Following Zoolander’s pre race review of this years Shepparton Half Ironman – the race that stops the nation, now time to see what the wash-up is.
The Great Shepparton Wash Up
By ‘Zoolander’
So let’s review the Shepparton 70.3 Half Ironman and the days racing with a view to the summer season. For us Victorians it really was the start of the summer season (sort of akin to the start of the Spring Carnival). What a day it proved to be, the weather was magnificent and the crowd that showed up for the event appeared to be the biggest that Shepparton has delivered over the fifteen years of racing, very vocal and understanding of the great sport of triathlon. Of course the Tri alliance army was there in full force to not only support our own athletes but cheer on anybody and everybody.
A special mention first off to the organising committee from Shepparton, the event is so well organised and run that it is a pleasure to be a participant, it is the only race in the whole of the Ironman franchise that is run by Triathletes for Triathletes. Once again the Shepparton Tri Club and the community volunteers did an amazing job, so thank you from all of us at Tri alliance.
Down to racing and what a day of racing it was, First Time finishers to the 70.3 franchise, Personal Bests and the odd hard luck story as always. As I said earlier, the weather was magnificent, water conditions were a bit murkier than usual and the sun played a little havoc with sighting, although if you’re following the pack it’s easy enough to tack on the back, you only have to hope that they are swimming straight. The breeze did spring up on the ride; this is not a problem if you complete the race in 3:46:59, however, for the rest of us we did face the added challenge, the run did start to warm up a little although thankfully it was not as hot as it has been previously. All in all it would be fair to say that the race conditions were ideal.
The Swim
The swim was hotly contested, with Peter Rainey and Brett Archbold vying for best swim of the day, with Pete taking the honours by a mere 27 seconds in a time of 28:38, closely followed by Des Minton (30:13). I have often said that no one drowns in a wetsuit, however, with a swim of 56.01, I was getting a little worried for super fish Brinn Tavener.
The first female out of the water was Lisa Dominguez in an even 33:00 minutes, followed by Meghann Blakeman 35:38 and Marina Jurjevic in 35:25,
T1
This was followed by the T1 transition King and Queen, Brett Archbold in 1:27 and Lisa Dominguez in 1:29. Transition is no place for a picnic, yet it appears that Lidia Ursini (4:01), Viola Nadj (4:05), Morris Caleca (4:12), Nicky Scheltus (4:31) and Jeanette Linehan (4:48) decided it was such a beautiful day that they would just linger a little longer and enjoy the views.
The Bike
The bike was also hotly contested with Brett Archbold (2:24:02) taking the honours from Nathan Sims (2:24:48), 46 seconds is not a lot of difference over the 90 kilometres. Mr Half Ironman Nick Sissons rounded out the top 3 in 2:30:24. For the ladies Marina Jurjevic held sway in a time of 2:41:15 from Lisa Dominguez (2:42:54) and the quiet achiever Magda Urbanek (2:46:51).
T2
Provided somewhat of a surprise Tim Grant in a smoking 1:02 from Peet Vermuelen (1:20) and Brett Arcbold (1:22) and Ariel Grana (1:22). The ladies top three on the bike filled the first three placings with the order swapping a little, this time Lisa Dominguez in a time of 1:26 from Marina Jurjevic (1:42) and Magda Urbanek (1.47). The T2 picnic crowd consisted of Morris Caleca (6:10), what were you doing in there Morris and Peter Hinrichsen (4:34), must have been the satellites playing with the Garmin!!!!!
The Run
Out on the run and were there some quality runs for the day, Nathan Sims in 1:22:49, backing up from his sub 3 hour marathon, has made 4:07 on the overall winner Brett Archbold (1:26:56) only 50 seconds separated the boys over the entire race, the 3:29 buffer Brett set up in the swim has helped hold out the fast finishing Nathan. Third male on the run was Ariel Grana in 1:37:46, he looked pretty comfortable out there and has really set the base for a solid Melbourne Ironman.
The women were led home by Lisa Dominguez in 1:41:08 placing her first in the females in 4:59:59, not bad for a first timer over the distance, Marina Jurjevic in 1:44:05 and 5:04:42 overall, a PB at Shepparton, says a lot for putting on the extra conditioning since Kona. 3rd fastest on the run was Kerri Whitney (1:47:32), this is a fantastic effort and helped Kerri to a 7:19 PB.
