John Polson wins Noumea Triathlon

By

May 31, 2012

With late withdrawals of Cameron Brown and Tim Berkel, the 2012 Noumea International Triathlon was wide open. Despite the late withdrawals, there was still an abundance of talent with Peter Schockman, John Polson, Taylor Cecil, Kiwi Tom Francis and local favorite Audric Lucini.

Race morning (Sunday 27th May 2012)  was a typically spectacular Noumean day. Blue skies, warm but dry temperatures and very minimal wind. The swim in Noumea rivals any other with crystal clear water, coral and the odd sea snake.

The usual mass start is always chaotic and this year was no different. Super swimmers Taylor Cecil and Audric Lucini jumped out from the pack leaving Peter Schockman and John Polson behind. Cecil and Lucini had a 1 minute lead out of the water over Schockman with John Polson back in forth 1.55 down on the leaders.

Within the first of three laps John Polson had caught Peter Schokman. Cecil and Lucini maintained their position at the head of the race until the final lap where Polson and New Zealand gun cyclist Tom Francis caught and overtook the two leaders. By the end of the third lap, five athletes headed in to T2 less than 10 seconds apart.

The four lap run in Noumea is flat and hot and this year was no different.  Polson made his move from the outset, establishing a gap out of transition that was built into a significant 30 second lead over Schockman and Lucini by the end of the first lap.  Over the next three laps the lead did not change but the race for the minor placings did with Tom Francis moving into third. With John Polson running a very solid 32.01 to cruise to victory over 1 minute 30 seconds ahead of Schockman and Francis a further 35 seconds back.

John Polson joins the likes of Craig Walton, Chris McCormack, Patrick Vernay and Aaron Farlow as winners of this historic race.