Hotham Winter Triathlon - start of the run leg

The second instalment of the Hotham Winter Triathlon has been successfully held at Mount Hotham in Victoria’s north-east, with all competitors hailing the event an overwhelming success.

Featuring a run, a mountain-bike and a cross-country ski, the event is heralded as one of the most unique and captivating contests in the country. The event would also have to be one of the most scenic, with the course including a number of vistas that include nearby mountain ranges, high country plains and of course Hotham Alpine Resort.

A healthy field of almost 40 competed in glorious weather conditions to see who would be crowned as Oceania and Australian Winter Triathlon Champion, accolades of which are included in the race format.

Third place getter from the event two years ago and national cross-country team member Simon Flower came through in first place in a time of 1 hour, 14 minutes and 10 seconds. 90 seconds further back Tim Retchford took second and, in what has been hailed as a magnificent effort, 55 year old Bob Flower (Simon’s father) came in third place.

“I am glad the distances weren’t any longer”, said a triumphant Simon Flower. “The course was pretty tough, with uneven surfaces, softening snow patches and quite a technical cross country ski. But it was a lot of fun.”

In the women, Chloe MCConville, another national cross-country racer, took line honours ahead of Belinda Phillips and Andrea Ilakovac.

Myrtleford-based Chloe explained that “even though I was trailing after the run, I knew I was coming into my two preferred legs, so I was feeling confident. Overall it was an absolutely fantastic event; really engaging and unique.”

A full Winter Triathlon circuit has blossomed in Europe in recent years, and winter tri events are also held in Argentina and New Zealand. The eventual goal is to make Winter Triathlons an official part of the 2014 Winter Olympics that will be held in Russia.

As such International Triathlon Union Official Brian Hinton was on hand to oversee the event. “It was great to see so much enthusiasm from all the competitors. The sport is developing rapidly, its format is very special and as such there is a special opportunity to continue its growth.”

Event Results

Men

1St – #5 Simon Flower…..1hr 14min 10sec

2nd - #11 Tim Retchford…………1:15:49

3rd - #1 Bob Flower……….1:34:14

Women

1st - #6 Chloe McConville………......1hr 36min 50sec

2nd - #12 Belinda Phillips…..1:43:50

3rd - #2 Andrea Ilakovac………1:47:47

Team Challege

Alistair Young, Karl Gray and Charlie Showers did a leg each to win the Team Challenge in a time of 1hr 37min 6sec.

Thanks go to: Hotham Alpine Resort, Crystal Creek Resort, Alpine Shire, Scody, Dinner Plain Management Committee, Sport Timing