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REESBY & COMPANY STROKE & STRIDE |
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RACE #4
22 JANUARY 2008
MISSION BAY – AUCKLAND – NEW ZEALAND
RACE REPORT
The first race of the New Year rode into town on the back of tropical cyclone Funa. Fortunately Funa had departed Auckland before the evening start time leaving us with just a boisterous wind blowing down the harbour perpendicular to the Mission Bay coastline. After the atrocious earlier conditions we were more than happy with a breeze and a large helping of summer sun for the fourth Reesby & Company sponsored Stroke & Stride. The 1000 metre swim course was set in such a way that it was as close to user friendly as possible missing out any legs head-on into the aforementioned breeze and the accompanying one metre chop.
Once out on the road the 3 kilometre out and back run to Kohimarama presented competitors with a swift, almost downhill first half with the wind at their backs. Then the hard work started with the wind in your face all the way back along the exposed waterfront to the finish line.
It was the men’s field starting first and from the shore we could see a wide spread of men closing on the first turn buoy, then some order was apparent as they continued around the course with a group of three at the head of the field. On the final leg into the shore one swimmer broke away from his companions hitting the sand first in a time of 11 minutes and 12 seconds and if you guessed that it was the aquatic wonder Brent Foster then you’re absolutely right. A dozen seconds further back came Dylan McNeice and Tony Dodds and then there was more than 20 seconds ticked over on the clock before the big chasing bunch commenced their arrival back on the beach.
Meanwhile ten minutes later in the second wave containing the women’s field after their 1000 metre swim it was Kirsty Wannan and Teresa Adam leading the way having broken free from their pursuers. Clocking 13 minutes 15 seconds for the swim and more than 50 metres ahead of the rest they made short work of the transition and were soon onto the run.
Tony Dodds dug deep on the early stages of the run to bridge the gap up to Brent Foster and be challenging for the lead as they came back into view 500 metres from the finish. They were still shoulder-to-shoulder when they launched themselves onto the sand for the final punishing sprint. As the crowd goes wild Brent Foster finds another gear and get his head in front to take the win by the smallest of margins. Tony Dodds is denied his second win of the summer by just a second however still banks valuable points. Clark Ellice returns to Stroke & Stride with a fine third placing getting ahead of Dylan McNeice out on the run course with Andrew Curtayne claiming fifth place.
The mix of distances in this event is biased towards the swimmers however for the women’s field it was a blistering run leg that made the difference. At the end of the swim Sophie Corbidge was handily placed but not threatening the lead. Three kilometers of running later and Sophie Corbidge had blown past all in front of her to claim her second victory for the season. Simone Ackermann matched her result from Race #2 with another fine second place today finishing seconds ahead of Kirsty Wannan. Defending Series Champion Carmel Hanly scored more important points in the defence of her title with fourth place ahead of the ever-improving Teresa Adam in fifth.
Half way through the eight race Series we have a run away leader in front of the men’s field while it is starting to look like a traffic jam at the head of the women’s event. Sophie Corbidge has a whole one point advantage over Kirsty Wannan with Carmel Hanly looming just a few points further back.
The next event is on Tuesday, February 5th 2008 and further information can be found at swimrun,org
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Parker ENZED Jetsprint Championship |
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22nd January 2008
Gisborne set to shake again on Saturday
By Jetpro
Gisborne is set to once again shake to big horsepower excitement when round two of the Parker ENZED Jetsprint Championship returns to town on Saturday (26/1). A top quality field of 40 Jetsprint teams have entered the twilight event at Gisborne’s Electinet Thunderpark Jetsprint Circuit which is located right next door to Gisborne Airport.
Beaurepaires Superboats are always the crowd favourite, with 1000 horsepower being the norm in the unrestricted methanol burning machines, they are a fearsome experience. Front runners entered include Taupo’s Bryan Smith, Wanganui’s Duncan Wilson, and Putaruru’s Daryl Hutton all in ‘Big Block’ powered boats of over 10,000 cc capacity. Other front runners in Beaurepaires Superboats include Palmerston North’s Richard Burt who has a ‘small block’ engine of ‘only’ 8200 cc capacity but has the advantage of a lower weight unit. Auckland’s Graeme Mincham will also fight for the win in his supercharged small block weapon, while Pat Dillon of Wanganui will add his Ford powered supercharged machine to the battle. The Hutt Valley’s Ian Ferguson should finally get to debut his 11,500 cc Big Block machine, and Taupo’s Darren Macfarlane will take the Beaurepaires Superboat field to eight with his supercharged rig.
