Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 64, November 2014 | Page 45

DURBAN OFFICIALLY ROCKED!
PRESENTED BY MEDIHELP, 5 OCTOBER 2014
There are a few occasions when all things come
together perfectly, and 5 October was one of those
days: Ideal weather, great crowds, road closures and
excellent organisation, which allowed the TriRock
Durban long distance triathlon to be hailed a great
success by all competing. – BY GRAHAM DANIEL

ENTERTAINING & ORGANISED
The event attracted a large field, with age-group athletes descending on
Durban en-masse and many top Gauteng athletes also in town to take the
opportunity of a coastal break at the same time. The out-and-back loop of
the bike ride and lap format of the run also allowed athletes an excellent
opportunity to see their opposition and progress of the race.

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Images: Courtesy TriRock SA

ocal athlete Donovan van Gelder (above) from KwaZulu-Natal
also experienced one of those ‘perfect’ days by putting together a stellar
performance to take victory. He stamped his authority on the event in the
cycle leg, his strongest discipline, and this saw him coming into the second
transition area with a four-minute lead over one of the pre-race favourites,
Michael Cannon. Van Gelder never seemed under too much pressure during
the run, either, despite Cannon closing the gap a bit, and he crossed the line
in 3:55:57, with Cannon second in 4:00:18. Gareth Harrington claimed the
final spot on the podium in 4:08:27.

Besides great racing conditions, everyone was entertained in true TriRock
style with a performance from one of SA’s top rock bands, ISO, who treated
the Durban audience to a free concert. The post-event rock concert is a
continuation of the rock theme for the race and will be part of the other
TriRock signature events happening around the country in the months to
come.
That brought TriRock Durban 2014, presented by Medihelp, to a close, and
the athletes had nothing but high praise for the event. All sponsors, partners
and those involved agree that this year’s race has set the platform for more
growth and development of this young and dynamic brand.
For race results and future events, go to www.trirock-durban.com

Having raced TriRock Durban 2013, Kirsten Schut was determined to come
back stronger this time around and chase down the women’s title. Course
knowledge and pacing are key to success in long distance racing, and Schut
put all of these together to secure a memorable victory in 4:25:49. “The
spectator support was brilliant and knowing so many others out on the route
was fantastic,” she said. Lynette van der Merwe was runner-up amongst the
women in 4:41:14, with Caroline Koll third in 4:43:11.
The country’s top athletes and celebrities were also in attendance, including
2014 Comrades Marathon winner Bongmusa Mthembu, who ran the final leg
for the relay team that included double Olympian Kate Roberts, who did the
swim leg. Bongmusa was full of admiration for the triathletes who took on
TriRock: “Doing one sport is so much easier than doing all three. I admire
these athletes so much and congratulate all of them.”

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