VTA News

The story and results of the 2005 Tusker Triathlon du Paradis can be found at the bottom of this newsletter. Details of all other 2005 events can be found in this link 2005 News.

The weather conditions for last Sunday’s annual Tusker Triathlon Du Paradis ensured the spectators were going to get as wet as the swimmers. With last year’s champion, David Esposito, unable to make the journey from Noumea due to full flights, it seemed likely that this year’s champion would come from one of the visiting Australians, with semi professional, Bevan Leach from Sydney the most likely winner.

In one of the fastest swims on record, Bevan led team competitor Greg Lee and Tim Smith, from Brisbane, out of the water by 2 minutes with local champion Didier Maucotel a further 2 minutes back. The bike leg was to provide most of the drama with the rain making the road very slippery. However it was a piece of broken glass that was to end Bevan Leach’s race. After one lap and rounding the corner by the old Sound Centre, a loud whoosh of air brought Bevan to a halt. On the lighter side the first spectator on the scene was a newspaper boy. As Bevan is examining the damage he asks, “Do you want to buy a paper, Mister?” And the second spectator was a taxi driver, “Can I give you a lift, mate?”

This left Tim Smith in front after overtaking team rider and olfala Bryn Burnett on the bike leg. Bryn managed to hold off Didier into the transition where he tagged runner John Basil. However John was unable to make up the time difference that Tim had established, and so Tim Smith became this year’s outright winner of the Tusker Triathlon Du Paradis in a time of 2 hours 14 minutes and 51 seconds. This was a couple of minutes slower than last year with the wet weather no doubt being a contributing factor. Didier was third to cross the finish line defending his title as the Vanuatu Triathlon Association’s Men’s champion. Perennial Tony Tasavi defended his Ni-Vanuatu title, while Corrections Dept specialist Allan Clarke was the first veteran after Aussie (and temporary resident) Philip Monagle punctured by the Tusker Factory and faced a long walk home.

Bevan Leach is first out of the water, but a puncture hands victory to Tim Smith.

The half course proved to be another Australian benefit with Tasmanian Carl Hoddy winning in a time of 1 hour 18 minutes and 6 seconds from Melbournian David Storm. A creditable performance by the women’s team of Ann Boemare, Emmanuelle Cordier and Liz Pechan saw them cross the line in the third fastest time.

Even with minimal training Scott Lyford took out the short course men’s title from Liam Flanagan and Joel Kalpram, while Alana Mew won the women’s title. Young Jordan Monagle completed the course which was something her father was unable to do, and in doing so won the junior women’s section.

Three special prizes were given. One each went to Bevan Leach and Philip Monagle for their bad luck, and also to Joel Kalpram for his entertainment factor. He also had bike problems and so borrowed a kid’s BMX bike. He looked hilarious with his knees up around his ears.

The VTA would like to thank title sponsor Tusker, major sponsors Palms Casino, Le Meridien, AFA Insurance, Ridgway Blake Lawyers, Vanuatu Post, the Aussie High Comm, and ASCO Motors, as well as 27 other companies and individuals whose contributions have made this another significant event on the international calendar. Thanks also to Chris H’s massages and to the marshals, water safety, timekeepers, and other helpers whose assistance to the VTA is an important part of a successful event.

There was a small but enthusiastic turnout of competitors for this year’s August triathlon, a warm up for next month’s Tusker Triathlon du Paradis. This used to be known as the Rossi Triathlon and we are delighted to have the Nambawan Café give their support to the Vanuatu Triathlon Association in the form of prizes and helpers.

In the longer event, local stars Thomas Tarroux and Didier Maucotel were missed, perhaps saving themselves for the Tusker Triathlon du Paradis. This allowed other regular competitors their moment to shine. The Aussie High Comm’s Pete Budd took the opportunity winning in a respectable time of 1hr 15 mins 15 secs, but the fastest time of the day of 1 hr 9 mins 2 secs went to the team of perennial runner John Basil and olfala biker Bryn Burnett who adopted torpedo powered swimmer Steven Howell, a regular visitor from New Zealand. Krista Lee-Jones did a fine run only 2 and a bit minutes slower than John Basil. Bad luck went the way of Tony Tasavi who punctured his front tyre on some broken green glass on the road and had to run all the way back from Man Ples.

The shorter event saw fine efforts where olfala Phil Tremethick won the men’s and a much younger Claire Skelcher won the women’s event. However the battle of the day was between the teams of Corrections Department relatives which eventually saw Scott Lyford bully his way past Katie Hamilton to win for his team by only 9 seconds

Over all it was a very good trial run for our big event, the Tusker Triathlon du Paradis, coming up Sunday the 24^th of September. One Aussie has already entered and we hope the contingent from New Caledonia returns. It is time now to get your teams together and even put in some serious training. Entry forms will be available from the Nambawan Café with Ni-Vanuatu entry fees gratefully sponsored by Vanuatu Post.

