Posted: March 3, 2007

Triathlon: Lisk and Hauss win African Cup opener

LANGEBAAN - It was veteran Ricarda Lisk of Germany and a surprised David Hauss of France who claimed first place at the 2007 season’s first African Cup today in Langebaan, South Africa. In the women’s race, Lisk was able to use her experience and superior running skills to edge out Lisa Norden of Sweden and Juri Ide of Japan for the gold medal. Norden and Ide finished second and third, respectively. Some strong swimming in the women’s race saw top contenders exit the water in just over 18 minutes. Lisk and Jodie Swallow of Great Britain were first into transition just ahead of Ide, Lucie Zelenkova of the Czech Republic and Mari Rabie of South Africa. On the bike a strong push from Lisa Norden of Sweden saw her move up from eighth position to join Lisk and Ide in the front group that worked together to enter the second transition with a sizable gap on the rest of the field. This left the race for the podium to whoever had the legs to cover the 10 kilometre run course the fastest. Lisk began to pull away from the competition right from the start and it was soon clear that she would be the one to beat. Norden maintained a steady pace to keep herself in second spot and within sight of the leading woman, but, after a slow start Ide was able to reel in Swallow and then Rabie for the final podium spot. In the men’s event, it was Netherlands team mates Sander Berk and Bas Diederen rounding out the podium behind France’s Hauss, with second and third place, respectively. After the opening 1,500 metre swim it was two lead packs of cyclists who quickly broke away from the rest of the field. Raynard Tissink of South Africa gave the home crowd something to cheer for when he decided to chance it on his own. Better known for his long distance racing, Tissink had to work his way into the lead pack after exiting the water near the back of the field but then surged ahead to ride alone for the bulk of the 40 kilometre cycle. Entering the second transition alone and just 45 seconds ahead of the chase pack, it was going to be difficult for Tissink to maintain a lead on the many runners in the field. Hauss together with Berk and Diederen were eager to chase down Tissink and they quickly reeled him in on the first lap of the 10 kilometre run. After some jostling for position on the run course, and with the wind slowly beginning to pick up, it was a delighted Hauss who crossed the finish line 10 seconds ahead of Berk who was quickly followed by countryman, Diederen. “I was surprised to win,” said Hauss who was hoping for top five position today. For many of these elite athletes, the ITU African Cup formed the start to their racing season to accumulate points towards qualifying to represent their countries at the Olympic Games in 2008. They will now compete in a number of BG Triathlon World Cup events and other Continental Cups in order to secure their place on their national teams. Full results can be found at: Triathlon.org. About International Triathlon Union ITU is the world governing body for the Olympic sport of Triathlon and all related multi-sport disciplines: Duathlon, Aquathlon and Winter Triathlon. The International Triathlon Union was founded in 1989 in Avignon, France and now has over 100 affiliated national federations around the world. Triathlon was awarded Olympic status in 1994 and the ITU is the youngest International Federation in the Olympics. For further information visit www.triathlon.org.