Belinda Thompson misses first place after epic chase

After cycling 25 kilometres from Eastern Creek to Julia Creek, Belinda Thompson was in third position and over a minute behind the female leader, Fiona Lenz, in the South32 Triathlon.

The final leg was where it changed.

Ms Thompson dominated in the run, overtaking second position and closing in on Ms Lenz but fell 12 second short before crossing the finish line.

Finishing with a time of 01:30:43, Ms Thompson remained over the moon with her result.

“This was my third year competing in the Dirt n Dust, but this was my first year competing in the open,” she said.

“I gave it everything I had, I came home strong and claimed second, so I am really happy with that.

“The cycle was the toughest part. The headwind was probably the strongest I have ever had.

“I came out here (Julia Creek) with the thought of averaging 35 kilometres an hour and I think we were lucky to get 25.

“Even in the run, it had a tough headwind as well.”

Despite the result, Ms Thompson said she enjoyed the chase.

“Running is my favourite leg because when you are chasing down the people in front of you, makes it quite fun.

“I was trying my hardest to chase down first position, I did make some good ground but just missed it. It still makes for an awesome race!”

After signing with her coach, Grahman Pemberton, in September last year, Ms Thompson said she looked forward to returning next year in a hope to take the title.

“I am very lucky to have Graham helping me advance in all areas and I could not have achieved this result without him,” she said.

“There is no way I would miss the triathlon next year.

“It is a tough race, but the whole atmosphere makes for an awesome family weekend. There is so much to do, everyone is so friendly and I just love it.”

Unfortunately Ms Thompson’s family could not attend the festival but were cheering her on from Charters Towers.

“This was the first year that my four children missed out on coming,” she said.

“They were devastated that they couldn’t compete in the junior triathlon and cheer me on in person.

“Every year I have participated they stood at butcher shop and supported me

“This year I was under strict instructions from them, that I had to wave and smile like they were there. I was lucky there were some Charters Towers supporters at the shop to cheer me on.”