Auckland triathlete James Elvery has enjoyed a break through performance in winning the ITU Pan American Cup race in Montreal, the 25 year olds first win at this level in the sport.
The win comes 6 years after Elvery first raced at ITU level of the sport and comes on the back of a 4 week training block at the Triathlon New Zealand camp in Boulder, Colorado.
“I smashed it and finally got my first ITU win 6 years after my first race at this level,” said a delighted Elvery.
“The margin of victory was almost a minute in the end and to hear God Defend New Zealand on the podium was just incredible. I felt awesome all day, didn’t really need to breathe at all until the run, I just sat in the pack on the bike and stayed out of trouble, then got off at the front and just bolted.
“I fan the first 2.5 kilometres in 7 minutes 30 seconds which is about 30 minute pace I think, so I decided to back off a bit as I had opened up about a 30 second lead at that point. I just maintained the gap and held on from there.
“The altitude training in Boulder with the 2012 squad for the last four weeks has definitely had a good effect on my fitness! My running form felt a bit awkward after not running anything faster than 3 minute15 second kilometre pace at altitude, but my lungs felt really good through to the end and I finished up posting a 31:43 run split.”
Elvery immediately gave an idea as to his focus and determination to make this a break through year as he talked of avoiding some of the pitfalls after a hard earned victory.
”I've got to be really strong now and avoid going into Montreal for a night out with some of the other athletes. I have some big goals coming up that I really want to do right this year, so I'll try and catch an early one! I will definitely make up for it once they are over however!”
