It was our age group women that were the first to race the purpose built course at the 2016 Snowy Mountains ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship held at Lake Crackenback today.
In all, 28 nations are represented here across the three days of racing, matching the number of nationals who worked on The Snowy Mountains scheme – a hydroelectricity and irrigation complex that consists of sixteen major dams; seven power stations; two pumping stations; and 225 kilometres (140 mi) of tunnels, pipelines and aqueducts that were constructed between 1949 and 1974.
The host nation, Australia have fielded the largest age group team with 228 athletes and it was clean sweep of the top three to them, Kim Beckinsale (45-59) age group who claimed the overall victory from Kate Bramley (25-29) and Penny Slater (20-24).
“There was so much support on the course, thanks everyone for cheering me on, it's just so great to have that Aussie support,” said Beckinsale.
“It feels really special, we've had a big week at Noosa coaching and training for this week. I probably started doing off-road about 11 to 12 years ago and it's probably taken a long time for people to get into it.
“It's just so exciting to see so many people here having a go and so many Australian's stepping up and getting into the off-road.
“The overwhelming support was for the course – everyone was full of praise for the effort and passion for the race organizers have invested,” she added.
It is one of the most technical and true courses produced with the swim consisting of two 750m laps of Lake Crackenback.
The mountain bike trails encompass two alpine lakes, the Thredbo River around Kosciuszko National Park and spectacular views, highlighted with sculpted flowing single track.
It also includes rocky paths, bridges, rock gardens and creek crossings which will require technical skills.
While the challenging trail run, course is a 3.3km lap, including a few surprises and challenges including creek crossings, a river run, suspension bridge, obstacles, rock scrambles and some true off road terrain.
Beckinsale was proud and glowing of the course and sport that delivered her a first Cross Triathlon World Championship title.
“The course out there today was lightning fast – perfect conditions, everything went really well.
“It's the environment, were out in the bush seeing the best, beautiful landscape in the world and go to the most beautiful spots in the world to race, and I...
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