Women’s tri doubled as a games test

Saturday’s women’s triathlon not only gave first time athletes the opportunity to experience the buzz of finishing a triathlon – the race also gave athletes vying for spots in the Pacific Games team a good idea of where they are at with their training.

While Tereora PE teacher Vanessa Palmer had the race in the bag from the start to win and finish in 53:14 – it was the athletes chasing her that were pushing for better times.

Jennie George came second overall to set a new personal best of 56:03 and Serena Hunter settled for third place and also with a personal best of 56:28.

Rangi Apera had the biggest cheers though with a superb race that saw her exit the water in 4th place then blitz George and Hunter on the bike to follow Palmer in second place on the last run leg.

But after the first 2km of the 4km run leg – Hunter and George had pulled in Apera who settled for 4th place in a time of 57:17 – also a personal best time for her.

Apii Napa also had a fantastic race with a smile a mile long on her face from start to end.

Napa punched the air with satisfaction as she crossed the line in 5th place in a time of 1:04:41.

Overall, fantastic performances were seen by all 30 individuals and 9 teams that took part.

All the women athletes that have been struck with the triathlon bug are welcome to take part in the weekly Saturday afternoon triathlons at Tikioki as well as the two-discipline duathlons run every Thursday afternoon.

The triathlon association would like to thank major sponsor of the 6th annual women’s triathlon – Island Car and Bike Hire – for their continuous support, and congratulations to all the tough women who took part in the race.