Triathlon: Top triathletes pull out on tough day for NZ

Kris Gemmell. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Leading New Zealand triathletes Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell withdrew late in the world championship series race at Kitzbuhel, Austria yesterday.

On a disappointing day for New Zealand, unheralded Aucklander Ryan Sissons was the first home in 24th place while New Plymouth's Clark Ellice was 33rd and Wellington's Martin van Barneveld 46th.

Docherty, who won the first race of the series in Sydney, showed improved form after struggling in recent races but withdrew after 7.5km of the run. Earlier the two-time Olympic medallist had picked up a 15-second stand down penalty from the officials so by pulling out he left something in the tank for the season finale in Budapest next month.

Gemmell suffered a stomach illness and cramping forced his retirement in the 10km run. Both Gemmell and Docherty were with the main pack after the swim and bike.

Great Britain's Stuart Hayes won, courtesy of a gutsy break on the bike to stun the field. Hayes was part of a five-man break on the bike, which was able to build a lead of over 1m 40s at the second transition.

"The only way I can win these races is to get away on the bike, otherwise there's no chance for me," Hayes said.

"Either I get away and it works or I end up near last place because I gave everything I had trying to get away. That's the way I like to race."

Javier Gomez, who won the last two rounds of the series in Hamburg and London, wasn't part of the break but the fleet-footed Spaniard was able to run his way up to second, despite having to serve a 15s penalty.

- NZPA