He might not have matched the record-breaking feats of 2018 winner Gerard Wild but West Wyalong’s Angus Westaway now has a Temora Triathlon title of his own.
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It was Westaway first and daylight second in the second leg of this year’s Riverina Tri-Series on Saturday with the veteran rider opening up a five-minute lead over his rivals at one stage.
Westaway eventually finished in two hours, six minute and 41 seconds, more than three minutes ahead of second-placed Scott Donaldson (2:10:07), and was thrilled with his efforts.
“It’s the first time I’ve had a win in Temora which is pretty exciting,” Westaway said.
“I’ve been doing more training recently because I’m trying to build up to the Port (Macquarie) Ironman later this year.
“To prepare for that, I’ve been getting stuck into some really long training sessions and I think that showed out there.”
Westaway admitted it was a smaller field in this year’s Olympic distance event and said the absence of “top-tier” racers like Wild made it easier for him, especially in favourable conditions.
“I would’ve like to race those top-tier riders and really test myself to see where I’m at, but I was happy with the race overall.”
“The conditions out there were great, in facts it’s probably the best conditions I’ve ever had in Temora.
“There was a bit of debris on the road which you’re dodging around a bit on the ride and coming home there was a bit of a headwind that made things a little tougher but generally speaking it was great.
“We had a bit of water dump down (the night before) as well so it was really fresh in the lake and cooled things down – perfect racing conditions.”
Temora remains the sole Olympic distance race in the Riverina Tri-Series and Westaway is eager to see more towns push for a similar event.
I think it would be great if we had another Olympic distance but it comes down to finding the right community to put the time in and support it.
- Temora Triathlon winner Angus Westaway
In his view, the difficulties arise in finding the right people to nurture and support such a race.
“It’s always nice to do the triathlon in its standard format without having to use the pools in smaller towns,” Westaway said.
“I think it would be great if we had another Olympic distance but it comes down to finding the right community to put the time in and support it.
“There’s a lot of volunteers involved in putting together the Tri-Series.”
Westaway said he would not take further part in this year’s series due to other racing commitments.
Angela Sandral was the fastest female Olympic distance racer while Jake Bergman and Liam Wilcox won the sprint and enticer events respectively.
Final standings
- Angus Westaway (2:06:41)
- Scott Donaldson (2:10:07)
- Michael Stallard (2:12:22)
- Angela Sandral (2:22:06)
- Stuart White (2:23:19)
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