Port Macquarie’s Shaun Vidler takes on Long Course Triathlons at 18

Port Macquarie based Shaun Vidler has shown huge potential with strong early performances at the Huskisson Long Course, Batemans Bay Olympic distance and Port Macquarie 70.3 triathlons, in early 2011. I had seen Shaun race this year in these three races but only realised how young he was after Port Macquarie. His swim is strong and bike times are good. With being so young Vidler’s long run will start to come along as he matures and builds the endurance base needed.

These results at Husky, Port and Batemans Bay come on the back of solid junior career, where Vidler found himself excelling at the non-drafting format racing. “It’s hard coming through the NSW / AUS junior ranks when they have such an emphasis on draft legal racing”. “I enjoy racing them a lot but don’t feel they do my strengths justice” Vidler says of ITU format racing.

Things started smoothly for Vidler as the New Year commenced, joining forces with renowned triathlon coach Grant Giles of the Aeromax team. “To hook up with Gilesy is huge for me, he coaches a lot of top athletes and so far his stuff is helping me a lot!” After turning 18 years old (the minimum age requirement for long course racing) 11 days earlier, Vidler turned up to the Huskisson long course triathlon to try his hand at the longer racing. His performance was more than impressive. After a solid swim, Shaun showed what he is capable of with a 2:03 bike split for the 83km (5th fastest), on route to a credible 38th overall with a finish time of 4:06.

It was just the beginning. From here Shaun raced the Batemans Bay triathlon where he secured 3rd place, in a competitive field. In good form, Shaun lined up at the Port Macquarie 70.3 in front of hometown supporters. He posted a fast 2:27 bike split in tough to conditions to help him finish 17th overall in 4:30. At 18 years old and just his second long course triathlon, this result shows his potential.”I am more than pleased with my results this year and to have a strong performance at home was amazing!”

With the help of Giles, Shaun has his sights set on a strong 2011/2012 triathlon season in Australia. “I have deferred my studies to return to my home town of Port Macquarie… I have such a solid support network and with Rocket Science Sports and Hammer Nutrition, now helping out, it makes life easier”. “I love the training up there… with athletes like Tim Berkel, Mitch Robins, Adam Holborrow, Lachlan Morton, and James Magnussen, it is a proven home for success”. Shaun will kick of the season at Yeppoon 70.3 in August.

Port Macquarie 70.3 2011

Batemans Bay 2011

Huskisson Long Course 2011