Mortlock is fifth best in the world
Local athlete, Roger Mortlock, just missed a podium-place finish at the ITU World Triathlon Champs that were held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands recently.
He placed fifth out of 122 athletes in the 30 to 34-year-old age group, in a time of two hours and 46 seconds.
This was the second time that Mortlock has represented South Africa at the World Triathlon Champs.
Last year in Mexico, he placed 17th in his age group.
South African, Bryan Difford, took the gold in a time of one hour, 56 minutes and 51 seconds. Daniel Jenkin of Great Britain crossed the finish line in second in a time of 1:57:09 and Derek Jakobski of team USA rounded off the podium in a time of 1:57:45. Another athlete of Great Britain, Thomas Morris placed fourth in 2:00:16.
Mortlock completed the 1,5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre bike ride and 9,7-kilometre run in a new personal best time.
The 32-year-old came out of the water in ninth position. The swim took place in the harbour and the competitors had to wear wetsuits.
The event was longer than usual, but Mortlock did an equivalent time of 18:55 minutes. Transitions were very long and the bikes were about 450 metres from the swim exit.
The bike course was very technical, in downtown Rotterdam, on various bike paths. There were not many straight sections. His time on the bike was 59:42.
Mortlock had a strong run and made up a few more positions. He completed the last leg in a time of 33:48 minutes.
“I am very pleased with my result as a year ago I finished under the top 20, and this year in the top five,” said Mortlock.
