MOOLOOLABA 2007

What better place to spend some time swimming, cycling and running than lovely Mooloolaba? Several keen Dalby athletes ventured to the sunny coast in March to contest the Mooloolaba triathlon and associated events. First off the rank were Dan Nearhos and Angela Doyle, fronting up for the 5km twighlight run. Both performed admirably, with Ang winning her age group in a blistering 19min. On Saturday morning, the kids were ready to go in an extremely well organised juniors event. No places were given but all children received a terrific bag of goodies (including a much nicer race singlet than the grown ups) and finishers medal. Lucy Walton, Zoe Nearhos and the three Cuzen children, Ben, Hayley and Martin, all participated. Conditions were a little slippery due to some overnight rain but all held their ground and finished well, especially considering they only had worn out togs and borrowed bikes (thanks Katrina and Andrea) that WEREN’T full carbon frames like some of their (JUNIOR) competition. Dan raced from cheering on the kids in this event to the 1km ocean water swim, where he proceeded to get bashed around in the surf – all in the name of fun though! Sunday morning brought with it the start of a beautiful day. Some anxious nerves were to be had. Bron Green took on the whole triathlon herself, as did Michael Caffrey, attempting his first ever Olympic distance triathlon and Haydn Stjernqvist. Teams included the Dalby Diva’s (Katrina Walton, Maryanne Gibbons and Angela Doyle) who were in hot competition with their husbands, Team Wagyu (Simon Doyle, Greg Gibbons and Nev Walton), Anthony Walker, Mark Green & Bec Stephenson in ‘Little Dalby’ and Tom Roger & Michelle.


The swimmers ventured down the beach to await their wave start, which Katrina promptly missed – not to worry, at least she missed the thrashing and bashing at the start that resulted in Bron having her watch kicked off during the swim. All swimmers were extremely pleased with their times, aided by a wonderful current that could have had us FLOATING to the finish line in under half an hour! The cyclists took off for a very hot 40km loop with newbie riders Greg & Maryanne Gibbons completing blowing away their PB’s to average a commendable 27km’s on their first ever competition ride. The husband and wife challenge was well and truly on by this stage, with the boys a bare minute ahead of the girls. Nev was always under pressure to perform as the girls had pocket rocket Ang for their final leg. Nev gave her an easy win by straining his hamstring at the 7km mark, but commendably making it to the end. Bron completed the full distance in under 2.28 placing her 9th in her age group and Haydn in 2.34 and all other Dalbyites finished commendably and were able to return home without the assistance of any hospital visits. Many of us were inspired by the great feats of athleticism around us and vowed to be back to join Bron, Michael and Haydn in the full distance in 2008. Fun fun fun!