Shimano Husky Australian Triathlon Championship Men’s Preview

This year’s race has one of the strongest fields assembled in many years. Whilst we’ve seen the likes of Crowie, Jacobs, Reed, Berkel et al racing over the years, the fields haven’t been as deep with as many evenly placed athletes.

It is hard to go past the big names of Tim Reed and Tim Van Berkel and along with Steve McKenna and Simon Hearn who were 1-2 at the Hell of the West two weeks ago, are the favourites for this year’s men’s race. Hearn and Mckenna held out Tim Reed who said the pace was a bit hotter than he had hoped.

Additionally, Trent Thorpe will be a big threat. He should lead out of the water and almost took out the Hell of the West after just about pulling off a wire to wire win but disappeared off the radar with around 1.5km to go in the race. We are not sure of the reason. Please reach out if you have any further info.

Also in the field are a number of other strong competitors. One of the fastest natural runners in the field, David Mainwaring is talking down his fitness but could be competitive if everything falls his way on the day.

If past form is anything to go by Levi Maxwell will be making sure he is in a good position to grab one of the podium spots.

Some of the big bikers to watch out for are Scott Bayvel, Lachlan Kerin and Leigh Anderson (mentioned further on). There are rumours that Keiren Storch can ride as well.

We have heard that Caleb Noble and Eddie Vining are running well so watch for them to make things uncomfortable on the run for the field.

There were rumours that Nathan Stewart was going to toe the line again. We have heard that he is good form for an old bloke with some good results recently. Although a recent race in Newcastle saw Nathan come through with a good result but struggled with not feeling well so has apparently decided to withdraw. A shame as it would have been good to see Nathan racing Husky. Maybe next year and we can get Chappo and a few other old blokes coming back. Bruce Thomas continued to race Husky long course until recent years with some very good consistent results.

It will be great to see Sam Betten at Husky. Sam has a solid career at this distance. He has a strong swim/bike which should see him in the mix early on.

Another person to watch is Leigh Anderson. I saw a post and a comment that made me wonder what he is about. Coached by Tim Reed and from all accounts one strong cyclist! Clint Rowlings talked him up a bit and said that he is one to watch. Another triathlete that was coach by Reedy has gone okay and has shown up the master on the odd occasion. It will be interesting to see how this coach/athlete relationship pans out.

There are a host of other solid men racing and to be honest with the last year out of action we are not too sure about the potential of many in the field. Feel free to ping us with your inside knowledge.

Thanks to everyone that provided some of the insights in this preview.

• Leigh Anderson
• Scott Bayvel
• Sam Betten
• Jarrod Harvey
• Levi Hauwert
• Simon Hearn
• Blake Kappler
• Lachlan Kerin
• Matt Lewis
• David Mainwaring
• Levi Maxwell
• Steven Mckenna
• George Miller
• Caleb Noble
• Tim Reed
• Adam Rudgley
• Quentin Schneider
• Nathan Stewart
• Kieran Storch
• Trent Thorpe
• Tim Van Berkel
• Edward Vining
• Fraser Walsh
• Harry Wiles
• Joel Wooldridge
• Joshua Wooldridge