Gemmel, Holland Win ITU Oceania Championships

Kris Gemmel and Vicky Holland took victory at this year’s ITU Oceania Triathlon Championships in New Zealand.

Palmerston North’s Kris Gemmell went back to back at the ITU Oceania Triathlon Championships today but unlike last year when pipped by Frenchman Laurent Vidal (ineligible to win the Oceania title), today the glory and the finish tape was all Gemmell’s as he won outright from Australian Aaron Royle and Ryan Sissons (NZL), who claimed the U23 title in coming home third overall.

Gemmell was always in control of the race, leading virtually the entire way, making his break for victory well before the finish line and cruising home to the cheers of the large crowd.

“This is important to me, to go back to back as Oceania and New Zealand champion feels great and today and I will be proud to carry both titles with me around the world for the remainder of the year. I do however have a half ironman next week that my coach Chris Pilone has organized for me and I know what a sprint can do to you so I was keen to make the break reasonably early and not have to sprint to the finish line, it’s amazing how 80 meters can take 4 days to recover from!”

Read more: Scoop.co.nz