Dylan Evans, eventual Devonport Triathlon winner Peter Kerr, Ryan Fisher and Aaron Royle lead the competition during the cycle leg yesterday. AUSTRALIA'S in-form triathlete Peter Kerr woke ahead of yesterday's Devonport Triathlon with a wide grin on his face.
A TOUGH south-wester at the Mersey Bluff made Kerr think of home as he set about plotting how to win the Devonport race.
Kerr is originally from Warrnambool and is used to the rough choppy water that faced competitors at the start of the 750-metre swim.
Coming from a background with the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club the conditions were nothing new for the 24-year-old.
The south-westerly breeze that affected the cycle and run leg were also music to his ears as Kerr went about scoring another major win.
He said he felt like he was part of the new wave of triathletes making their way in Australia.
``My aim in triathlons is to run to win and if we can establish that culture we can start to make a mark internationally,'' he said.
``We haven't been competitive in the men for a while and I'd like to make a difference if I can,''.
Although only four seconds separated him and Bailie yesterday Kerr's race plan worked to perfection.
``It was a tough five-kilometre run but it was my intention to keep a bit in reserve and give it full gas over the last 1500 metres,'' he said.
It was the third time Kerr had competed at Devonport and last year he finished 12th behind Brendan Sexton.
Sexton showed he might be on the way back after disappointing performances in the Olympic Games and world titles last year by making up plenty of ground to finish fourth.
DEVONPORT TRIATHLON RESULTS
Australian Junior Boys Championship -
Jacob Birtwhistle 00:57:03; Matthew Baker 00:57:25; Sam Ward 00:57:50; Luke Willian 00:58:05; Jake Montgomery 00:58:25.
Australian Junior Girls Championship -
Jaz Hedegland 01:05:59; Mikayla Nielsen 01:06:09; Holly Grice 01:06:22; Nicole Van Der Kaay 01:07:07.
Oceania Under 23 Men's Championship -
Jamie Huggett 02:15:01; Declan Wilson 02:15:06; Ryan Fisher 02:15:33; Marcel Walkington 02:15:54
Oceania Under 23 Women's Championship -
Charlotte McShane 01:05:24; Gillian Backhouse 01:05:32; Grace Musgrove 01:05:50; Natalie Van Coevorden 1:03.62; Chloe Turner 01:06:43
Oceania Elite Men's Championship -
Peter Kerr 02:14:54; Ryan Bailie 02:14:58; Dan Wilson 02:15:25; Brendan Sexton 02:15:39; Cameron Good 02:15:45
Oceania Elite Women's Championship -
Jodie Stimpson 01:03:34; Gwen Jorgensen 01:04:27; Aileen Reid 01:05:10; Penny Hosken 01:07:51; Lauren Parker 01:08:02