Sophie Corbidge rides away to take the ITU Oceania Sprint Triathlon Champs title in Kinloch

Sophie Corbidge (Auckland) added the open elite title to her 2013 U23 win when taking out the ITU Oceania Sprint Triathlon Championships at Kinloch today at the latest round of the .kiwi Tri Series.

Corbidge raced superbly to ride away from the field on the bike, establishing a gap that could not be bridged by Ellen Pennock (Canada) over the 5km run, with Fiona Crombie (Christchurch) posting a strong run to grab the final place on the podium.

Corbidge said she was aware her lead was being eaten away during the run.

“I had my parents and coach Jon Brown telling me on course that Ellen was closing, I worked really hard on the bike and knew that it would hurt, but at the same time it was the same for everyone so I went out there with one aim to get to the finish line first and I knew she was closing so I just found an extra gear to the finish line.

“I had no plan really other than to see how I felt after a big training block, I wasn ’t sure how fresh I would be feeling, I knew I was fit and strong and once I knew I could do it, I thought I might as well. It is absolutely fantastic, the U23 title last year and now the open elite title this year, it shows good progression and I am really happy.

The swim did little to separate the field with the favourites emerging from the water in close contact but once on to the bike a lead group of 7 quickly established themselves on the back of their strong hill work and bike handling skills.

Sophie Corbidge was driving the train, with a host of emerging talent for company in the form of Jaimee Leader (Palmerston North), Maddie Dillon (Auckland), Nicole van der Kaay (Taupo) and Elise Salt (Auckland), with Rebecca Clarke (Auckland) also riding with the leaders. Ellen Pennock (Canada) was the only international to foot it with the Kiwis.

Corbidge made her move at the midway point on the bike, surging clear on the downhill back into Kinloch, showing great strength and a tactical awareness beyond her years.   Corbidge exited on to the 5km run with a 28 second lead over the chasers, with Pennock quick out of transition and off in pursuit of the Kiwi.

Her run was to fall short though, with Corbidge coming home 4 seconds clear of the Canadian 21 year old with Crombie posting the quickest run split of the day to grab a spot on the podium.

In taking out the overall event, Corbidge also added a second U23 title to her resume, with Taupo ’s Nicole van der Kaay finishing second and Maddie Dillon third.

.kiwi Tri Series
Kinloch, Taupo
ITU Oceania Sprint Championships
NZ Sprint Championships
Elite Women

1 Sophie Corbidge                           Auckland                                     1:11:51
2 Ellen Pennock                                   Canada                                           1:11:55
3 Fiona Crombie                                   Christchurch                         1:12:42

U23 Women
1 Sophie Corbidge                           Auckland                                    1:11:51
2 Nicole van der Kaay                 Taupo                                                 1:13:04
3 Maddie Dillon                                       Auckland                                     1:13:17

The mixed team relay events will be hosted at Kinloch on Sunday.

The event is run by Triathlon New Zealand with the support of the Tûwharetoa  Maori Trust Board, Taupo District Council and Tri-Sport Taupo.

2013/14 .kiwi Tri Series

Visit www.triseries.co.nz for all event information and online entries

Kinloch                                           Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd Feb 2014

Christchurch                         Sunday 9th February 2014

Wellington                                 Saturday 8th March 2014

Please note: Standard distance national champs in Auckland as part of the ITU World Triathlon Series on April 5/6