Smith took the win at round one ahead of Wilson who has just stepped up to run with the Beaurepaires Big Boys. Hutton currently holds third after accepting the generous loan of Smith’s boat at round one, when his own boat was rendered inoperative at the last minute. Mincham has picked up support from new sponsor Rylock and was challenging for a top 2 spot at round one before having to settle for fourth behind Hutton. Burt suffered from a lack of testing at round one and was out early, but can be expected to be on the front pace at Gisborne.
The set mechanical formula of the Chemz Group A boats always provides a close fight in the Parker ENZED Championship, and the 2008 season looks like being the most close fought ever. The win at round one went to Rex Briant by just 9/100ths of a second, a mere blink of an eye, and the battle will be no less intense at Gisborne.
World Champion Superboater Peter Briant has joined his brother Rex in the Chemz Group A competition for 2008 and will be looking to win at home after placing fourth at round one. The battle of the Briant’s will be titanic at Gisborne with both brothers used to winning at home, but as Peter Briant has acknowledged, there are at least half a dozen drivers who have every chance of winning the Chemz Group A battle. Others expected to pitch into the battle for the win include Lower Hutt’s Ray Ferguson who took third ahead of Peter Briant at round one, Baden Gray (Auckland) and Bevan Muir (Thames) who share the same immaculate Toyota sponsored boat, and Levin’s Andrew Guthrie who has a new boat from Peter Cauhey’s Sprintec factory.
2007 Jetpro NZ Lites Champion Bryan Kelly is also expected to feature in the battle at the front after finishing 5th in his first time out in Chemz Group A. Don’t discount the Hutt Valleys Shane Wood either, Wood and navigator Lisa MacGibbon had a wild ride into the safety fence at Wanganui after their engine stalled at high speed during qualifying, but they were back on the horse-power 30 minutes later to take a brave 8th place.
The Jetpro NZ Lites provides the starting opportunity for up and coming Jetsprint Racers learning the game, with 8 rookie drivers entered Jetpro NZ Lites are sure to provide some thrills for the crowd and their drivers. Piopio’s Graeme Jones was the surprise of the class at round one, fighting for the win in his second year behind the wheel. But the experience of Dave Stone was too much for Jones last round, with Jones taking a career best 2nd place behind Stone. Upper Hutt’s Don Wood was a regular on the podium in 2007, his third place at round one sets his championship up well. Of the Rookies at round one, Northland’s Denis Crene got everyone’s respect with a fine fourth place on debut, ahead of another rookie, Daniel Tall of Christchurch. After a year on overseas study, Matt Brown of Masterton returns to the Parker ENZED Championship Series at Gisborne.
Teenager Brown was just 17 when he last competed in Jetsprinting two years ago, having made a strong impression back then, Brown is one to watch out for.
The Gisborne meeting kicks off with qualifying from 11am. The all action elimination racing begins at 5pm at this twilight Parker ENZED Championship meeting.
Photo credits 1/ All with title prefix IT – Ian Thornton (IT – DSC ….) 2/ Briant’s mug shot – H2O Full Throttle Magazine (XO8X ….)
