Richard Murray wins third African Sprint Cup

Murray finished the 750m swimming, 20km road biking, and five kilometre road running in one hour, one minute and 26 seconds.

Fellow South African Wian Sullwad was second, while Jonas Schomburg took the last spot on the podium.

There were a few nervous moments during the race when Murray got out of the water in the second group and was 45 seconds behind the leaders during the bike leg.

Murray started the run in fifth place, and caught up with the leaders before the halfway turn.

He said this was the way he wanted to start his international season.

“I had to work hard for this one. I’m not race ready yet, but it was good fun and I felt good on the bike,” Murray said after the event.

“I will get better as the season unfolds. I needed my fast run… if I wanted a place on the podium.

“Halfway through the bike [section] I looked up and saw my podium place slowly disappearing.”

When he heard he was 45 seconds behind he became concerned.

“It was important for me to win this race, for myself and also for my sponsors who came down to the event to support me,” he said.

“I really am grateful for all of the cheers and shouts I got today.”

For Murray, one of the main focus points of the race was to see how his swimming had improved.

“It is still a work in progress. It was good to see where I’m at. I am slowly going forward and that is the main goal.”

The athlete leaves for New Zealand in a week’s time to join his training squad under the guidance of coach Joel Filliol.

Murray will be in action in one race in New Zealand before coming back to Africa for the national and continental championships in March.

“I am looking forward to joining the squad. I had a great time in South Africa but now it is time for the season to get going.”

– Sapa