Olympian Richard Murray started the season with a bang by winning the 2013 Cape Town ITU Sprint Triathlon African Cup at Big Bay on Sunday.
He completed the 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run in just over 50 minutes. Wian Sullwald and Henri Schoeman were second and third respectively.
Some 40 athletes started the race and a group of 15 got out of the water together.
“We worked together really well on the bike and no one managed to catch us. We did drop a few of the group and when the run started we were about 12.
“Initially my body felt a bit sluggish after being sick and suffering from a stomach bug in the week leading up to the race.
After a few minutes I started to get my rhythm though and because I wasn’t training too hard the legs felt fresher than usual. I managed to create a small gap on the first lap.”
Murray held on to his lead for his second win in the shadow of Table Mountain. “It felt pretty good to win this race again.”
For Murray it was just the kind of start to the season he would have liked. “I didn’t expect to feel great and I know I will get quicker, but to start the season with a victory is always good and I am happy with it.
“It was my first race with my main sponsors Red Bull and Specialized on board. I’m very happy that I could start it in this way for them.”
Next up for Murray will be the South African Xterra championship in Grabouw on Sunday.
“It is going to be a very strong field with athletes like Conrad Stoltz, Dan Hugo and Stuart Marais in action, but I am looking forward to it.”
