Triathlon: Docherty to rest up as world series decided

Olympic silver medallist Bevan Docherty. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Olympic silver medallist Bevan Docherty blames burnout for his decision to skip the final round of the International Triathlon Union world series.

The New Zealander has had a difficult season and is presently 14th in the series heading into the last round in Hungary next month when double points are on offer.

The 33-year-old will not be among the starters at Budapest after deciding he needs to rest after training himself to a stand still.

Docherty, who won the first round of the series in Sydney in April, did not finish the last three races of the seven-event series in Germany, England and Austria.

"I've decided to cut my season short. I seem to have trained myself into a bit of a hole," Docherty told Radio Sport today.

"I've been in it about six weeks now. I had to pull out of the races at Hamburg and London and last weekend I withdrew from the race at Kitzbuehel.

"I think my body has been telling me to take some rest so I should probably listen to it."

Docherty said he felt physically exhausted but did not reach his decision lightly.

"I am so competitive and I want to excel in every race I go in."

Docherty, the 2004 world champion, won an Olympic silver medal behind compatriot Hamish Carter that same year before collecting a bronze in 2008 at Beijing.

"It's super frustrating but I think it's probably the best decision and it will certainly set me up in the long run, especially for London (Olympics) in 2012."

After starting the season so strongly in Sydney, Docherty said he felt as if he wanted to "push, push, push and unfortunately the body can only take so much".

"This sport is all about pushing the limits but sometimes you find the edge and go over that edge. I seem to be stuck in it and need a bit of a break just to get out."

- NZPA