Triathalon: Ussher powers ahead to set Wanaka record

Richard Ussher says the support from the crowd gave him strength. Photo / Camilla Stoddart

New Zealand's Richard Ussher took the fourth Challenge Wanaka long-distance triathlon in emphatic fashion yesterday, smashing the previous record by three minutes.

Ussher finished in a record eight hours, 34 minutes and 41 seconds, ahead of American Justin Daerr, who clocked 8hr 38min 19sec. Fellow New Zealander Keegan Williams (8hr 41min 19sec) was third.

Ussher, who exited the swim in sixth position, made his move to the lead in the first third of the bike leg. He passed through the bike/run transition area with ease, over three minutes ahead of the pack.

"It was a tough day but the support from the crowd was unbelievable," Ussher said. "I've only done two other courses like this and this is by far the hardest."

New Zealander Gina Crawford led from the start to reclaim her crown as women's champion in 9hr 28min 57sec. Australian Rebekah Keat was second in 9hr 30min 41sec, and Lizbeth Kristensen, of Denmark, was third in in 10hr 3min 9sec.

"The swim was cold and it took a while to warm up on the bike, but from Cromwell it felt really good," said Crawford. "It is hard to lead a race from start to finish, especially with someone like Rebekah chasing."

It was Crawford's third consecutive Challenge Wanaka win.

The race comprises a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and a full 42.195km marathon.

- NZPA