Millward Hints at Potential in Long Distance Race

Millward Hints at Potential in Longer Distance Racing

New Zealand triathlete Callum Millward hinted that his future might lie in the longer distance events with an impressive runner up finish in his first serious attempt over the half ironman distance amongst elite company.

Millward clocked the second fastest run split of the day as he surged into second place behind impressive Australian Chris Kemp (who won in race record time) and ahead of experienced pros such as Tim Berkel (Ironman Copenhagen winner), renowned swim biker Clayton Fettell, Leon Griffen (2006 ITU World Duathlon Champion) and Peter Schokman (recent winner of the Capricorn half Ironman with a 1:13 21km run split).

The Auckland 27 year old made the decision to have a crack at non-drafting racing over longer distances while in Germany this northern summer with the Tri NZ team but admitted it was something of a step into the unknown.

“Seven weeks ago while in Germany I targeted the Gold Coast race and began putting in the training required to get my body up to speed so I could tackle this distance. For me and Coach Pete Pfitzinger it was unknown territory, but I have been picking the brains of established athletes and will continue to learn as I make the transition.

“My race went well; I swam with the lead group, knowing full well that Clayton Fettell would try to go off the front during the swim and bike. The 90km non draft bike was completely different to the high intensity ITU multi lap style racing. Coming off the bike, the lead group of 10 had disintegrated slightly, with the Bowstead brothers (James and Mark), Berkel, Griffin, and eventual winner Kemp (Aus) just up the road, and Fettell 4mins further ahead.

“I had a sloppy transition off the bike and had some ground to make up, running out in 8th. After the 2nd lap I had reeled in all but Kemp, and had James Bowstead for company before he fell away and I was able to hold on comfortably for second place. I was happy with my first attempt at racing a Half Ironman and have learnt lots heading towards the Tauranga Half Ironman in January.”

Also racing from New Zealand were Mark and James Bowstead and Michael Poole in the men’s while Julia Grant finished 7th in the women’s race. Conditions on the day were atrocious with the record field of 1500 having to battle wind and rain through much of the day.

ENDS

© Scoop Media