Former All Black Defeats Sevens Legend In Pegasus Triathlon

Former All Black Defeats Sevens Legend In Pegasus Triathlon

It was former Otago and All Black lock forward James Ryan who came out on top in the teams racing at the Contact tri Series as the big man combined with Wellington elite triathlete Martin Van Barneveld to defeat former Sevens legend Dallas Seymour and Wanaka triathletes Tony Dodds.

Former Otago lock James Ryan accepted the challenge late in the week to take on Seymour as the former Canterbury flanker puts the finishing touches to his preparation for the Speights Coast to Coast.

Ryan loved every minute of the race at the new township of Pegasus, 15 minutes North of Christchurch.

“That was hot work on a beautiful day here at Pegasus, I loved it. I did feel the pressure leading the teams though, especially with the shadow of Dallas behind me but it was great fun. I was trying to keep relaxed and not stress about how long the run was, the first lap certainly took a little longer than I thought it would but it was great, a very enjoyable experience, it is the first triathlon I have been a part of.”

Seymour also soaked up the experience and was especially keen to work on transitions ahead of the big Coast to Coast race.

“I think Tony put the pressure on to see how good I was on the run. It was a good gap and while I was closing in a little on James he was striding out nicely in front at the end there. I was trying to pace myself but it was just great to get out there and do it, what a great experience.

“I am tapering for Coast to Coast in a couple of weeks and this was a great blow out and practice for the first 3k run and to be a part of a triathlon and go through transitions, it was an awesome experience.”

It was also a great way for elite triathletes Tony Dodds and Martin Van Barneveld to enjoy a solid workout in the middle of some heavy training.

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