Shepparton Campbell’s Half Ironman Triathlon gets ready for action

The 13th year of the event is proving lucky for organisers with a record filed of 950, smashing the previous record of 681 competitors, and with the event boasting a strong contingent of pro’s vying for line honours.

Last year’s winners Jimmy Johnsen (Denmark) & Bek Keat will be back to defend their titles, and the organisers have also put up a cash bonus for beating Luke Bell’s and Rebekah Keats course records. In 2009 Rebekah Keat walked away with an extra $1,000 for breaking the female race record.
One athlete determined to give it a shake is Matty White who commented to trizone “I am feeling great leading into this race as it is one of my personal favorites. I have finished 2nd there a few times and would like nothing more than a win. The organising committee put a huge effort into making this one of Australia best half ironman races. On a personal note I have had a huge season especially after a successful US season, (but) I have had a good rest and am just starting to feel good now with some solid weeks of training as I am gearing toward Busso in December.”

Another athlete to watch will be Ollie Whistler, despite a disappointing result in Port Macquarie a couple of weeks ago where he was forced to pull out suffering the effects of a virus, he is rearing to go again this weekend. “The two weeks since Port and leading in Shepparton has been about getting back to full health. I certainly have the fitness and strength to challenge this race from a very consistent stint of training and racing over the winter in Europe, so it will come down to the day. My main focus at this stage is just keeping the energy systems fired up to race, but making sure I am recovered and ready to go for Saturday. So far so good, and I’m happy with how things are looking for Sunday so that’s exciting!”

Ollie was another to rave about the atmosphere at Shepparton, “… the race, town atmosphere, it’s volunteers and organisers made (Shepparton) one of my fondest memories of racing in Australia. They know how to put on a great weekend, and the spirit in which it is held represents what Triathlon is all about. Challenging yourself to break self imposed limitations and enjoying the experience with friends and family. This is the main reason I chose, and will continue to come and support this event.”

For Ollie is all comes down to consistency “Consistent training, hard work and recovery, leads to consistent improvement and provides the best opportunity for consistence performances and that’s our goal for this weekend. If I perform at my consistent best, this should see me in the mix every race, and whilst you’re in the mix, you’re in with the chance for a win. The rest will be determined on the day.”Whoever wins on the day will have earnt it with the likes of Luke Bell, Jimmy Johnsen, and Josh Rix also racing. We can expecting a strong move to be made in the swim and bike from Luke, Jimmy and Matty and this may well determine who wins out on the day.

The women’s race looks to be more clear cut, with Rebekah Keat a strong favorite baring illness, injury or mechanical failure, though the other female pro’s racing will be looking forward to testing themselves against this consistent Aussie star.

Males
2 Luke bell Victoria MALE OPEN
3 Matty White South Australia MALE OPEN
4 Paul Attard Victoria MALE OPEN
5 Jason Shortis Queensland MALE OPEN
6 David Meade Victoria MALE OPEN
7 John Carey Queensland MALE OPEN
8 Mitchell Anderson Victoria MALE OPEN
9 Luke Whitmore Victoria MALE OPEN
10 Ollie Whistler NSW MALE OPEN
11 Gavin Scott New South Wales MALE OPEN
12 JOSH RIX Victoria MALE OPEN
13 Matt Bailey Victoria MALE OPEN
14 Christopher Bradford Victoria MALE OPEN
15 Andrew Crozier Victoria MALE OPEN
16 Troy Drinan Victoria MALE OPEN
17 Nick Duncan Qld MALE OPEN
18 Monty Frankish Victoria MALE OPEN
19 Nathan Jones Western Australia MALE OPEN
20 Magnus Michelsson Victoria MALE OPEN
21 Nick Murray Western Australia MALE OPEN
22 John Marsh New South Wales MALE OPEN

Females
31 Rebekah Keat Queensland FEMALE OPEN
32 Katherine Baker Queensland FEMALE OPEN
33 Sarah Pollett Queensland FEMALE OPEN
35 Elly Franks Victoria FEMALE OPEN
36 Renee Lane Victoria FEMALE OPEN
37 Kirsten Molloy New South Wales FEMALE OPEN
38 Madeleine Oldfield Tasmania FEMALE OPEN
40 Alee Sharp Victoria FEMALE OPEN
41 Nicole Ward New South Wales FEMALE OPEN