Gemmell backs up Mexico win with fourth in Noosa

New Zealand triathlete Kris Gemmell backed up less than a week after winning the toughest race in his career in Mexico with a fourth place at the hugely popular Noosa Tri Festival on Australia’s Sunshine Coast today.

Gemmell ran strongly but narrowly missed a place on the podium in a race dominated by Australian Olympian Courtney Atkinson in the spectacular coastal surroundings of Noosa, surely one of the more popular places around the world to race.

The Aussie and runner up David Dellow were amongst a number of athletes to wear a specialised swimming speed suit, despite the event being a non-wetsuit swim, something Gemmell hinted made a huge difference.

“I might have been caught out a little with the rules, I thought you had to finish the race in the gear you started in but a few of the guys had the speed suits on, and they make for a big difference, it’s almost like wearing a wetsuit.”

Atkinson exited the water almost 2 minutes clear of Gemmell and after a strong bike on the non-drafting 40km, held on to win comfortably. Gemmell ran strongly to move up the field and finish fourth.

“I gave it everything today and ran like the wind but the gap was too big out of the water. I felt alright on the bike but never good enough to really hammer it.”

The race signals an end to the racing season for Gemmell, who now looks forward to 3 weeks of easy training as he recovers from two weeks of racing and traveling. It was yet another strong showing from the Palmerston North athlete, confirming his return to good racing form at the end of the season with the win in Mexico going down as one of the toughest he can remember.

“I still can’t believe how tough that was just 6 days ago. It was so hot and humid but the bike course was incredible. We had to climb this hill about 20 times, you went up one side, got to the bottom and then had a dead turn before riding back up, it was so draining!”

The women’s race was won with ease today by Beijing Olympic gold medalist Emma Snowsill from Beijing bronze medalist Emma Moffatt. There were no Kiwis in the elite women’s race.

There were however a number of New Zealanders competing amongst the 3,000 individuals in age group racing, all enjoying the camaraderie and spirit that is typical of triathlon the world over.

Conditions were warm and a little windy for all competitors as they went about their work.

Noosa Triathlon, Elite Males

Unofficial Results (times not available at this time, check www.usmevents.com.au for further details)

1. Courtney Atkinson AUS

2. David Dellow AUS

3. James Seear AUS
4. Kris Gemmell NZL