The Results
There were many fantastic results out there today so let’s look at the fields and placing over the entire Tri alliance team.
We will deal with the fillies first:
In the F25-29 category first place goes to Nicky Scheltus (7:06:06), this was Nicky’s first Half Ironman, a great result and well deserved.
The biggest fillies field F30-34 was a solidly contested race , first timer Lisa Dominguez across the line first in 4:59:59, followed by Marina Jurjevic (5:04:42) and another first timer in Juliet Vermuelen (5:37:33), all the more meritorious given Juliet had a little adventure on the bike, it is 70.3 racing, not cross country Juliet. Rounding out the field Brianna Scarlett in 5:40:34, a 31 second PB, first timer Meghann Blakeman in 5:45:21, Kathryn Proctor in 5:52:51, a 4:51 min PB, Kerri Whitney 5:55:45, first time under 6 hours and a 7:19 min PB and first timers Meg Takaguchi (6:02:12), Evalin Ling (6:16:10) and Viola Nadj (6:31:40). Well done to all on such a fantastic race and achievement.
The F35-39, the quiet achiever Magda Urbanek, the leader in this age group and third fastest female on the day (5:22:39) a mighty 29:17 minute PB, all that expressed disappointment in the pool was just a ruse as Magda has had a very, very good day. First Timer Sheridan Brown (6:20:54) gets to tick another item off the Bucket List.
Finally the mares race F40-44 and what a race, First Timer Michelle Grocock takes another step towards the Ironman with a time of 5:46:58, followed by the veteran Jeanette Linehan (6:36:01) and Lidia Ursini, whose journey has been amazing, completing the field in 6:45:05. Jeanette also picked up her 5 year plaque and has seen all weather conditions in Shepparton, from bushfires and blistering heat to racing in thunderstorms, hail and Lightning.
All in all, some great results and benchmarks for the future, some solid base training for Ironman Melbourne and everyone can take away the knowledge that they can complete a Half Ironman.
Now to the men’s field, in the M25-29 the super fish held his own and in a time of 5:34:35 Brinn Tavener now has his first Half Ironman under his belt. Imagine what gains could be made if Brinn actually went to swim training and got his head wet.
The hottest (contested) field of the day, the M30-34 taken out by Brett Archbold in 4:22:54 and 4th in the overall age group, closely followed by Nathan Sims in 4:23:44, a 50 second gap, who said transition isn’t important 46 seconds lost to Brett in the cage and of course the monster lead coming out of the swim proved insurmountable for the expecting father. Both Brett and Nathan have been putting in the hard yards over the past few months and big things await them both at Busselton. Nick Sissons took out third place in a time of 4:48:06, not his fastest time but 3 Halves in 5 weeks is a fair achievement. Following in their footsteps were Peet Vermeulen first time in 5:22:29, a lesson learnt for Pete, finish strong, leave nothing in the tank, otherwise you get run down in the finish chute, I was going to say run down by an old man but that would be an injustice. Lucas Riley 5:34:49, I think this may be a PB for Luc so will need to confirm and first timer Chris Tibb 5:42:10.
The largest field of the day the M35-39 was taken out in spectacular fashion by Ariel Grana in 5:02:35, 33 seconds in front of Coach and First timer Des Minton in 5:03:08, Des’ stellar swim and bike were eclipsed by Ariel’s blistering run a 12:17 minute lead out of T2 was not enough to hold out the flying Ariel. A great result for both men, well done. In 3rd and changing up from World Sprint Distance Championships to 70.3 was Michael Grau‐Veliz in 5:12:51, a great result considering Michael spent a lot of the winter training for the Sprint Distance event in New Zealand. Coming in 4th place was TA ambassador Andy 
Wood-Rich in 5:32:37, this is a PB of 54:46 minutes, what a sensational result and testament to the hard work that Andy has put in over the winter months, you should be proud of your achievement Andy, well done. TA online athlete David Stokie crossed the line in 5:38:24, followed by Coach Darren Schonewille in 5:46:50, a tough day for the big fella with the run not working, kudos to the big man for the finish, it can be a mental challenge when things don’t go right on the day or injury takes its toll, still to cross the line finishes a challenging day, still, looking good as always Darren.
