WHILE Australian representative Mark Windsor missed the opening long course race of the new King Cain Bathurst Wallabies Tri Club season, on Sunday he well and truly made up for his absence.

With the likes of Nick North and race one Josh Stapley not competing in Sunday’s second round, Windsor dominated.

Windsor finished the 500 metres swim, 16 kilometre cycle and 5km run in a time of 52 minutes and 25 seconds.

It gave him a commanding win over Christopher Walsh (56:31) and Jack English (1:00:32).

With cool and calm conditions it looked perfect for racing, but Windsor admitted he felt slightly off his game on his favourite cycle leg.

It was a frustrating period for the winner even though he increased his advantage over his rivals during that leg.

“You always seem to be able to find wind whenever you’re out on the bike. The bike seemed a bit slow. The air conditions can always play a bit of a factor and the air seemed heavy out there,” he said.

“While I don’t know if the bike was as strong as normal, it was certainly good for the run, that’s for sure. 

“I got a nice start and it wasn’t that crowded. I tailed one of the guys out in front and that set me up well off the swim,” he added.

Windsor carried a 20-seconds lead over English out of the pool.

He then put the race to bed on two wheels as his 22:54 bike split was over four minutes quicker than his closest rival Walsh.

Walsh put in a solid run of 19:11 – half a minute quicker than the man in front – but Windsor had done more than enough to take the win. 

Initially the race was going to be a family affair for the Windsors with Mark’s sons Blair and Dean intending to compete, but that did not eventuate.

“I was looking forward to the big family challenge, but Blair and Dean went out last night so they were a no-show. It’s always been a family thing for me and that’s why I enjoy it,” he said.

“I race for my time too and that’s the great thing about triathlon, being able to go down and challenge yourself and set your level.”

In a contest that for two legs was virtually a race against himself, Windsor said it is a challenge to pace yourself.

“Since I had a crack at the Ironman again I’ve found it’s just about trying to find that level and just sit there. It doesn’t matter if someone’s there or not, you’ve got to hold that level and not be distracted,” he said.

“Dean’s a bit of a racer and he does a lot of surging, but when you’re an older fellah like me you try not to get distracted by that stuff."