Fast times despite conditions

Fast race times were recorded at the weekends Air New Zealand International Triathlon despite a choppy swim and gusty winds on the cycle and run legs.

The overall race record remains at 1.58.18 set by Bryan Rhodes in 1998 with eventual winner of the race at the weekend Stephen Farrell finishing in a great time of 2.11.37 after coming out third in the swim leg and crashing on the cycle race.

In fact, Farrell had the third fastest individual time in each of the three disciplines on Saturday.

New local race records were recorded when first local male home and second racer overall Roland Neururer set a blistering time of 2.14.55 and first female and local woman Kelly Pick finished in 2.17.23.

The previous local male record was 2.15.37 set by Phil Washbourne last year with Pick shaving close to 2 minutes off her 2010 record of 2.19.03.

Former Kiwi Olympian Nathan Richmond, who placed 3rd overall, was the fastest on the swim taking out the 1.5km course in 22 minutes and 50 seconds followed 3 seconds later by Jon Robinson.

Local cycling enthusiast Geoff Stoddart was the fastest on the bike riding the 41km course in 1.07.08 followed 6 seconds later by eventual local male winner Roland Neururer.

Team Pukekohe Travel set the fastest run time over the 10km course in 40 minutes and 9 seconds followed 19 seconds later by team The Long and Short.

Over winner Stephen Farrell set the fastest individual time of 41 minutes and 8 seconds.

While racers will still be talking about their race times, keen cyclists will line up in Avarua at 5.15pm for todays Tour de Raro round island cycle race.

All competitors and supporters are encouraged to support the Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Service by entering tomorrows inaugural Matutu Mile fun run in Tikioki starting at 5.30pm.