Mortlock off to Rotterdam, Asher can still be selected
Local athletes Roger Mortlock, Donne Green and Curro Nelspruit's Asher Biggs made a memorable entry to the Newton SA Duathlon Championships, hosted by KZN Triathlon this past weekend.
Mortlock placed fourth overall, with a time of 02:01:10, and also boasts a silver medal in the 30 to 34-age category. This was his first-ever Duathlon Championships.
The 30-year-old qualified to participate in the grand finale, the World Triathlon in Rotterdam in the Netherlands later this year.
Last year, at Worlds, he placed 17th in his age group.
“The competition will be a lot more competitive. If I can place in the top 10, I will be over the moon,” said Mortlock.
Ash the Dash also returned with a silver medal in the junior category for male 18 to 19 years.
On the cycle Matthew Greer (first in the junior category) made Asher work hard. As a result of that, by the second run Asher was exhausted.
The youngster will represent Triathlon South Africa (TSA) and take part in the European Tour. He will compete in races in Hungary as well in the Czech Republic.
TSA will choose only one male athlete from his age group to be in action at the Worlds in September.
“It was a very difficult route. It has been a good year for me. I really trained hard and I hope to book my spot on the plane to Rotterdam,” said Asher.
Donne Green, a new athlete on the duathlon scene, took a second spot on the podium for female 35 to 39.
“The 10 kilometres were very fast and the athletes were phenomenal. My chain came off and I am a bit disappointed with my time on the bike, but I managed to run one of my best times. It was a great experience,” said Green.
