Bennett Downs World Tri Champ

Illawarra Mercury

Monday May 11, 1998

Greg Bennett left world champion Chris McCormack in his wake to win the national men's triathlon championship in Mooloolaba, Queensland yesterday while Emma Carney trounced arch-rival Jackie Gallagher in the women's race.

Bennett crossed the line in a time of 1h54m04s to beat fellow New South Welshman McCormack home after they had waged a two-man battle over the last 3km of the Olympic-distance event (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run).

The 28-year-old Bennett - who came third overall in the ITU World Cup series last year - started the 10km run leg behind an eleven-strong group that contained McCormack, Miles Stewart, Chris Hill, Trent Chapman and early race leader Craig Walton, who along with Frenchman Ben Sanson had a 50-second lead over the field after the swim.

Bennett, Chapman and McCormack broke away from the pack in the early stages of the run but the race was only decided in the last 500m.

Bennett surged away from McCormack with the finish line in sight while McCormack could only applaud the stirring finish from his rival.

In the women's race, world champion Carney thrashed Gallagher to claim her third successive Australian crown.

Brisbane's Loretta Harrop led by 50 seconds after the swim and by 30 seconds after the bike in a courageous solo performance but Carney was not to be denied.

Carney was in 12th position after the swim and was well behind in the bike but she worked her way back into the chasing pack by the time the run leg started.

She grabbed the lead after the first stages on the run and gradually increased her advantage throughout the 10km leg which virtually became a victory lap for the Victorian.

Carney crossed the line in a time of 2:08:08 to be 1:25 in front of Gallagher and she said the run leg was always going to be where she made her move.

© 1998 Illawarra Mercury

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