Seventeenth Rarotonga international triathlon

This year's Rarotonga International Triathlon, the seventeenth, was a wet and windy affair but the large field of over 150 athletes seemed to enjoy it all anyway.
Muri lagoon was choppy which made for slow swim times; first out of the water was Nathan Richmond (NZ) in 22.50min. Richmond was a former winner in 2005. He was followed by fellow kiwis Jon Robinson and Stephen Farrell.
Local girl Kelly Pick was first woman to emerge closely followed by another local Vanessa Palmer and Jo Saxton (NZ).
It began to rain as the cycle leg got underway but the gusty wind was more of a challenge for the cyclists on the 41km circuit of Rarotonga with an extra loop up hospital hill and around the airport. Fastest cycle time was local veteran Geoff Stoddart's 1.07.08. Kelly Pick had the fastest women's time of 1.12.23.
The cool conditions suited the runners, particularly those from overseas. Stephen Farrell did the 10km in 41.08 and was this year's champion (total time 2.11.37).
Second male home was local Roland Neururer (2.14.55 - a new local record).
First woman was Kelly Pick (2.17.31 - breaking her own women's record).