Eves Surfbreaker Tri

Graham O'Grady pips Cam Todd by just 2sec for the win.  Photo: Sam Ackland

While many where still sitting around trying to digest the ham and pavlova from Christmas Day, we were at the Eve's Surfbreaker Triathlon in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.  We've proudly supported this great event for a while now, and this years event was just as awesome, featuring a sprint finish for the line - the closest finish in its 27 year history, just 2 seconds separating 1st and 2nd.  And - what do you know - the winners of the men's and women's sections were both blueseventy athletes.

It was  superb day, with just over 200 competitors enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and perfect conditions on Main Beach.  There was just enough of a wave to make a difference but not to frighten off those who prefer the "still" water.  

Graham O'Grady had to fight hard to catch youngster Cameron Todd who led out of the water and through until well into the run.   In third was the 2009 winner Sam Osborne. All 3 wore blueseventy Helix wetsuits!!! Graham is an athlete to watch in next week's Port of Tauranga Half Ironman, having already won the Lake Karapiro Half IM and Rotorua Half IM within the last two months.

In contrast Rebecca Kingsford led from start to finish, taking out the women's race by 2 min 45 sec from Youth Olympics Triathlete Maddie Dillon. Again the 2009 winner, Janine Simpson, was third.

A huge thanks to Sheryl McLay from Shorebreak Aquatics for hosting such a great event.