RETURNING talent Peta Cutler battling the impressive newcomer Hollee Simons – the race for the women’s long course honours at Sunday’s Bathurst Wallabies Triathlon Club event was an intense one.
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In the end it was Cutler who got the nod over Simons, but it came down to the final lap of the run course for her to open up a comfortable buffer.
Cutler crossed the line in 56 minutes, 33 seconds, while Simons (57:27) followed soon after. They were times which also ranked them fourth and fifth outright respectively for the 500 metres swim, 16 kilometre cycle and 5km run.
“There was not a lot between us at all. Whatever happens on the day happens, if I can stay in front that’s good, if not I think well done to Hollee,” Cutler said.
“She ran well, but I just seemed to get into a bit of a rhythm in that second lap, which was good. I haven’t been doing a lot of running, running is my weakness, but I was really happy with today.”
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Sunday’s race was just Cutler’s third triathlon back and first Bathurst Wallabies club race after a two-year hiatus following the birth of her son Jack.
But she is clearly in good touch as she managed to get the better of cyclist turned triathlete Simons.
Cutler was the first out of the pool, 21 seconds ahead of Simons, but on the cycle leg that gap closed. Their splits of 24:46 and 24:48 were impressive as at that stage they were second and third outright.
As they headed out of the second transition into the run, the pair were shoulder-to-shoulder.
Cutler was unable to shake Simons through the first lap of the run, just 12 seconds between them, but she found her stride over the final 2.5km to get the nod.
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Third place belong to Kristy Powyer, who clocked a long course personal best of 1:03.03.
While happy to have got the win, Cutler was just as excited to see the more than 100 seniors who raced on Sunday.
“I’m really excited too because there are so many people here, I have never seen the triathlon club buzzing like this. It’s so good, I’m so happy for the club,” Cutler said.
