Central Coast local Wade Barr became National Junior Male Triathlon Champion at the recent Australian Youth and Junior Super Sprint Triathlon Championships held in Canberra.
The event saw almost 200 of the nation’s best junior triathletes battle through multiple events for the National Title.
Four days of back to back racing led into the finals, with athletes accumulating times over the multiple events to win a berth in the A final.
The first event was a 1500m grass track run, followed by two Hypersprint Triathlons which included an enduro style format.
The next event was an aquathlon in the morning which included a hill climb run to the finish line and a fast paced Le Man Criterium in the afternoon.
Barr’s accumulated times put him into the A final.
He put in an outstanding swim to make the front pack on the bike.
With a large group transitioning together off the bike, Barr showed some great form to run away from the field in the last 800m of the race.
It was the first national title for Wade, who has been competing in the sport for only three years.
“It is surreal to take out this title,” Barr said.
“I am a younger athlete in the U19 field – this is my biggest success in sport so far.
“I have my HSC this year that I will focus on and fit in with training.
“I do want to pursue a career in the sport and look forward to seeing where it can take me.”
Barr’s coach, Robyn Low-Hart said it was a great achievement.
“We thought that a podium might be achievable (but) Wade pulled out an amazing final race to take the win.
“He has been progressing well in the sport over the last few years with two years in the Central Coast Academy of Sport Triathlon Program and successful selection into the Triathlon NSW Emerging Talent Squad this year.
“Wade has been focussing on race specific demands and developing and fine tuning his skills.
“He has been working hard on run technique with his hard work evident in his results.”
Barr has another two national events this season and NSW All Schools Triathlon at the end of February, where he will aim to qualify to represent NSW at School Sport Australia Nationals in Devonport.
Source:
Media release, Feb 10
Triathlon NSW