Ribbink hopes for improved performance at worlds
She was a class apart from her competitors after winning the women's SEESA Jozi Triathlon sprint distance race by almost ten minutes.
Top junior triathlete Kadence Ribbink is looking forward to an improved performance at next year’s World Triathlon Sprint and Relay Championships after winning the SEESA Jozi Triathlon women’s sprint distance race at CR Swart Dam on September 28.
Ribbink blew the field apart early on. She was the first athlete out of the water and took charge from then to eventually cross the line at 01:09:11, ahead of Paige Mills (01:18:23) and Abigale Meineke (01:23:48).
After finishing 48th at last year’s worlds, the Durbanite used the event to gear herself up for the championships, where she hopes to finish in the top 20 or 30.
“It was a good swim, bike and run. It was quite different from where I race in Durban. But this was a practice race before going to the world champs,” she said.
“Last year, I finished 48th. This year, I would like to improve. I was injured last year and hope to be injury-free this time around. I’m carrying an injury but it’s getting better,” added Ribbink.
The triathlete gave the event a thumbs up, saying everything was great and hopes to be back for the third edition on September 27, next year.
Also Read: Schoeman in a class of his own at Jozi Triathlon
“I love all Glen Gore’s events. They are always well-run. This event specifically was great. The road traffic could have been better, but everything else was perfect.”
The winner of the men’s sprint race, Nicholas Horne’s goal is to qualify for the world championships.
“It is a training race. We are just seeing how the fitness is at the back end of the season. It was a good race. I am racing to get the experience and reinforce for next year,” he said.
He won the event in 01:02:43, ahead of second-placed Luke Spencer (01:08:01) and Phillip Theron, who clocked 01:09:49 for third place.
After struggling on the water, he found his rhythm on the bike and ran to complete the race in just over 62 minutes.
“It was the greatest swim. I didn’t see the second turn buoy and had to stop halfway, but the rest was chilled. The bike was pretty rough. The roads were bad and there were lots of cars.
“It was a good course. The run was solid. I am happy to take the win,” said Horne.
Also Read: In Pictures: The second annual SEESA Jozi Triathlon
