Dubbo Hippos Triathlon Club is building towards something big and the future is looking bright after the opening round of the Central West Inter Club Triathlon Series in Mudgee.
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The home club dominated most of the event throughout the age groups but Dubbo showed why they believe this could be a wonderful year for the Hippos.
Ben Orford from the Dubbo Hippos Triathlon Club said it was great to see so many strong performances from the club.
"We did our best away result for years actually," he said.
"Since at least 2014 since I've been with it but possibly longer than that."
"12 people competed with three age group wins."
Rising star Bryce Foley took out the under 20 male event not to be outdone by Mel Mertens who won the 40-49 female category while Kate Brien won the 50-59 female race.
Orford admitted he can see a big future for Foley in the sport after an impressive performance.
"Bryce of course he was 14 last year and he has taken about 10 minutes off his best time," he said.
"He was the third Dubbo person home. He's got some potential."
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Orford finished second in the 40-49 male category and Jo Geck'arc finished second to Brien in the 50-59 race.
Ed Druit also placed finishing third in the 30-39 male category.
Orford said it was pleasing to see a bigger than normal group head to the event.
"We normally only get maybe five or six people going over there," he said.
"We'd be lucky to have one or two people get a place.
"So to get 12 going over and having six of those placed we've come a long way."
While Mudgee is favourites to take out the opening round of the Inter Club Series, Orford is confident Dubbo have done enough to finish inside the top three when the results are released later this week.
Although they had 12 starters attend Mudgee, Orford admitted there could've been even more triathletes attend the day.
"Even though we had 12 starters we could have 16 or 17," he said.
"If we had that we definitely would've come second to Mudgee."
While the next Inter Club Series event is not until January, Orford feels the club should be close to full strength.
"It will be interesting with the next round in Bathurst," he said.
"We should get more like 16 or 17 [people]."
Orford is also confident big things are coming for the Hippos over the course of this season.
"I think we still haven't hit our potential yet," he said.
"Bathurst on Australia Day will be very interesting. If we can get close to full strength we should give it a shake."
While Foley did a personal best, Orford said the majority of the group improved on their times from last years event due to being locked down throughout 2021.
"I think most of us who have done it before went quicker than last year," he said.
"I think that's a result of being locked down and having to do exercise every day."
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