Bevan Docherty proved too strong for the field in impressively winning the Edmonton ITU World Cup triathlon in Canada today, showing great form ahead of the biggest race of the season in London in just four weeks time.
Docherty swam and rode steadily, controlling the pack for much of the race before running away from a strong field in a dominant display. Left in the two time Olympic medallist's wake were the likes of former Olympic and Commonwealth gold medallist Simon Whitfield (CAN), ITU World Cup winner Hunter Kemper (USA) and up and comer Aurelien Lescure (FRA) to name a few.
Docherty says while the race wasn't at World Champs Series standard, the win is a tremendous boost to the confidence.
"This is a big boost to my confidence, albeit I am not getting carried away. There is a big difference between this (ITU World Cup) and a World Champs Series race and there is still plenty of work to be done, but as far as winning and showing that my training is coming together at the right time, for sure this is a big boost."
Docherty felt in control throughout and followed coach Mark Elliott's instructions to the letter.
"I swam well and rode within myself in a solid group on the bike, there were quite a few guys on the bike in the lead pack but the pace wasn't too intense and the nature of the course meant that no one could get away so it was always going to come down to the run. I felt a spring in my step off the bike early on, and Mark (Elliott) told me to take out the first three to four kilometres hard, that's what I did. I suffered in the middle laps but on final lap it came together and I had a battle with the Frenchman but managed to get rid of him in the last kilometre for a comfortable win."
Docherty was always planning on racing in Edmonton, his final hit out before the London World Champs Series race in early August, a race that doubles as an Olympic qualifier for the New Zealand team.
"This was always in the plan, the unfortunate thing based in North America is most of the races seem to be in Europe and it is difficult to travel back and forth and race well. It was convenient to have a World Cup in Canada only a two hour flight from home, it certainly made a big difference.
"I'm coming into good form now and have learned from last year, after a quiet start to the year I am putting the hammer down. It is good to actually show the form I am in and it is a boost for the confidence to get the win here for sure."
Docherty also picks up valuable Olympic ranking points for New Zealand as they try to stay in the top eight ranked countries to earn three spots on the start line in London 2012 and that is where Docherty's focus is now.
"My next race is London, so I am back home for a few more weeks of hard training and then freshen up for the big one. I will be going over towards the start of the week but will start to alter my sleep patterns earlier on to better prepare. I suffered so much in Austria I have since spoken to a sleep therapist to help with jet lag, with that advice and a different approach I'm sure I will be less affected in London."
Dylan McNeice was the only other Kiwi in the field, finishing in 41st place.
Earlier in the junior race that doubled as the North American Regional Championships, Mikayla Nielsen (Hamilton) picked up valuable international experience in finishing 8th after a strong bike and run.
Triathlon New Zealand Assistant National Coach Stephen Sheldrake said Nielsen's effort was a good one against the odds.
"Mikayla is here to learn and gain experience and has raced well today. She did not have the strongest swim but that will come. Today wasn't helped either by the buckle on one of her bike shoes breaking, meaning she could not pull up on the pedal stroke for the latter part of the bike, costing her time. But her run was fantastic as she passed a number of competitors for a creditable top ten against the best North American juniors."
Results: ITU World Cup, Edmonton, Canada
Elite Men
1. Bevan Docherty NZL 1:46:47
2. Aurelien Lescure FRA 1:46:49
3. Hunter Kemper USA 1:46:54
4. Kyle Jones CAN 1:47:06
5. Crisanto Grajales MEX 1:47:13
6. Simon Whitfield CAN 1:47:21
7. Akos Vanek HUN 1:47:22
8. Diogo Sclebin BRA 1:47:30
9. Hervé Banti MON 1:47:34
10. Aaron Royle AUS 1:47:37
