HARRY Jones overcame a three-minute deficit off the bike and into the run leg to take out the Coffs Harbour triathlon at the weekend.
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In stifling conditions and a race that doubled as a state championship event, the Port Macquarie triathlete chased down Lindsey Lawry.
Lawry faded late in the run leg in the humid conditions as Jones surged home to defeat Banora Point’s Travis Coleman and also claim the state title.
It was an improvement from Jones after his appearance 12 months ago where he finished fourth.
“It was more a tactical race because after the swim there was a massive pack of about five of us and then it came to the bike where I broke away,” Jones said.
“Then halfway through the bike they had all caught me and it came down to a running race.”
Jones completed the 1.5 kilometre swim, 40 kilometre cycle and 10 kilometre run to win in one hour, 56 minutes and 42 seconds.
He finished 30 seconds ahead of Coleman and said he was surprised by his overall performance.
“I haven’t been doing much training at all for the Olympic distance, which is what it was up at Coffs,” Jones said.
The result is a stepping stone to possible selection for Australia at the world championships on the Gold Coast this year.
“The elite race is a bit different to the competition on the weekend, but it was nice to win at Coffs Harbour,” he said.
“It was a bit of a hit out to see where my fitness is at and now I’m back to my running form I can go on from there.”