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Soverein NZ Ocean Swim Series |
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22nd January 2008
For immediate release from Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series, for further information visit www.oceanswim.co.nz MAYOR LEADS BY EXAMPLE IN OCEAN SWIM Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast will lead her city by example this Saturday when she takes part in the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series at Freyberg Beach on Oriental Bay. The Sovereign Capital Classic is the second round in the five event nationwide ocean swim series and has attracted an incredible 800 swimmers in just its second year. Mayor Kerry Prendergast will be one of them, taking part in the 750m race and is hoping that her example and that of the other swimmers on the day might lead to a greater effort from everyone to learn to swim. “While I have been out of the country for most of January, I understand there have been a high number of deaths from drowning as people have taken to the water in the hot weather,” said the Mayor on her return from overseas this week. “I would urge everyone to learn to swim. If we are going to use the water, we must learn how to help ourselves if we get into difficult situations. Knowing how to swim can mean the difference between life and death and, from my experience over the past couple of months; you are never too old to learn!” Mayor Prendergast has been hard at work in preparation for Saturday and admits she has taken on a bigger challenge than she first thought. “I thought I was okay at swimming. I used to swim as a child and have spent a lot of time in the water during holiday. I also go scuba diving with my husband Rex. I have never, however, mastered the art of breathing. I did some refresher lessons to prepare myself for this event but soon discovered I was a ‘beginner’ and have had to really start from scratch as a new learner. It has been a huge learning curve and a huge challenge.” The Mayor is proud of the cities reputation for major events and activity, many of them sport related and says Wellington was an obvious stop for the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series. “Wellington is the Events Capital, of that there can be no doubt. The list of events just keeps growing. We have a fantastic harbour, and are in the midst of a really great summer. We are delighted to be hosting one of the five races in this series.” Pre-Event Media OpportunityMedia and photographers are invited to meet and interview Mayor Kerry Prendergast at the Freyberg Pool on Thursday at 4pm. The Mayor will be available to take questions on the swim series and Wellington’s role as a host city in the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series. Also attending will be Event Director Scott Rice and leading Australian Open Water Swimmer David Browne, winner of last years Sovereign King of the Bays. Media Opportunity with Mayor Kerry PrendergastThursday 24th January4pmFreyberg PoolOriental ParadeWellington Also in attendanceScott Rice Event DirectorSovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series David BrowneVisiting Australian and World ranked open water swimmerBorn: 1987Height: 180Weight: 78Place of Birth:Johannesburg, RSACoach: Michael Bohl
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Finished seventh in 5km open water at 2007 FINA World Championships….was seventh in 10km open water and was twelfth in 400m IM at 2006 Pan Pacific Championships….has won four medals at Australian Age Championships….has won three gold and a bronze at Australian Age Open Water Championships….has won a silver and a bronze at Australia Open Water Championships
IN 2008
Won bronze in 25km, was fourth in 5km and sixth in 10km at the Australia Open Water Swimming Championships in Sydney (Dec 07)
IN 2007
Was fifth in the 800m free and sixth in the 400m IM at the Telstra Australian Championships in Brisbane (Dec 06)….won silver in 5km & was fourth in 10km at the Swimming Australia Open Water Championships in Melbourne (Dec 06)….was 7th in 5km at FINA World Championships in Melbourne…. First place in the Sovereign King of the Bays, North Shore City.Capital Classic
Round two of the Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series
Saturday 26th January
Oriental Parade
Wellington For further information contact: Scott RiceEvent DirectorSovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series0274 775 796 Richard AllenSponsorship ManagerSovereign P 09 4879173M 021 674637 Andrew DewhurstMedia ManagerSovereign Splash and Dash 2008M 021 535 501
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Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series |
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21st January 2008 RECORD FIELD FOR SOVEREIGN CAPITAL CLASSIC OCEAN SWIM The Capital Classic, race two in the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series takes place this Saturday January 26 with a record field already confirmed almost a week out from race day. Year two of the nationwide open water swim series has seen a surge in interest with the Sovereign Harbour Crossing (Auckland) event attracting a record field of 1300 swimmers in November and while Wellington won't match that figure, the increase for the second ever Capital Classic suggests it might not take long. "Numbers for the Capital Classic are already well in advance of our total entry list for last year and we have the best part of a week left before the starting gun is fired," said Event Director Scott Rice. "We have 700 confirmed entries already and we are likely to reach 800 before Saturday. The vast majority of the entry list is made up of everyday Kiwis who have made a decision to get off the