Jennifer Raines was the standout performer among the Dubbo contingent competing in the opening round of the 2017 Central West InterClub Challenge.
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Raines was one of seven Dubbo triathletes who took part at Mudgee and she finished first in the 20-29 years division.
Emily Messner made it a Dubbo one-two in the division when running second while Ian Crafter was third in the 60-69 years group.
Daniel Roberts, club president Ben Orford, David Gerrish and Tim Barnes were the other Dubbo athleters who took part.
Raines’ result saw her finish 17th overall behind Orange winner Lauren Kerwick in the women’s while Nick North, a regular on top of the podium in recent years, was the overall winner of the men’s division.
Kerwick was typically modest after her effort in the grand prix – run-swim-ride-swim-run – format race.
“I never come into a race thinking I'm going to win I just come into a race wanting to give my best and 100 per cent and whatever the outcome is, that's the outcome,” she said.
“I think this format suits me. I like the run and the swim and because the bike is a little bit short, I'm not very strong on the bike so I was just trying to hold on for as long as I can.
“[This format] also breaks it up a bit. It's definitely better for the legs because I love the swim. I felt that it loosened my legs up a bit into the run.”
Bathurst’s Nick North won overall, claiming the men’s race from Mudgee’s Matt Webster and Orange young gun Jack Bilton.
The format shift didn’t impact any of the star trio, North hitting the lead early and never giving it up.
North finished the first run in 6.56, the first swim in 4.09, the ride in 26.29, the second swim in 4.05 and the second run in 7.40. He was the quickest in every stage.
“I jumped into the pool and built on my lead. I led by about 30 to 40 seconds getting out of the pool,” North said.
“I got off my my bike with a three minute lead. I finished the race with a tough run.”