A record number of entries of just over a hundred runners enrolled for the 2006 AFA Fun Run on Saturday 8^th July. This run has become an essential lead up for the Round Island Relay and there were many taking the opportunity for serious practice. A cloudy and slightly drizzly morning made for great running conditions and the sight of the field starting out from Mele Maat was spectacular.

The numbers are increasing each year, and it is thanks to Peter Griffiths and AFA’s generous sponsorship that this event is such a success. There will be lots of AFA t-shirts spotted around town for another year.
39 men competed in the open men’s, 5 in the veteran men’s and 7 junior men.
24 women competed in the open women’s, 3 in the veteran women’s and an amazing 12 Junior Girls – and were they ever fast. The junior woman had the fasted overall time for all the women – there is obviously quite a depth of talent in this section.
The oldest runner was 64 years old, and the youngest was 9 years old, both of these two competing in very creditable times.

Jack Joe was pushed all the way by Sandy Molu, managing to hold him off by four seconds for a win in the time of 35 mins 11 seconds – this was the fastest time done so far in the history of the AFA Fun Run. Malai Vincent was the winner in the Junior Men, with a time of 44 mins 59 sec, just managing to stay in front of close Mitchell Cooper. Tony Tasavi showed again what a wonderful overall competitor he is, with yet another win in the men’s Veteran division in 49 mins 53 secs with Alan Clarke a close second.

In the Women’s races there was fierce competition with Junior Woman, Malane, taking the honours with an excellent time of 42 mins and 40 secs. Lucy was second - but only by one second. Where did she lose that I wonder – too long over a drink of water? It wasn’t to tie up shoe laces as she runs barefoot! After 10 kms, it is such a small margin between two such obviously talented runners.
Iamei’s 44 mins 22 secs was the winning time in the Women’s category, with Gillian Denny the first veteran woman in a time of 49 mins 17 secs.

There were a many new faces competing, I hope we will see them again over the next few events. Next VTA event is a triathlon based from Nambawan Café on Sunday 13^th August as we build up to the major event for the year, the 22^nd Tusker Triathlon du Paradis on 24^th September. Keep an eye out for posters around town, or ring Bryn or Sue ph 27823, 47823 for more information.

A special thank you to Peter Griffiths of AFA Insurance and his wonderful team of enthusiastic workers, particularly Beverley Teahiu, who gave so generously of their time to the day. It is very much appreciated by the VTA.

What a cracker day it was last Sunday morning for the Ridgway Blake Lawyers Duathlon. Clear skies and no wind meant no excuses from the weather. Some new faces and visitors from Australia, all looking resplendent in their Ridgway Blake running shirts, compensated for some of the missing regulars.

The event started and finished on the main road by Korman Stadium and consisted of a 4km run followed by a 20km bike ride and then a 4km run. There was also a half distance event for the less serious athletes, which started after the main event to bring the finishers closer together.

Thomas Tarroux seems to be improving with every event and even though John Basil ran to an early lead, Thomas reeled him in half way through the first run and never looked back to win in 1 hour 8 minutes and 53 seconds despite pressure from John’s biker team mate Paul Wheeler, who was able to average more than 30km/hr on a mountain bike. Jenny Harders had a comfortable win in the Women’s section with Sara Gigliotti unable to make it from Nguna.

The shorter event had its share of dramas, firstly with perennial Tony Tasavi arriving after the event had started, and secondly Aussie visitor Bevan Leach lost the pedal on his hire bike while leading after a superb run. Olfala Bryn Burnett gratefully accepted the opportunity to win from a fast finishing Charlie Ducrocq. Regulars Greg Coughlan and Elsha Pye put in a great effort to win
the team section despite Greg’s comments about Elsha’s final sprint. She says he’ll keep! The performance of the day came from the sponsor’s youngster Callum Blake with two great runs. However his bike time has inspired his Dad to promise to buy him a decent bike for his birthday.

Congratulations must also go to the officials who ensured the event went without a hitch and a hearty thanks to Ridgway Blake Lawyers for their continued and generous support of the Vanuatu Triathlon Association.

The Le Meridien Splash and Dash took place at Le Meridien Beach at 8.00 Sunday 19 March but there were insufficient numbers for an AGM. Please can we have someone to help Bryn and Sue this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was the write up that was published in the Vanuatu Daily Post Thursday 23 March.