couch, take up the challenge and swim in the beautiful surroundings of Oriental Bay; it will be a great day to showcase the city and the harbour." Aussie Invasion – world class swimmers set to challenge KiwisWhile the vast majority are indeed everyday Kiwis each with their own objectives and goals for the day, the entry list is headed by a world class collection of elite open water and pool swimmers with an Aussie invasion threatening the leading New Zealanders in both men's and women's races. Richard Allen, Sponsorship Manager for Sovereign said the move to include a hint of Trans-Tasman rivalry was a natural evolution for the series. "The arrival of the Australians will add some real spice to what is already a world class event," said Allen. "As with so many sports the Australians produce world class athletes and in both men's and women's open water swimming they possess top ten competitors. Their participation in the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series announces its arrival on the world scene." Ky Hurst and Kate Brookes-Peterson lead the charge with Hurst ranked top ten in the world over the 5km distance and the 2007 Australian champion over 5 and 10km. Brookes-Peterson is also a double Australian champion in 2007 and a double bronze medalist from the FINA World Championships. Also joining them for the Capital Classic is David Browne, one of a new breed of Australian open water swimmers. Browne is already familiar with the New Zealand series, having ambushed the field to win the 2007 King of the Bays when he arrived without fanfare to surprise the field with a start to finish victory. The Australians don’t have total claim on Brookes-Peterson though, the 24 year old was born in New Zealand and competed here throughout her junior career before heading across the Tasman. Defending the pride and reputation of New Zealand will be left to the likes of Olympic medley swimmer Dean Kent, Commonwealth Games rep Andy McMillan, Beijing bound triathlete Samantha Warriner and NZ 1500m champion Bryn Murphy. Another interesting story is that of Brenda Cockcroft, not the least because she works for the event sponsor Sovereign. The Senior Customer Services Consultant started swimming competitively at age 5 in her homeland of Zimbabwe and went on to represent her country for 11 years, mainly in the 800m freestyle. Prior to being lured back to the sport through the Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series Cockcroft had not swum since the All African Games in 1999. She is now back swimming 4 or 5 times a week and while she trains on her own is enjoying the sport once again, thanks to ocean swimming. Her ninth place finish at the Harbour Crossing in November suggests the competitive edge is not too far away despite six years out of the sport. Mayor Prendergast Sets Great Example – human interest stories aboundThe event also attracts a number of celebrity swimmers, all stepping well outside their traditional comfort zones. Leading the way and setting a great example for her city is Mayor Kerry Prendergast. The human interest stories in the event are endless with young and old, novice and experienced, family and friends coming together to take on the challenge of an ocean swim. One of those stories is that of Nic Russell. Nic was a public face of the Herceptin debate two years ago when she fought a high profile battle for all New Zealanders to gain access to this life saving drug while fighting breast cancer. During that time Nic’s daughter MacKenzie was also fighting her own battle against bone cancer, one she would lose in late 2005 when she tragically passed away. MacKenzie is remembered by Nic not as a sufferer but as a brave little girl who made the most of every day, facing setbacks and issues on a daily basis with a smile. Nic has continued her own fight with cancer and has also put in the place the beginnings of a charitable organization ‘Kenzies Gift’ to assist families affected by cancer in any way. Nic is looking to help her own healing process and also promote Kenzies Gift by participating in the Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series. Nic missed racing at the Sovereign Harbour Crossing due to a broken elbow but has recovered and is ready to take on the Capital Classic this weekend. Kids Included – Sovereign Splash and DashAs with all events in the series (except the Harbour Crossing), the day will start with the Sovereign Splash and Dash, an event for children aged 8 to 11 that combines training and education with the elite swimmers and a 200m race of their own. Adding to the excitement this year though is the prize of an expenses paid trip to Auckland for a once in a lifetime training session with Dean Kent and Helen Norfolk for the first boy and girl across the finish line. Richard Allen says there is more to this than encouraging children to swim fast. "As New Zealand's leading life insurer Sovereign is concerned with the overall health and fitness of all New Zealanders and takes a hands on role in helping to educate everyone as to the benefits of an active lifestyle. We are also shocked and saddened at the unacceptable rate of drowning in this country, one that has us amongst the very worst in the Western world. "The Sovereign Splash and Dash encourages children to improve their skills in the water, specifically in our oceans and lakes. The children will be taught and inspired by some of the very best swimmers in New Zealand, including Olympic Games athletes Dean Kent and Helen Norfolk." Further information will be released this week regarding media opportunities with the visiting Australian swimmers and Mayor Kerry Prendergast. For contact information on any of the named athletes and celebrities, please contact Andrew Dewhurst on the numbers provided.