Daniel Steadman was actually in transition early (and proud of the achievement), finished in 5:48:39 and has had a good day out, followed by Morris Caleca (the transition picnic King) 5:56:47 and Sean Helmot 6:00:28, surely those 29 seconds could have been found somewhere along the way. I’m hoping there was no pausing out there on the track.
Tim Grant takes out the M40-44 in a time of 5:02:45 in a great first time effort, followed by Jody Biddle in 5:06:39 also a first timer and preparing himself for Busselton, may have just been that little closer if he could have adjusted his ears under the time trial helmet. Cheers Big Ears, that nickname will stick for a while to come. 3rd past the post Paddy Fitzgerald (5:14:18), subject to an investigation and time penalty for blocking in the swim chute, it was another stellar result and 46:20 PB. Anthony Leverington 5:24:38, a 2:46 minute PB on what he claims as limited training (we’ve all heard that before) and Steve Garnham in 5:37:49 round out the age group. Dean Hawkins did complete the swim but had to retire hurt, his cheering from the sidelines was welcomed by all.
In the M45-49, Peter Rainey (first time) took out line honours in 5:09:06, the stellar swim was backed up with a very strong ride and solid run. In 2nd place, “the Flounder”, Dale Beehre, talk about being cagey, the Flounder is renowned for things going wrong on race day, too much water swallowed during the swim, not enough water on the bike, failed nutrition, looks like Sunday everything came together for the little bloke with a 5:04 minute PB. 
Partner in crime Paul Venner crossed the line 3rd in 5:45:16 a 14:45 minute PB, all that secret training and trip to the States has paid off, looks like Ironman Melbourne will be a walk in the park for PV. Peter Hinrichsen followed in 5:48:13, a good day for Pete, just struggled to get the legs moving out on the run, still it’s another one out of the way and onto Melbourne. Some people will do anything for attention, the only trouble is when you’re locked away in the medical tent no one can see you, unless you post it all on Facebook. Anthony Churchward certainly left nothing on the track in a time of 5:51.37 first timer Anthony certainly cooked himself out there and spent an hour or so on the drip after the race. We know you have been looking to drop a few kilos but seriously Anthony we think that was just a little over the top. He’s okay now, that was also posted on Facebook, just keep an eye out we have photos.
There’s always a story, kicked in the head, goggles broke and fell off with 1300 metres to swim, the Centurion Rohan Belmore did have one stroke of luck, he did manage to fit into his wetsuit and thus avert a non wetsuit swim, still a solid swim by the big fella, allowed him to set off on the bike, a good first lap is all I can say, then as a new man on the run clocked a time of 5:58:26 (please note there is no right of reply to the editor’s comments)
And as indicated in the pre race form guide have saved the best to last. Two veterans, stalwarts, doyens, legends of the squad, the Zoolander and Roofi toughed it out on the Shepparton 70.3 stage, with the Zoolander taking out line honours, both with PB’s on the day the Zoolander (5:14:19) with a 3:00 minute PB and Roofi (5:29:59) with a 1:10 minute PB, just another outstanding performance.
In the teams event, Natalie Methven and Andy Rogers completed the race in a time of 5:06:59, Natalie with a very strong swim of 31:45 and Andy with a bike of 2:53:46 and run of 1:38:30 finishing 11th overall and Team Hoser in a time of 6:00:31, 28th overall with Nola recording a 57:16 swim, Jason a consistent 3:00:00 bike and Tim breaking through the 2:00 hour mark in the run in a time of 1:59:44. A job well done.
Click here to view our teams race results and individual placing
A special shout out to all our wonderful supporters and athletes, there is no doubt that being a part of the Tri alliance family adds to the great experience of race day, you never know when a voice in the crowd will shout out “Go Tri alliance” or ring one of those cow bells.
And a big THANK YOU to our Major Partners GIANT Bicycles in providing our athletes with special ‘Shepparton 2012 GIANT/Tri Alliance Tees’ as a special memento from the event. We’re sure they will all wear them with pride!
Stay tuned for our photo album from the event – with roving photographers all around the Course we have some fantastic pictures!
Until next race….
‘The Zoolander’
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