News Release

Kris Gemmell

22 January 2009
Monday Monday!!

Morning everyone, I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend where ever you were and what ever you got up too.

If you managed to catch the race on TV1 on saturday then you will already know what I got up too. It was great to start my season with a win in Takapuna and carry on my form from my last race last year in Mexico where I also won. The race in Takapuna was awesome! and the crowds lining the course made it even more exciting. Its always great to race Live and the drama that goes with it. As we saw in the Ladies race. But it really does make you think more that your every move is being watched by more than just who you can see down at the course. 

The race went as I had planned it too. I wanted to stamp my mark on the race early and make the boys chase me all day. I got off the beach well in the start and with a good swim was out of the water 2nd. Once I got out on the bike I pushed really hard early on. In the end after one lap of not looking back only Laurent Vidal the world number 11 from France could follow. We quickly went about trying to ride away from the big group of around 20 athletes. At this point we were fully committed to keep going and try to stay away. We worked hard for the whole ride and at one point had 20 seconds but it never seemed enough and in the last lap the big group caught us as we rode into transition together. I again got to the front after a good transition and pushed the pace early on the run. This time two of the boys hung on, Ryan Sissons and Laurent Vidal again. Ryan then took over the lead and he set a nice tempo at the front. I felt very comfortable at this speed and just bided my time until the boys started there sprints. Laurent went first with 500 meters to go and I followed him. I then felt him ease off and I attacked straight away.I got a good gap and maintained it all the way to the line to take the victory. 

It was the hardest way to win possible being in front all race long. But the most satisfying way as well. All things considered its another good gauge for myself as I head into the first World cup of the year in Mooloolaba Australia. And then the first World Championship series race in Singapore.

I'll attach some race pics on my website soon from the weekend. Tomorrow I'll be on the Good Morning show at 11 talking about the new WC series and or course from the race on saturday. After that I head back to the mecca of Palmy North where I'll be attending a Kids tri that evening with more than 500 kids. I have a very important job of being a human cone on the run course!! brings you back to earth and affirms why I luv doing this sport.

Laters,

Kris