Two podium finishes for BHS!
For the first time since covid disrupted the 2020 racing season, the Canterbury Secondary Schools Duathlon was held during a school day. For the last five seasons, it has been run as a part of the Canterbury JD Duathlon series held on Saturdays. This years event took place at the Ruapuna Raceway on Monday 15 September. The change to competing on a school day saw an increase number of competitors, with teams coming from as far away as Timaru.
Burnside High School had four students (Alex De Bock, Jack Straker, Ben Smith and Ben Lough) compete in the event, which comprised of a 1.9km Run / 9.5km Bike / 1.9km Run. Nearly all of the team had been experiencing flu symptoms in the lead up to the event so it was no small feat that they all managed to not only make the start line but compete so well.
Congratulations to Ben Lough and Ben Smith who both took podium spots at this event.
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Ben Lough – 1st U16 Individual Male 🥇
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Ben Smith – 2nd U14 Individual Male 🥈
Two of our students Ben Smith and Alex De Bock joined with two students from St Margaret’s to form a mixed relay team. The mixed relay was held as the last event over a shortened course and was an opportunity for the competitors to enjoy (I think enjoy is the right word!) a little more racing. There was no formal placings released for this event but we think they came in around 3rd or 4th.
The focus of this event is on participation as well as performance and we hope that next year we will be able to increase the BHS team size. It is a very safe venue to compete at, the distances are really achievable (and can be completed as a team – one running, one riding), and road bikes are not necessary for the cycling stage.
Check out the video of the event here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOuplOEyH4U
(In the photos and video Ben Lough is competing in a Red and Navy Tri suit with his last name on it.)
