Published on December 05, 2005

[TRIATHLON] The only thing more brilliant than the sunshine in Phuket yesterday was the performance put on by Greg Bennett of Australia as he dethroned his compatriot and titleholder Craig Alexander to win the 12th Phuket Triathlon.

On a beautiful sunny Sunday at the Laguna Phuket, more than 1,000 athletes started the triathlon on the beach in front of the Sheraton Grande Hotel, with the first leg of the competition a 1.8-kilometre swim in the Andaman Sea.

Strong American Laura Bennett was the first to finish the swim leg before mounting her bike for the 55-kilometre ride.

But after encountering the tough, hilly route, the leading group was made up of only three Australian men – Alexander, Bennett and Richie Cunningham.

One of the favourites in the event, Bennett then went on to win the title by 57 seconds from Alexander with a time of two hours, 31 minutes and 40 seconds, while the 32-year-old Cunningham came in third, four minutes and 58 seconds later.

“It was a fantastic race, especially running past the crowd and the many resources areas,” said the 33-year-old Australian, who represented his nation 11 times at the world championships.

“I think I may come back to this event next year,” he added.

Bennett received US$3,000 (Bt120,000) in prize money, while Alexander and Cunningham pocketed $2,500 and $2,000 respectively.

In the Pro-Women’s class, three-time World Championship medallist Samantha McGlone crossed the finish line with a time of two hours, 44 minutes and 16 seconds, while Bennett’s wife Laura came second three minutes and 10 seconds later.

“It was my first time in Thailand,” said the 26-year-old Canadian champion, who was ranked 12th at the Triathlon World Cup.

“Everything is wonderful. The road is great, the water is clear. It was a great and beautiful event.”

Elsewhere, Bunluesak Doungdun landed the Thai men’s category title at two hours, 55 minutes and 24seconds, while the Thai women’s class went to Phuttrajit Sangkhaphan. Both took home Bt10,000 for their efforts.

The Three Amigos, Hong Kong-based Englishmen Murray Claire, Andrew Riddick and Clive Saffery, won the Team Relay championship.

Selected Results:

Pro-Men: 1. Greg Bennett (AUS) 2:31.40; 2. Craig Alexander (AUS) 2:32.37; 3. Richie Cunningham (AUS) 2:35.58.

Pro-Women: 1. Samantha McGlone (CAN) 2:44.16; 2. Laura Bennett (USA) 2:47.26; 3. Belinda Granger (AUS) 2:52.57.

Thai Men: 1. Bunluesak Doungdun 2:55.24; 2. Saman Gunan 3:02.09; 3. Chadarak Chaikamjom 3:02.54.

Thai Women: 1. Phuttrajit Sangkhaphan 3:35.40; 2. Nuansiree Romphet 3:38.45; 3. Nampetch Pomtharukchan 4:10.30.

Montreechai Lumyongsatian

The Nation

Phuket

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