The Vanuatu Triathlon Association (VTA) season began last Sunday with the Splash and Dash Aquathon kindly sponsored by Le Meridien Resort.
It was good to see some new competitors and many juniors turn up, but some of last year’s regulars were put off by the showers forgetting that they were going to get wet in the swim anyway!
The swim leg was led by nufala Tony Pittar, then Didier Maucotel, Thomas Tarroux, Tom Sam, and overseas visitor Alexandre Grandin. The 3.5 kilometre run leg was expected to be a traditional battle between Thomas and Didier but Tom Sam led both of them well into the race with Thomas close on his heels. Thomas timed his run to perfection to become the Le Meridien Splash and Dash Champion.
New Peace Corps volunteer Sara Gigliotti from Nguna won the women’s category so effortlessly that we might soon be saying Brooke and Victoria who! Young Callum Blake showed form on the run that his Dad could only dream about as he overtook the seven ahead of him to win the junior section. It was good to see many families participating including Le Meridien’s GM, although Kate Dawson’s Dad’s bad back and legs sees him restricted to water safety these days.
The expected clash between olfalas Tony Tasavi and Bryn Burnett never eventuated when flailing arms and legs at the back of the shoal saw Bryn swamped and Kate lose her goggles. Look out Tony, Bryn is looking for revenge in next month’s duathlon on 23^rd April kindly sponsored by Ridgway Blake Lawyers.

The above picture shows BJ, Sara, Leigh, Thomas, and Callum. Thomas, Sara and Callum are mentioned in the write up but BJ and Leigh (slackers) won the team event!

The VTA will be conducting a series of road running races this year which will include a half marathon. These dates will be advised by flyers and published in that great newspaper called the Daily Post. The programme will obviously also be published in 2006 events.

In perfect tropical weather conditions last Sunday morning, local defending champion Didier Maucotel had to be content with runner up as he gave his title to New Caledonian champion David Esposito with Stuart Taylor from Australia third. David was one of nine New Caledonians and six Australians to come to Port Vila for the annual Tusker Triathlon du Paradis.

David was first out of the water by a minute, but the next four of Ivan Oswald, Roderick O’Connor, Brooke Hutchison and Didier were getting arms and legs entangled as they fought for the narrow steps out of the water. The bike leg saw David Esposito extend his advantage as he coped with all the potholes and Sunday morning traffic to complete the 40km course out to the airport and back four times at an average speed of over 37km/hr. Bus and taxi drivers were mainly more considerate this year and did not cause any problems for the top riders (apart from Treaddie).

The run saw David further extend his advantage and he completed the course in a world class time of 2 hours 11mins and 23 secs. Brooke Hutchison took the Women’s title, with evergreen Tony Tasavi the first veteran and first Ni-Vanuatu.

In the half course 17 year old Australian Shea Monagle was first to finish in a record time of 1:05:23 after an incredible swim and sound bike and run legs, with Dad, Philip, not too far behind. However Pete Budd from the Aussie High Comm took out the half course title from Jeremy Whyte and Richard James, as Shea and Philip were entered in the junior and veterans sections respectively. Young Malakai Hunt will have to wait another year to get that junior title. Le’an Weymouth with a new bike won the Women’s half title. The ‘Trois Grumpy Old Men’ of John Oke, Phil Tremethick, and Alastair Rodger were the fastest team, although Phil couldn’t win his leg and had to draft behind Liz Pechan most of the way.

The short course saw Phil Kirby give up a golfing day to use his age advantage to just beat veterans John Morris and Paul James in a time of 42:41. Paul had the best bike time but those legs ain’t what they used to be for the run. However they were outshone by the three juniors from New Caledonia headed by Leo-Titouan Leroy who cleaned up in the Junior Men’s section in 38:15, and 15 year old Morgane Chazal came from behind with a withering late run to overcome her Noumean compatriots in the Junior Women’s in a time of 42:24 (eat your heart out Phil). Natasha Whyte took out the Women’s title.

Three special prizes were given. One to Ivan Oswald who had to withdraw after getting a sting in his eye on the swim. Another went to Anita Afford who had a great swim despite a lack of navigation skills adding excess distance, and also to Emmanuelle Cordier who on the run had to put up with some creep who thought he was well endowed.

The VTA would like to thank title sponsor Tusker, major sponsors Air Caledonie, Palms Casino, Le Meridien, Air Vanuatu, The Rossi, Vanuatu Post, the Aussie High Comm, and ASCO Motors, as well as 25 other companies and individuals whose contributions have made this another significant event on the international calendar. Thanks also to the Police, marshals and other helpers whose assistance to the VTA is an important part of a successful event.

The triathlon season takes a break now and reassembles at Le Meridien on the third Sunday next March for the “Splash and Dash”.