It all came down to the last race. With 5 lads all within striking distance of the series victory yesterdays swim-run promised to be a real spectacle. There was a shock withdrawal as Todd Calkin, who had been the dominant athlete over the series was not racing the final. A poorly timed engagement party took him and Sam Thom out of last nights action (good on ya boys, you are good mates eh). This move left his spot at the top of the table completely vulnerable with the last race counting for double points.
There was a strong westerly breeze blowing, so strong in fact that the buoys were moving together and we all had to wait as they we repositioned right before the start. The 1 k swim was therefore quite challenging, as athletes had to account for the wind and tide. Many were blown all over the show. The brother to shine in this setting was Ben Schubert. He powered through the swim to come out amongst the top contenders! Next was Sam Tyler, who was just leaving transition as Mike Hale arrived, who in turn was followed in by Nick and Mike Lichtwark.
Out on the run the Westerly provided a cushioned introduction, allowing the runners to get into the groove. Ben Schubert showed the benefits of a bit of goods run training and was miles ahead. Speaking of Myles, our Ironman veteran had a good race, the brave soul lining up to race just 4 day after Taupo. It was good to see Charles back in the fold as well, following an injury and busy work schedule-induced break after the Roto half.
Nick Lichtwark quickly stormed ahead on the running, breezing past all others on his way to the front of our crew. At the 2k turn around in St Heliers, Hale caught Tyler and the pair were immediately caught by the fast Mike Licht. Hale jumped on the heels of Mikey as he powered into the headwind home. Tyler held on for a brief period before going out the back door and Hale gritted his teeth to hold to Lichtwark for a good kilometre or so before he drifted behind too. All three just managed to catch Schubert within the last km before the finish. Behind Schubert, Myles finished strong on the beach and Charles rounded out the pack.
4 715 nick LICHTWARK m20-24 0:32:04
5 637 michael LICHTWARK m20-24 0:32:20
4 162 michael HALE m25-29 0:32:28
7 370 samuel TYLER m20-24 0:32:41
8 331 ben SCHUBERT m20-24 0:32:47
10 878 myles ROBINSON m30-34 0:35:57
19 50 charles BELCHER m20-24 0:43:18
So where does that leave us for the series?
Well, congratulations to our 2009-10 Stroke n Stride Chieftain: Nick Lichtwark.
A very close battle with the top 4 places separated by 5 points only!
Mike Lichtwark was second, Sam Tyler third.
Well done to all who raced. You always remember your first sea-swim race – its a bit of a sensory rush. If you haven’t given one a go make a point of entering next years series. Its always better with another brother!
| 2009-10 |
Race 1 |
Race 2 |
Race 3 |
Race 4 |
Race 5 |
Race 6 |
Race 7 |
Race 8 |
Total |
| Leader board |
500/5 |
750/4 |
1000/1 |
1000/1 |
750/4 |
500/5 |
750/5 |
1000/4 |
|
| N Lichtwark |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
20 |
57 |
| M Lichtwark |
10 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
8 |
9 |
18 |
55 |
| Tyler |
9 |
8 |
9 |
0 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
14 |
54 |
| Hale |
7 |
7 |
8 |
0 |
7 |
6 |
8 |
16 |
53 |
| Calkin |
5 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
10 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
45 |
| Schubert |
3 |
4 |
0 |
10 |
4 |
4 |
6 |
12 |
40 |
| Robinson |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
10 |
26 |
| Robertson |
8 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
18 |
| Belcher |
6 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
18 |
| Thom |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
14 |
| Branch |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
| Faris |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
| Blake |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
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