Ranting Success

Eventual podium: Javier Gomez, Mario Mola, and Joao Silva.

The opening leg of the 2013 ITU World Triathlon Series took place in Auckland with the predicted Javier Gomez taking the mens title ahead of countryman Mario Mola and country-cousin Joao Silva. With his support for the more demanding course, in comparison to the trend of races becoming flatter and flatter, there were no surprises in store.

Clark Ellice in the main pack.

In comparison, the New Zealand male triathlon stocks are undergoing a refresh. Clark Ellice’s appearance made for interesting viewing after being dropped from TriNZ funding. After a third placing in the Auckland 70.3, letting off some steam on his blog (inaccessible now but Google cache to the rescue), and declaring his aim to be the NZ #1 ranked triathlete, he put on a good showing for #11 overall and #2 NZ male between Tony Dodds and Ryan Sissons.

Igor Polyanskiy.

Meanwhile, on a cool day for spectators, the Russians were feeling the heat with each one of them doing their best at the aid stations to get as slick as a seal to beat the heat. Igor Polyanskiy had more reason to enjoy the summery 20 degree temperatures having had the esteemed honour of being the subject of the ITU’s recent April Fool’s Day gag.