The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda in Nyanga
FOR the second year in a row, the elite men’s top prize at the Bonaqua Troutbeck Africa Triathlon Union Sprint Triathlon African Cup went to Germany when Jonas Breinlinger came first at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga yesterday.
In a field of 15 triathletes, Breinlinger hit the finish line first ahead of Australian Nicholas Free and Namibian Jean-Paul Burger. It was a disappointing race for the Zimbabwean duo of Gideon Benade and Rory Mackie. Benade finished 12th while Mackie was last while Gregor Payet of Luxembourg failed to finish the race.
The 23-year, who was participating for the first time at Troutbeck, attributed his win to the hard work he put in on the swim and bicycle seeing that his running is not so great.
“It’s my first time here but I think I like this course because the selection is higher, I worked very hard on the bike, I get a good place in the finish because my run isn’t always that good, I always try selection on the swim and the bike, this course fits me very well,’’ Breinlinger said.
Breinlinger walked away with $750, Free took home $500 and $300 went to Burger.
South African, Cindy Schwulst finally won the women’s race at the sixth time of trying. Schwulst was second last year but this year she was the best ahead of her compatriot, Jayme-Sue Vermaas and pre-race favourite Yan Yin Hilda Choi of Hong Kong. Shanae Williams of South Africa failed to finish the race after getting a bicycle tyre puncture.
Having not had a great swim, Schwulst had to work hard on her bicycle as well as running track to overtake those in front and win the race.
“I am very happy to finally get the win here, I’ve got a lot of second places here in the past. I didn’t have a great swim, I have been working more last year on my running and also on my cycling so I had a really strong bike and managed to catch all the girls and on the last lap I got quite a nice lead and then felt comfortable on the run,’’ Schwulst said.
For being first, Schwulst took home $750, Vermaas pocketed $450 and $300 went to Choi.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Recreation Kazembe Kazembe officially opened the Bonaqua Troutbeck ATU Sprint Triathlon Cup while Sports and Recreation Commission acting director general Joseph Muchechetere officiated during the awards ceremony. — @Mdawini_29
