elvery 09:12 / 30:28 / 15:05 / 54:45
Press Release from TriNZ
Frenchman steals the show in Wanaka