It was Jake Birtwhistle first – and daylight next – at George Town on Saturday.
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In a fitting return to racing after a Tasmanian sabbatical home, Birtwhistle stole the show at the Launceston Triathlon Club’s opening race for the State Series season.
The Launceston 22-year-old finished more than two minutes ahead of a brave Andrew Watson over a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run sprint course.
The Ulverstone ITU competitor pushed Birtwhistle hard and trailed by 200 metres off the bike, but faded on the second lap of the run leg.
Former national rower Ali Foot, fresh off a strong Kona Ironman performance in Hawaii, crossed the line third.
Launceston campaigner Kate Pedley shored up her pre-race favouritism during an emphatic women’s win.
She took out the race ahead of 17-year-old Sophie Moore, the promising Hobart triathlete taking out a competitive junior race section.
Race director Oliver Cook said about a third of the 90 competitors on course were juniors that featured heavily among the top 10 finishers.
“It was just a fantastic day – really good conditions too,” Cook said.
“The wind had been challenging, but the swim was still quite flat. The runs were also really good.”