Athletes gunning for home triathlon success

The traditional 700m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run await the determined 150-strong field, among which was a group of local triathletes aiming to be first over the line.

A 25-strong assortment of competitors gathered at the old Echuca-Moama bridge on Wednesday night for a pre-race tune-up, among them some of the locals eyeing off a big performance in their home triathlon.

One of those was star Echuca runner and 2019 Aquathlon winner Archie Reid, who is suiting up for his first solo run in his home event since that year.

A member of reigning 2021 team event winners Team Bruburger, Reid said he’s keen to roll solo.

“It’s one of the best events of the year,” Reid said.

“I haven’t done a triathlon in about five years, I used to do a lot when I was younger.

“I thought I would give it a crack again this year.

“It’s just nice to be part of the community.

“The Sweat vs Steam is great but I think the triathlon is cool on Saturday night.”

Coming off a European half-marathon win in Switzerland last year, Reid will look to be one of the frontrunners.

But he won’t be alone in the running with several David Meade Superclass triathletes aiming for a strong showing.

Open 2022 male winner Matt Sullivan returns for another shot at the crown, while 2021 open female category winner Maddy Clarke will also compete once again.

After conquering the Ironman World Championships in October last year, 2019 triathlon winner Rebecca Cladingboel will trade the roads of Hawaii for those of Echuca-Moama as she also seeks renewed success.

While triathletes won’t need to contend with the blistering heat of previous years — which in 2018 climbed to 44℃ — the competition will be hot as the biggest triathlon in town returns.