Multisport: Carter, Docherty boosted by tough top-10 finish

Olympic medallists Hamish Carter and Bevan Docherty were buoyed by top-10 finishes in the latest International Triathlon Union World Cup in Edmonton, Canada, yesterday.

Carter finished sixth and Docherty seventh in the strongest World Cup event of the season.

The field included most of the world's top-10, along with world champion Docherty, and Olympic gold medallists Carter and Simon Whitfield, who was attempting his third straight win at Edmonton on home turf.

New Zealand's two-time world junior champion Terenzo Bozzone, of North Harbour, finished 13th and Taupo's Shanelle Barrett had her best World Cup performance, finishing 11th in the women's race.

Auckland's Nathan Richmond crashed out but was unhurt, and Taupo's Bryan Rhodes also did not finish.

It proved a top day for the Americans, with former Olympic swimmer Andy Potts holding off the challenge from world No 1 Hunter Kemper and former New Zealander Matt Reed in a US trifecta in the men's race.

Australian Emma Snowsill, the 2003 world champion, dominated the women's race from compatriot Annabel Luxford and American Joanna Zeiger.

Carter and Docherty both believe they are starting to show signs of their Olympic form, with their main goal of the world championships in Japan still seven weeks away.

"It was better than last week in Minneapolis and it was solid, although I still lack that speed to step up in fourth gear," Carter said.

"It's a bit frustrating because I would like to blast out but I'm looking to be in top shape in two months time. I am starting to fire up. It was a solid, good race."

It also proved a step up for Docherty, who has struggled this year after a long break following the Olympics.

"To tell the truth I am quite relieved today that I am starting to find some form," Docherty said.

"On reflection I don't think we had too much time off after Athens. Both Hamish and I needed it.

"It's just taking a long time to get back to that sort of form which can be quite frustrating. I still don't have that fast-twitch race speed to go up another gear just yet. But I can feel the form is starting to come back."

Bozzone again showed his potential, holding on to the main chase pack on the bike, although he realises that as a 20-year-old he has yet to develop the race strength of the other elites.

"It's great to mix it with the big guys. I can't complain about my form," Bozzone said.

"The big goal is the Commonwealth Games and therefore I'm targeting the world championships to qualify. I think I am improving. It's about being able to develop the strength to run off the bike that these guys have."

All three New Zealanders will be remaining in the United States to prepare.

- NZPA