Docherty by a hair in Korea
Kiwi Bevan Docherty won the opening round of the Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship series in Tongyeong, Korea by the narrowest of margins over Aussie Brad Kahlefeldt. A photo finish review had to be utilized.
Korea’s Chang Yon Lee led the 2-lap 1,500m swim much to the enjoyment of the spectators in Tongyeong. He was followed closely by France’s Frederic Belaubre and Australia’s Courtney Atkinson.
On the bike, a large group of 50 athletes rode together until American Mark Fretta and Belaubre got away from the pack and slowly built a lead of about a minute. Late on the bike, the Russian duo of Dmitry Polyansky and Alexander Brukhankov also escaped the grasp of the group and came into the second transition 30 seconds behind Fretta and Belaubre, and 30 seconds up on the chasing field that contained all of the favorites.
Leaving T2, the Russians quickly moved into the lead, but were hotly pursued by Kahlefeldt, Docherty, Kris Gemmell and Jarrod Shoemaker. Polyansky eventually dropped Brukhankov but was caught by the chasers at the 5k mark. Polyansky though refused to go away when accelerations by Kahlefeldt first dropped Shoemaker, and later Gemmell from the leaders. In the final 500m the Aussie and Kiwi broke clear of the Russian to fight it out amongst themselves.
Coming into the finish chute, Kahlefeldt gained a few yards but Docherty was able to respond. The Aussie kicked again and went past the Kiwi, but lost speed when he slipped just before the line. Docherty lunged forward and was declared the winner.
Tongyeong Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship
1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run
Elite Men – Official Results
1. Bevan Docherty (NZL) 1:50:25
2. Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) 1:50:25
3. Dmitry Polyansky (RUS) 1:50:30
4. Kris Gemmell (NZL) 1:50:40
5. Steffen Justus (GER) 1:50:43
6. Jarrod Shoemaker (USA) 1:50:47
7. Alexander Brukhankov (RUS) 1:50:47
8. Laurent Vidal (FRA) 2:04:25 1:50:47
9. Tim Don (GBR) 1:51:01
10. Courtney Atkinson (AUS) 1:51:06
Dextro Energy Triathlon – ITU World Championship Standings
After Race One of Eight
1. Bevan Docherty (NZL) 800pts
2. Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS) 740pts
3. Dmitry Polyansky (RUS) 685pts
4. Kris Gemmell (NZL) 633pts
5. Steffen Justus (GER) 586pts
