New Zealand triathletes Bevan Docherty and Clark Ellice finished in the top ten at the latest and final event in the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Series, the US Open in Dallas, Texas.
Taupo’s Docherty was unable to back up from his stunning victory over World Champion Javier Gomez in Los Angeles a week ago but still competed strongly to come home in 6th place, just under 3 minutes behind winner Filip Ospaly (Czech Republic).
Clark Ellice (New Plymouth) was just over a further two minutes behind Docherty in 8th in the non-drafting race – unlike the draft legal ITU World Champs Series. It is the second consecutive top ten for Ellice as he nears the end of his season. Meanwhile Kris Gemmell had to settle for 12th place after serving a 2 minute stand down penalty for ‘littering’ during the race. Rules in the Lifetime Fitness Series penalise any athlete who discards energy bar wrappers or gel packets while on course, something the Palmerston North triathlete was penalised for in Dallas.
Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Series
US Open Triathlon, Dallas, Texas
Pro Men
1. Filip Ospaly CZE 1:47:24
2. Stuart Hayes GBR 1:47:43
3. Matt Reed USA 1:48:45
4. Greg Bennett USA 1:48:53
5. Cameron Dye USA 1:49:03
6. Bevan Docherty NZL 1:50:21
Plus
8. Clark Ellice NZL 1:52:42
12. Kris Gemmell NZL 1:55:20
