New Zealand will return home with 3 Oceania Triathlon titles after victories to Rebecca Spence (U23), Jos Hoetjes (U19) and Ryan Sissons (U23) on the Gold Coast today.
Jos Hoetjes set the tone for a successful day with an impressive victory in the first race on the schedule, the U19 men.
The teenage Kiwi star simply ran away from a field of mainly Australians and Kiwis, leaving the best that the green and gold in his wake as he picked up his second consecutive Australian age group title.
Hoetjes was delighted moments after crossing the finish line well clear of Aaron Royal (AUS).
"I was nervous before the swim as my last two races were not good. But I swam really well for about tenth out of the water, right on the feet of the leaders.
"The bike was slow with no one working, so I stuck at the front and looked to save my legs for the run. As always there was a big sprint into transition but I managed to run out first and then did first of two laps with one of the Aussies. I was feeling strong and had to tell myself to relax, keep the short strides and quick arms and a good rhythm. When I went they had no answer though, I cleared out to a lead of 1 or 200 metres and won by a good margin.
"This feels so good, to get another title to back up after last year and also to win the Oceania title. This is all the hard work paying off."
In other races Rebecca Spence upstaged Nicky Samuels as first placed Kiwi in 7th place in the women's field, in the process winning the Oceania U23 title as the first across the line in that age group. Samuels was one place further back in 8th after struggling in hot conditions during the run.
Best placed of the women in the U19 race for New Zealand was Rebecca Kingsford in 5th place, followed closely two places back by Teresa Adam in 7th.
In the U23 and elite men New Zealand had another victory with Ryan Sissons backing up from his great performance at the Takapuna round of the Contact Tri Series with a 5th overall finish, good enough to be first home in the U23 category and picking up the Oceania title.
One place ahead of Sissons in 4th was Clark Ellice, a good return for the New Plymouth athlete with three world ranked and well performed Aussies in front of him.
Brad Kahlefelt was first, Courtney Atkinson second and Dean Wilson third.
U19 and U23 athletes were also racing for the World Championships on the same course later in the year. These results will be taken into account with other key races as the Tri NZ selectors now ponder their teams and make their final selections.
Further results for all elite categories including times and details visit www.usmevents.com.au
ITU Junior Elites
Male
| 1 | Jos Hoetjes | Christchurch | 58:21 |
| 2 | Aaron Royle |
Newcastle |
58:53 |
| 3 | Sam Appleton | Warrimoo | 58:59 |
| 4 | Jamie Huggett | Ballarat | 59:11 |
| 5 | Ryan Bailie | Bunbury | 59:18 |
Female
| 1 | Courtney Dutton | Bridgeman Downs | 1:04:09 |
| 2 | Holly Aitken | East Kew | 1:04:38 |
| 3 | Jaimi Chisholm | Mt Martha | 1:05:23 |
| 4 | Ashleigh Gentle | Robina | 1:05:45 |
| 5 | Rebecca Kingsford | Tirau | 1:05:59 |
