HE'S been crowned the Riverina Triathlon Series victor, but Wagga's Scott Donaldson was disappointed the coronavirus outbreak has ruined hopes of a final showdown with Liam Willcox next weekend.
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The crisis has forced organisers to cancel the final race at West Wyalong, where Wagga Triathlon Club's Donaldson would have looked to defend a three-point lead over the Albury youngsters.
Donaldson's consistency proved decisive after he racked up two wins and two runner-up finishes over the four races able to be run.
Ganmain's Chloe Hamblin took out the women's title in dramatic circumstances after finishing second in every race.
Hillston's Claudia Taylor won the opening three races but a disappointing sixth in the last race at Holbrook allowed 19-year-old Hamblin to join Donaldson in securing a first title by a single point.
"Obviously we were looking forward to one last race but fair play to Angus and the other guys, they made the right decision for the community's welfare," Donaldson said.
"They were good races and well attended so the organisers deserve a rap, it's good signs for the sport.
"It's not just us, it's happening to every other sport as well and it's a weird feeling."
Donaldson and Hamblin both received $1000 in prizemoney.
Riverina Tri Series publicity officer Angus Westaway said it was an anticlimax, but the current climate gave them no option.
"It would have been an interesting race at West Wyalong and it's a shame we don't get to see it," he said.
"We were looking forward to a showdown between Scott and Liam and same with the women, but Chloe maintained her consistency to get the win.
"The series comes down to consistency and it only takes one bad day to put yourself out of the title race."
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