Race Updates

New Year ….. New Decade ……. The racing still continued for the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy / Protector Aluminium Athletes that were in action at Round # 5 of the Queensland Triathlon Series at Robina. The Olympic Distance also doubled as an Australian Age Group Selection race for the 2020 World Championships.

Normally this time of year we are greeted with very hot and humid conditions. A breeze with cloud cover with a burst of rain was very welcoming to he athletes. It did make the bike course tricky with a few crashes, but all 12 SCTA athletes stayed upright which produced 8 podiums.

In the Olympic distance, Lucy Bowden 2nd (OPEN FEMALE) continued her string of podium finishes (5 in a row) where she dug deep and chased all day. She put in a great run leg to move from 4th off the bike and take 2nd place. She was 3min 30 sec faster than last years result. The consistent work and progression is coming thru and we are seeing that in her performances this year. 

Jordan Gover put in a very solid performance to lead for the entire race with a win (45-49) and finish 20th overall. Rebecca Howell 2nd (25-29) this time last year it was her first sprint distance race. Another one that has put the consistent work in and seeing the benefits of the hard work. Michael Hooper 9th (OPEN Male) came up against a strong field with some international competitors. Was always going to be tough on a road bike competing against guys on TT bikes.

In the Sprint Distance of 750/24/5 saw the majority of athletes racing. With the Juniors finding out this week that round 2 of the National Junior Series in Canberra (18 / 19th Jan) had been cancelled, it was still a great opportunity to put the training into practice. Peyton Craig 1st (14-15) led the charge with a 6th overall chasing some of the strong 16-19 boys coming out of the water in contact. chased hard on the bike and finished off with one of the fastest runs of the day. Paul Marchant 1st (25-29) had a solid day and finished off with a fast run and 14th Overall.

In the Female Teams Mother - Tania Gover (Swim + Cycle) and Daughter - Evie (Run) combined to take out the Female Team title. There was plenty of laughs and fun amongst the Team Squirrels. Brodie Gardner who is the Guide for Blind Athlete Gerard Gosens took out the Male Para Tri. A huge first 3 months as they try to qualify for the 2020 Para Olympics in Japan. Ron Craig 3rd (90-99kg Clydesdale) had a good race amongst the weight category of Clydesdale while Maddi Dutton 4th (25-29) just missed the podium.

​SCTA Junior Scholarship Holder Ryan Marsh was 7th (16-19) and 12th Overall. Once again all racing gains experience and when debriefing with him, the swim start was one area that he identified from the race. He chased well out of the swim and on the bike to set up for a good run.  Jorja Matthews 7th (16-19) continued her progression from SSRW in December. Always room for improvement but the work is showing in the racing. In the Enticer 300/8/2.5, we had Birthday Girl Chloe Turner with a 1st (25-29).

Over in the Netherlands, Marion Tuin lined up in a Half Marathon event where she had a good run to take out the female Race Win

Well done to all that raced. Full results below
QTS # 5 - Robina Triathlon - 12.01.20
Olympic Distance - 1.5/40/10
Lucy Bowden - 2nd Place OPEN Female
Jordan Gover - 1st Place 45-49 Years Male
Rebecca Howell - 2nd Place 25-29 Years Female
Michael Hooper - 9th Place OPEN Male 
Sprint Distance - 750/24/8
Peyton Craig - 1st Place 14-15 Years Male - 6th Overall
Paul Marchant - 1st Place 25-29 Years Male - 14th Overall
Tania + Evie Gover - 1st Place Female Teams
Brodie Gardner (Guide for Gerrard Gosens) - 1st Place Para Tri Male
Ron Craig - 3rd Place 90-99kg Clydesdale
Maddi Dutton - 4th Place 25-29 Years Female
Ryan Marsh - 7th Place 16-19 Years Male - 12th Overall
Jorja Matthews - 7th Place 16-19 Years Female
Enticer - 300/8/2.5
Chloe Turner - 1st Place 25-29 Years Female

Half Marathon - Netherlands - 04.01.20
Marion Tuin - 1st Place - Female Race Winner