Aquathlon athletes have set the World Triathlon Multisport Championships Townsville 2024 alight with fast and furious racing on Friday.
Athletes took on a 2.5km run, 1km swim and 2.5km run along the Strand in the heart of Townsville, with more than 600 taking to the course on Friday morning.
The Elite Men’s race was the first to hit the course, with Spain’s Kevin Tarek Vinuela Gonzalez winning the gold medal. Vinuela Gonzalez crossed the finish line in 28:18, just three seconds ahead of Australia’s Luke Bate, with Spain’s Cristian Fernandez Nieto claiming bronze a further seven seconds behind.
“The format for the race today with a run, swim, run, suited me really well and I really loved it compared to a swim and a run. This was the first time that I’ve travelled this far from home to race and I’m really happy with the win.”
Kevin Tarek Vinuela Gonzalez
In the Elite Women’s race, Ukrainian athlete Maryna Kyryk was at the front of the field all race, taking the win in 32:16, 10 seconds clear of Chloe Dooley from Great Britain, with Australia’s Isla Watson rounding out the podium.
“The race was great, I’m very happy. I didn’t expect this result before the race because it was the first time I’ve done this format, the run, swim, run. It was really exciting, it wasn’t what I expected but I really liked it, I did my best today and I’m really happy that I won this race. It’s my first time racing in Australia, I really like this country, it’s beautiful, amazing, I like it a lot.”
Maryna Kyryk
In amongst the hundreds of Age-Group athletes was Australia’s Jack Smith, with the Queenslander finishing in 32:47 in his first ever World Championship appearance.
“It was good, it’s fast racing, some of those guys have some pretty fast top end speed but it was fun, I enjoyed it, it’s something different for me,” said Smith. “I prefer the longer stuff, that’s what I’m more built for but it was good fun mixing it up and seeing how fast I could go. I came here last year for the qualifying races and it was great, it was good to have a look around the area and test out the course a bit and come back this year, it’s my first time racing in the Multisport World Championships.”
Next up at the World Triathlon Multisport Championships Townsville is the community focused Townsville Triathlon Festival which is set to be held on Saturday with entries still open for members of the public to take part.
