Athletics: Champion shows class in a change of style

By MURRAY McKINNON

Robbie Johnston made a rare appearance away from the track to win the annual cross-country event at Clevedon, running the 10.6km in 34m 49s.

Johnston has won seven New Zealand titles, from 1500m to 10,000m, on the track. But until Saturday, he had not won a cross-country title.

He beat Seaton Meredith by 20s, and his dominance on the tough, water-logged course at the polo grounds indicated a possible national title in Masterton on August 11.

Kimberley Smith continued her sudden elevation by winning the women's 5.2km event in 18m 40s, beating Nyla Carroll by 17s.

Commonwealth Games road cycling gold medallist Gavin Smith, fresh from his 2h 36m marathon the previous week in Rotorua, won the veteran men's 7.9km in 28m 03s.

Meanwhile, Terenzo Bozzone returned from his Oceania junior triathlon victory in Queensland last weekend to win the opening race in the Roadhouse duathlon series at Pukekohe yesterday.

Bozzone covered the 2.4km run, 18km cycle and 2.5km run around the motor racing circuit in 43m 57s to beat James Elvery by 30s. Murray McKinnon