Hammond snatches win

Greytown's Hamish Hammond was first in his age group (20-24 years) and second overall in the men's trophy event at the New Zealand standard distance triathlon championships held in Wellington last weekend.
The first leg was a 1500m deep-water sea swim, starting at the docks of Waitangi Park and finishing at Marina Beach. A few of the better swimmers pulled ahead early on, with Hammond amongst them, and he came out of the water in third place behind only Casey Glover of Haitaitai and Jono Lee of Blenheim.
A 40km cycle ride, taking in Oriental Bay, Scorching Bay and Moa Point, comprised the second leg. Hammond was part of a leading bunch of five riders who exchanged attacks in the windy conditions. He was second to finish there. A 10km run was the third and final leg, and it consisted of two 5km laps through Oriental Bay, turning around just before Balena Bay. There Hammond managed to hold his place with a 34min, 50secs effort.
Now studying at Massey University, where he is in his third year of an agri-commerce degree, Hammond is coached by Greg O'Connor who was "very pleased" with his Wellington effort.
Hammond is currently on a two-week rest before starting his preparation for the world triathalon championships to be held in China in September.