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Conditions were tough for Australia’s Para-triathletes at the Newcastle City Triathlon on Sunday (24 February), but not so tough to stop Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Lauren Parker from winning the women’s PTWC in front of a home crowd.

“It was very windy,” said Parker, who first raced the Newcastle City Triathlon 11 years ago as an able-bodied athlete. “But I love tough conditions, that’s what racing’s about.

“I had my first win over Emily Tapp today, the world champ, so I’m proud that I raced in my home town and took the win.”

It was anyone’s game after the 750m swim, but Parker put the hammer down on the bike, powering to a massive three-minute lead over Tapp.

“The bike’s my strength, so I just had to make sure I got a massive lead before the run, which is my weakest leg, and that’s what I did. I felt great today.”

Parker will now make her way to Devonport, TAS, for the 2019 International Triathlon Union Para-triathlon World Cup.

Results
Men’s PTS4 Women’s PTS4
Position Name Time Position Name Time
1 Clint Pickin 1:10:10 1 Sally Pilbeam 1:26:55
2 Liam Twomey 1:16:28 2 Sharon Dagg 1:30:42
3 Dean McHardie 1:50:27
Men’s PTS5 Women’s PTS5
Position Name Time Position Name Time
1 Joshua Kassulke 1:08:12 1 Kate Doughty 1:21:46
2 Molly Wallace 1:29:34
Men’s PTVI Women’s PTVI
Position Name Time Position Name Time
1 Jonathan Goerlach 1:06:22 1 Katie Kelly 1:17:04
2 Gerrard Gosens 1:09:53 2 Shannon Cleave 1:27:29
3 John Domandl 1:17:06
Men’s PTWC Women’s PTWC
Position Name Time Position Name Time
1 Nic Beveridge 1:21:30 1 Lauren Parker 1:26:09
2 Emily Tapp 1:29:25
3 Sara Tait 1:48:06

By Triathlon Australia
Posted: 26/02/2019
Photo with thanks to Pappigo Images