After missing the first round of the 2016 Central West Interclub triathlon series, Orange’s Jess Richards came to Dubbo on Sunday unsure of how she would perform.
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But despite being a little underdone, she showed she’s still got what it takes by taking out the women’s division of the event from Piranhas teammate Estelle Dean in a time of 52:45.
“I was seeing where I was at and having a hit-out,” Richards said after being the best around the Macquarie River and Ollie Robins Oval course.
“I didn’t know where I was at. I’ve had a lot of time off and getting back into the race intensity is always a test but it turned out okay.”
Richards confessed her legs were tiring late on but in the end it was a fairly comfortable win.
In the men’s division, Matt Webster’s training efforts on the bike paid off as he overpowered Mark Windsor to score victory.
Disappointed in his middle leg in round one, Mudgee’s Webster put in the hard yards in the lead up to the second round at Dubbo and it worked wonders as he kept in touch with Windsor on the bike and then ran home to victory.
“I’m really happy with that,” he said after winning in the time of 47:34.
“Last round I suffered on the bike leg so I put a bit of effort into that and it really paid off.
“Mark Windsor is as great cyclist and I kept up with him and got a good solid run so that meant I could cruise in.
“I’ve raced Mark a lot and know I’ve got a better run so that meant I could cruise in and enjoy it.”
Bathurst’s Windsor was second while promising Orange teenager Jack Billton was third.
The Orange squad, led by Richards, again performed well and shapes as the team to beat this season but Webster his adamant his Mudgee club can have an impact.
“We’ve definitely got our eye on the trophy again this year,” he said.
“A good contingent came over from Mudgee today, there’s about 12 of us here, and we’re making an effort to get to all the races.”
Both Richards and Webster were full of praise for the Dubbo course, with the flowing Macquarie River making for fast times.
Webster’s lead during the run was made enjoyable by the shade along the river and he added he had thoroughly enjoyed his first race at Dubbo.
Craig May was one of the standout Dubbo performers, finishing fourth in the men’s division.
Cooper Sullivan and Jessie Dean were the winners of the smaller enticer event.
The competitors have a break now over Christmas and New Years period with the third round to be battled out at Bathurst on Australia Day.