Roberts and Wolfaardt Win African Champs
Athletes from five African nations (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mauritius, Kenya) assembled at Troutbeck Inn in Nyanga, Zimbabwe for the All African Triathlon Championships.
Nyanga lies in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe at an altitude of over 2, 500m above sea level.
Coupled with the altitude the athletes had to contend with one of the most arduous courses on the triathlon circuit.
In the Men’s Elite race Erhard Wolfaardt from South Africa took the lead from the start of the swim and never relinquished it throughout the day.
This young U23 talent from South Africa finished more than 10 minutes ahead of his nearest rival. Rory Mackie, overall second on the day, caught up after a huge deficit on the swim to move into podium contention at the end of the bike. He had an excellent run on this exacting course to take the silver medal on the day.
Travis Campbell from South Africa took the bronze medal.
In the women’s race Kate Roberts (South Africa) had another good swim and came out of the water with a slight lead on Riana De Lange (South Africa). They worked well together on the bike but could not hold off Corinne Berg, also from South Africa, who rode through the field solo to catch the two leaders.
The run was a hard fought battle between the two athletes from South Africa with Kate Roberts first across the line and Corinne Berg in silver medal position only 3 seconds behind Roberts. Riana De Lange held on for the bronze medal.
The All African Championships was a huge success thanks to the excellent team work of the Zimbabwe Triathlon Association.
Men:
1. Erhard Wolfaardt, RSA - 2:08:36
2. Rory Mackie, ZIM - 2:18:57
3. Travis Campbell, RSA - 2:19:04
Women:
1. Kate Roberts, RSA - 2:28:38
2. Corinne Berg, RSA - 2:28:41
3. Riana De Lange, RSA - 2:34:55
Related Event: 2006 Nyanga ATU Triathlon African Championships
Results: Elite Men | |||
---|---|---|---|
1. | Erhard Wolfaardt | RSA | 02:08:36 |
2. | Rory Mackie | ZIM | 02:18:57 |
3. | Travis Campbell | RSA | 02:19:04 |
4. | Mark Meadows | ZIM | 02:27:29 |
5. | David Martin | ZIM | 02:31:10 |
Results: Elite Women | |||
---|---|---|---|
1. | Kate Roberts | RSA | 02:28:38 |
2. | Corinne Berg | RSA | 02:28:41 |
3. | Richard Woolrich | RSA | 02:34:56 |
4. | Greer Wynn | ZIM | 02:41:34 |