The weather on Saturday morning could hardly have been less ideal for the Cook Islands Triathlon Association Race of the 40th Maori Auri Tinman Competition, which is the National Championship of the Triathlon Club.

Rain and strong winds battered the north and west side of the island, but true to the forecast, as the organisers set up the triathlon area, the rain eased and conditions became a little calmer. 

The competitor field for this year’s event had just seven individual competitors and five teams taking part, making for a small and friendly event. 

It was particularly special to see Tim Murray who was a competitor in the first ever event 40 years ago on the start line again, with his team mates Rob Mathieson and Anthony Wills, Cook Islands Triathlon said in a statement.    

The race consisted of a 1200 metre swim in Tikioki Lagoon, a 31-kilometre cycle out through Arorangi to Nikao near the weather station, and back, and a five loop run round the back road of Titikaveka of approximately 9.5 km.

The swim leg of 1200m was challenging with wind chop and currents, and quickly saw the field split apart. 

Strong swimmer Darius Allsworth came out of the water first to give a commanding lead to his team Little Oneroa, and was followed by Seychelle Carter for team Two and a Half Chicks, and then first individual competitor Roland Neururer. 

Mike Carr, Adrianna Skurosz, Will Tommy and Jacob Pynenburg were next, all competing in the individual competition with Bernie Raffe coming next for team BGB.

On to the bike leg, and a strong wind saw some fast speeds heading into town, but a gruelling slog for much of the 31 km route. 

Taking the overall lead, Neururer was first to complete the bike course. He held that lead through the five lap run leg to take out the overall race title and first male for the 12^th successive year. 

Strength on the bike from Geoff Stoddart brought team BGB into second place in the teams’ competition. 

Mike Carr and Will Tommy were having a very good tussle which saw them very close to each other all afternoon on the ride and run.

The overall second individual men’s place went to Carr who has entered this race an impressive 34 times, and third place to Tommy.

In the lady’s event Adrianna Skurosz had a good solid race and took the win for the third consecutive year with Lauren Turner and Emma Wilsher in second and third places, respectively. 

In the teams’ competition, Team Little Oneroa Team, consisting of Darius Allsworth, Greg Gustafson and Rupeni Mataitoga stayed ahead and took top placing, with Team BTB in second place and Team RAT in third place.   

Congratulations go to all our athletes and particular mention to Lauren Turner and Emma Wilsher who both competed this challenging distance event for the first time.

The Cook Islands Triathlon Association would like to say a very big meitaki maata to the Raina family for use of the land, to The Bond Store for generously donating prizes and to all the volunteers and assistants on the day. 

The next event will be Ariki Adventure Raro Challenge on July 23. Training starts in two weeks with mountain biking, SUP training and cross country running. Be prepared to get muddy and have some fun!

Results

Female

Adrianna Skurosz – Swim 27:25, T1 01:01; Bike 57:01, T2 00:51; Run 52:30 – Total 2:18:48; Lauren Turner – 32:18,           02:30; 1:09:44, 00:54; 56:09 – 2:41:35; Emma Wilsher – 36:15, 04:00; 1:24:09, 01:04; 1:26:37 – 3:32:05.

Male

Roland Neururer – 23:05, 00:54: 54:05, 00:58; 45:29 – 2:04:31; Mike Carr –25:29, 00:55; 1:01:29, 00:55; 54:28 – 2:23:16; William Tommy – 27:36, 02:05; 59:50, 01:48       ; 58:27 – 2:29:46; Jacob Pynenburg – 29:45, 01:03; 1:06:45, 01:49; 1:22:02 – 3:01:24.

Teams                                                                        

Team Little Oneroa – 19:55, 00:52; 1:07:41, 00:40; 39:18    - 2:08:26; Team Bgb – 28:52, 01:00; 54:37, 00:05; 57:17 – 2:21:51; Team Rat – 24:47, 00:51; 1:04:20, 00:43; 53:19 – 2:24:00; Team Wyatts – 32:31, 00:54; 1:04:23 , 02:03; 54:10 – 2:34:01. Team Two & Half Chicks – 21:30, 00:43; 1:23:11, 00:34; 54:53 – 2:40:51.