WILEY ATKINSON TOO GOOD FOR YOUNG GUNS ROBERTS SCORED SUPRISE SPRINT WIN

Australia's Courtney Atkinson and South Africa's Kate Roberts handled the explosive Enduro format racing in difficult conditions to claim wins in the first National Elite race at the Caloundra Triathlon.

The Gold Coaster, Atkinson proved what a versatile world class athlete he is, storming home on the final run leg to beat Dan Wilson and David Matthews over the non traditional format.

The format saw athletes complete a 300m swim, 7km cycle and 1.8km run twice in succession.

26-year-old Roberts currently based in Canberra training with an international squad in preparation for the upcoming domestic racing just tipped out Australian leading junior Gold Coaster Ashleigh Gentle and Western Australian Felicity Sheedy-Ryan.

Australia's top female juniors showed what depth of talent we have with Emma Jackson taking sixth today.

30-year-old Atkinson may have been the oldest in today's race but gave the 45 strong field a lesson in tactics and skill. Atkinson grew up racing these type of distances against some of the greats of the sport like Brad Bevan and Greg Welch.

Atkinson missed the front group in the first swim and was placed back in the field during the opening laps of the bike leg but managed to work his way back into the top ten by the changeover. He then used his turn of speed in the opening run leg to establish a break with Matthews staying with him.

"This is a unique style of racing and different to what we normally do, you can make up as much time on the change over as you've lost in these races.

Atkinson was nervous on the wet track having fallen three times in these type of conditions in recent times.

"I was very nervous out there, having fallen at Noosa in the wet, but this was good for my confidence to stay upright today," said Atkinson.

Heading into the second swim Atkinson and Matthews had good break over Shane Barrie, James Seear, Dan Wilson and Joshua Amberger. The placings remained the same over the bike leg but out of transition for the final time Atkinson show his class and ran away from the field to take an easy victory. Wilson moved through the field to grab second in his return to racing with Matthews holding on for third.

"I've just had a bit more experience with these formats than these guys and used that to my advantage.

"It's a good opportunity for these young guys who don't race at a world level to race against some of the best over a short distance.

"It's great to be back racing, I've been getting itchy feet lately with just training," said Atkinson.

The women's race threw up a surprise with Roberts an unknown quantity going into today's race.

She was in the lead group of 17 in the first bike leg. The opening run leg split the group and Roberts, Felicity Abram, Gentle, Felicity Sheedy-Ryan, Aitken were all in the front group, Jackson just off the group.

This group maintained contact the rest of the race till Roberts broke away in the final stages to take a narrow victory from Gentle and Sheedy-Ryan.

"I haven't done this type of racing before and it's really tough but great preparation.

"My main focus is really the Mooloolaba ITU World Cup and Sydney World Championship series now," said Roberts.

Gentle continued her good early season form, recently taking out the Australian Junior Championships.

Taylor Cecil from Banora Point and Brigitte Fischer claimed solid wins in the Open division.

Race 6 of the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series at Raby Bay on 28 February will host the second race of the National Elite Series to be held over the Triple Super Sprint format.

Overall Results - Male (men's times are still pending)

1. Courtney Atkinson Miami

2. Dan Wilson Sandgate

3. David Matthews Sydney

4. Joshua Amberger Everton Hills

5. James Seear Brookfield

Overall Results - Female

1. Kate Roberts South Africa 44:46

2. Ashleigh Gentle Robina 44:50

3. Felicity Sheedy-Ryan Wembley 44:54

4. Holly Aitken East Kew 44:59

5. Vendula Frintova Czech Republic 45:32

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS