First Fraser Coast triathlon sets stage for future events
CYCLISTS and runners took over Hervey Bay's streets and pier yesterday in drizzly conditions for the inaugural Tri Fraser Coast.
It was the first time the Olympic distance event was held on the Fraser Coast. Organisers expected 1000 visitors for the event.
Noosa's Brad Kahlefeldt won the men's event. Our own Tayte Dixon was third.
Yesterday morning's race wound its way from Torquay to the Urangan Pier before
cyclists jumped on their bikes for the ride up Maggs Hill and through the suburbs.
Race organiser Phil Hungerford said the scenic race lived up to the hype, despite the difficult conditions.
"The swim turned into the toughest leg, with the wind blowing it created a bit of a swell," he joked.
"We've made an event that is a challenge."
Hungerford said some adjustments would be made for next year's event.
"We've now got a base event we can work on to grow into a really successful event," he said.
After taking part in the gruelling cycle leg, Fraser Coast Mayor Gerard O'Connell praised organisers for the injection into the local economy.
Entries for the region's next big triathlon, the Hog's Breath Hervey Bay 100 in November, will open soon.
