Weekend Box Dec 29 2013
In this Weekend Box we cover beautiful images by Ali Engin, a Sprint Tri in New Zealand won by Cam Brown, and lavish media attention for Frederik Van Lierde in Belgium.
Hanging on
Sometimes swimming, cycling and running are the only sports our minds and bodies are occupied with. As 2013 hangs on by a thin thread and is about to be pushed out by 2014 Ali Engin reminds us with his images that a triathlete can indeed branch out and enjoy a different sport. The picture below of Lyndsay Canada taken by Ali Engin at HiFi Fitness in Chicago should also inspire us all to think about strength and fitness in 2014.
Frederik Van Lierde Superstar
In North America an Ironman or ITU World Championship title would hardly get major newspaper or TV network attention and certainly not been voted Sportsman of the Year, and that is likely true in many other countries too. Ironman World Champion Frederik Van Lierde from Belgium however has been showered with much love, attention and admiration by the Belgian media and he was recently voted Sportsman of the Year over Sven Nys.
Brown and Kingsford rule Mount Maunganui
Cameron Brown had a great confidence booster at the Mount Maunganui Surfbreaker Triathlon with a win of this long running event in 48:23. That time was just 21 seconds slower than Brent Foster’s course record of 48:02. Kieran McPherson finished second in a time of 49.07 and Sam Osborne rounded out the top three in 49.34.
“It was great starting off the season with a win in the 28th running of the Mount Maunganui Surfbreaker Triathlon today. It's been 11 years since I last raced here but I thought I needed to open up my lungs before the New Zealand Half Ironman Championships next weekend at Mount Maunganui,” said Brown.
In the women’s race Rebecca Kingsford managed to hold off Nicole Van Der Kaay with a time of 54:42, and that was 6 seconds quicker than Van Der Kaay’s time. Sarah Backler finished third in 56:22.
Mount Maunganui Surfbreaker Triathlon
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand / December 28, 2013
750m swim / 16km bike / 5km run
Top men
1. Cameron Brown (NZL) 48:23
2. Kieran McPherson (NZL) 49:07
3. Sam Osborne (NZL) 49:34
Top women
1. Rebecca Kingsford (NZL) 54:42
2. Nicole Van Der Kaay (NZL) 54:48
3. Sarah Backler (NZL) 56:22