Capital Classic
Round two of the Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim SeriesSaturday 26th JanuaryOriental ParadeWellington For further information contact: Scott RiceEvent DirectorSovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series0274 775 796 Richard AllenSponsorship ManagerSovereign P 09 4879173M 021 674637 Andrew DewhurstMedia ManagerSovereign Splash and Dash 2008M 021 535 501 for further information visit www.oceanswim.co.nz
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Currant conquers Croesus Crossing |
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A cloudless West Coast sky couldn't have offered better conditions for Saturday's 26km Croesus Crossing trail run from Barrytown to Blackball.
Cliff Bowman was swiftly 'out of the blocks' and first to reach Ces Clark Hut but then discovered the 'demons' on his descent. Fellow Nelsonian and relative rookie to trailrunning, Brent Stebbings, snatched the opportunity to take the lead, held it all the way until the final gravel section before hitting the tarseal just before the Blackball Hilton finish where suddenly Christchurch based UK doctor, Paul Currant appeared on the scene, surprising Stebbings who didn't quite have the pace to repel his challenge. Currant held on to win the annual event in 2hours 53minutes 41seconds. Stebbing, second, 18seconds back with another Nelsonian, Ed Rimmer, three minutes adrift in third place. Four others, Naoki Ouchi (Japan), 2007 winner and first 40-49, Robert Jarvis, (Chch), Matty Graham (Hokitika) and Bowman also eclipsed 3 hours a real achievement based on previous year's results. Marlborough's Ian Partner and Motueka's Norman Carrington were the respective Men's 50-59 and 60plus winners.
Seventeen women took up the challenge with the Canterbury pair of Vicki Conradson and Koleighne Ford along with Michelle Jacques (Ross) having a solid tussel for bragging rights and the 2008 title. Conradson, took control on the ascent from Barrytown and maintained her lead throughout to cross the line in 3.31.04. Jacques was holding on to 'silver' until out of the bush and onto the gravel where a faster finishing Ford swept past leaving her rival with nothing left to take up the chase. Lisa Nicholl (40-49) and Linda Sillery (50-59) rounded out the age group titles.
Japanese Runner Inc, executive team made the journey 'downunder' to witness the event first hand to include the event in a special edition focussing on Trailrunning and possibly entice some of the fast growing trail running exponents to consider traveling for the event in future years. It will be interesting guaging the developments but their photoshots from Ces Clark Hut will certainly capture the essence and synogyof the Coast at it's brilliant best.
The Striders next SouthtopStrider Trial circuits Lake Rotoiti , Nelson Lakes, in the annual Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake on Saturday April 19th. This event is alwyas a sell out so anyone interested should visit www.nelsonevents.co.nz promptly to secure a place. Also available are spots in Captain Cook's Landing (July 19) or New Zealand's premier coastal run, the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic on September 6.
Results:
Men: Overall: Paul Currant (Chch), 2.53.41, 1; Brent Stebbings, Nelson, 2.53.59, 2; Ed Rimmer, Nelson, 2.57.04, 3; Robert Jarivs, Chch, 2.57.25, 4; Naoki Ouchi, Japan, 2.57.55, 5.
Age Groups: Under 40: Currant, 1; Stebbings, 2; Rimmer, 3. 40-49: Jarvis, 1; Cliff Bowman, Nelson, 2.58.33, 2; Ben Harvest, Chch, 3.03.17, 3. 50-59: Ian Partner, Marlb, 4.13.30, 1; Chris Fry, Chch, 4.31.22, 2; Andy Sommerville, Wtgn, 4.34.33, 3. 60+: Norman Carrington, Nelson, 3.48.18, 1.
Women: Overall: Vicki Conradson, Chch, 3.31.04, 1; Koleighrie Ford, Chch, 3.33.08, 2; Michelle Jacques, Ross, 3.38.12, 3; Lisa Nicholl, Chch, 3.55.20, 4; Becky Walton, West Coast, 3.58.10, 5. Age Groups: Under 40: Conradson, 1; Ford, 2; Jacques, 3. 40-49: Nicholl, 1; Yuni Sato, Chch, 4.29.20, 2; Deb Bailey, West Coast, 4.36.29, 3. 50-59: Linda Sillery, Nelson, 4.59.43, 1.
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