D4 WEEKENDSPORT Saturday, March2, 2013 THE PRESS,

IRONMAN CYCLING Crawford seeks Taupo title double NZ stint

Cantabrian Gina Crawford, the the same Ironman title 10 times boost 2009 champion, is expected to find after last year’s weather-shortened reigning champion American event, the now 40-year-old is not Meredith Kessler tough to topple fazed by his age or the competition. in today’s Ironman ‘‘Forty is just a number. To tell for Ellis event in Taupo. the truth I am not fazed by or even After a lengthy career in age- think about it,’’ Brown said. group competition, the San Fran- ‘‘I will just be going as fast as I Matt Richens cisco triathlete has made a can for as long as I can. remarkable conversion to the ‘‘I love Ironman. I’m still When BikeNZ opted to save money professional ranks with four wins passionate about it and you have to by sending a hugely reduced team in the past two years, while she has be, otherwise it’s too hard to get to the track world championships, only once been off the podium. out there and train 35 to 40 hours a Christchurch’s was ‘‘I feel like it’s a responsibility week. not happy. to just go out there, win or lose, ‘‘My passion and desire to win The 23-year-old had expected to and deliver the best performance still drives me daily and it’s my job just keep working her way through that we can muster as a defending at the moment so it’s important to another non-Olympic-year cam- champion. That is always the do well and put food on the table paign, but the cost-cutting venture goal,’’ said Kessler. for the family. has given her the perfect oppor- ‘‘In reality, it is a new year with ‘‘I have experience on the tunity to work on her endurance. new and consistent competitors so course so I know what to eat and Originally from Hinds but now nothing can be taken for granted. when to drink and that is an living in Christchurch, Ellis has ‘‘Ironman New Zealand was a advantage over someone who’s been building up big road kilo- very special win for me in one of coming into it for the first time. ‘‘ metres with her time off to make my favourite places, Taupo, so I Brown faces a stellar field sure that when she does get on the am here prepared to defend.’’ including three-time runner-up track again later in the year, she’s Crawford has her sights set on a and 2008 Ironman 70.3 world fitter and stronger than ever. second Ironman New Zealand title champion Terenzo Bozzone and The Olympian gets a chance to as she tackles three Iron distance two-time Olympic medallist Bevan see just where that fitness and races in seven weeks. She won in Docherty, who is making his debut strength are in round one of the Wanaka in January for the sixth at the Ironman distance in his Benchmark Homes Elite Cycling time and three weeks after Taupo, home town. Series, in Oxford, today. Crawford will tackle Ironman The international charge will Ellis headlines a small women’s Melbourne, which doubles as the come from two-time Olympian field, competing over 117km, while Asia-Pacific championship. Marco Albert (Estonia), who has the men’s field features Pro Tour ‘‘It’s a big task but I feel I have an eight-hour Ironman to his rider George Bennett, powerful the endurance base to handle it. I credit, ironman Western Christchurch rider Michael Vink am feeling good and fresh because champion Courtney Ogden (AUS), and former Subway Pro Cycling I had a good rest after Wanaka. I talented Kiwi Keegan Williams team member Sam Horgan. felt in the past I have come here a and a bunch of strong Americans Ellis is the strongest rider in the little bit tired so I have tried to including Scott DeFilippis and 15-rider, four-team women’s field, keep my training fresh by taking Kevin Taddonio. but said thoughts of winning today more breaks. There are 1430 entrants from 51 weren’t at the forefront of her ‘‘After the birth of my son I nations taking part, with the mind. wanted to make sure I spent time professionals to start the 3.8km ‘‘It’s a team race so I’ll just do with him . . . So I have cut my Glory day: Christchurch’s Gina Crawford will be chasing another title in Taupo today. Photo: FAIRFAX NZ swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run my job and do what the team training back and changed it but in at 6.45am, and the age groupers at manager wants me to do,’’ she said. fact my results have been im- it my everything to win.’’ champion Carrie Lester, former Candice Hammond, who enjoyed out to prove that 40-somethings 7am. ‘‘I can be a bit of a workhorse, proved. I am enjoying it as a result. There are a trio of very talented world long-distance duathlon her international Iron distance can still be feared at today’s New The winner is expected by or try and get away, we’ll just see ‘‘It is really special to win your athletes out to push the favourites. champion Melanie Burke (Auck- breakthrough win last year. Zealand Ironman event in Taupo. 3.15pm, first women by 4.15pm what they want me to do.’’ home Ironman. I am going to give They comprise Ironman Australia land) and Cambridge athlete Meanwhile, Cameron Brown is Brown is the only athlete to win with a final cutoff of midnight. After initially being ‘‘pretty frustrated’’ about the change of schedule, Ellis has enjoyed the time in New Zealand – her first summer at home in years. ‘‘It’s been so good; I’ve been able to work on my endurance, but I’ve been able to spend time with my Easy work for Parker, friends, family, my boyfriend and Impressive Papuni ticks the right boxes enjoy the summer.’’ She’s still riding 15 to 20 hours a Matt Richens week and spending another four in Botha still on horizon the gym. Christchurch professional Reece ‘‘Working on my endurance is Papuni and the much-hyped Matt Richens need to know we’re talking to a lot great because it just gives you a appear to be on of people about Joseph and what’s better base and you have all that in very different paths. Joseph Parker could fight twice best for him, not just making the bank for when you need it on Parker’s technical on more before a proposed fight with plans.’’ the track.’’ Thursday in Christchurch was a South Africa’s in And Lonergan and Duco part- And being home has allowed non-event because his opponent late May. ner David Higgins are not going to her to pick up commerce papers at was so inferior in ability, height, Parker, 21, made light work of play into Botha’s strengths. Canterbury University which, in weight and reach; Papuni’s was a Aucklander Dontay Pati in Christ- ‘‘Against Sonny Bill, Botha turn, has helped with her training. non-event because he was so church on Thursday night, knock- showed how durable he is and was ‘‘It’s been a real help,’’ she said. brutal. ing him down three times in the the better fighter in rounds nine ‘‘After the Olympics and not The 25-year-old light heavy- opening round of six for a and 10. If Joseph’s fight with Botha having much coming up on the weight’s bout was the main event, technical knock out but Botha, a goes ahead, then we’re trying to track it was hard to stay focused. with Parker, a and 61-fight veteran, is a major step up. make it eight rounds.’’ With uni it helps me structure my close friend of Papuni, on the The decision to match up with Lonergan said Parker had ‘‘for day and keeps me organised.’’ undercard. Botha, who has been in the ring want of a better term, replaced Sir Today’s elite men’s race is over That fact alone made Papuni with a number of world champions Bob’’ with sports manager Bruce 159km, and this year’s revamped smile. including , Sharrock. series now features standalone ‘‘It’s just great to have him , Sharrock looks after Steve Price masters categories with their own down here, especially on my card,’’ and , resulted in and Chris Masoe, among others leaders’ jerseys. he laughed. Parker parting ways with mentor and Parker’s coach is Masoe’s Today’s racing begins at 10am ‘‘He attracts a lot of people that Sir Bob Jones. brother, former world title holder at Oxford’s Pearson Park and is aren’t necessarily that interested Jones told TVNZ the fight was a Maselino Masoe. expected to finish about 2pm. in boxing, he brings them along, lose-lose for Parker. ‘‘Fighting The Press has been told a deal then they get to see what I can do some lumbering oaf, coming with Christchurch boxing coach too, so it’s good for the sport and swinging at him throwing wild and Olympic silver medallist good for me, too.’’ punches – no, he’ll learn nothing was imminent but While Parker’s fight was always Brutal show: Reece Papuni, left, clinically dismantled Ritchie Harris in a heavyweight contest at the Hornby Working Men’s Club from that,’’ Jones said. Lonergan would not confirm Two golds goingtobeaabrief sparring on Thursday night. Photo: DON SCOTT/FAIRFAX NZ Lonergan disagreed. anything. He said he often spoke to session at best, Papuni’s bout was The former inter- Barry and would be silly not to, arranged with more thought and almost met them with his clinical Parker is only 21 and starting to work,’’ Shatford said. The rules of national was in Christchurch to given his expertise. Canterbury’s Olivia Podmore purpose. thrashing of Harris in front of line up better opponents while mean Shatford, see Parker pummel Pati and said There is the possibility of added a second gold to her tally at Nelson’s Ritchie Harris had the about 700 people at the Hornby Papuni is older and wants to get the New Zealand amateur coach, Botha was exactly the type of fight Parker spending time training and the national age group track power to hurt Papuni. He was a Working Men’s Club. stuck in. can coach Papuni, but cannot Parker needed. sparring in under cycling championships at hard worker and a step-up for While Parker is still in the ‘‘The opponents we’re picking, stand in his corner with him ‘‘Firstly, we still get on with Sir Barry’s watchful eye but that came , winning the under 17 Papuni’s third professional fight. process of padding his record, until we’re not looking for easybeats,’’ during a fight – something he was Bob. We just had a difference of with a high price tag. girls scratch race final. Canter- A win, in any form, was a good a proposed fight with Francois Shatford said. clearly unhappy and frustrated opinion,’’ Lonergan said. ‘‘Botha is Meanwhile, Parker was just bury’s Kate Ward finished third in result for Papuni, but the manner Botha in late May, Shatford wants ‘‘We’re looking for good boxers with. experienced and durable. He’s rapt to have come out of the under 15 girls derby. in which he slaughtered Harris did Papuni to step up and prove and giving them plenty of time to He needn’t have worried on exactly the type of fighter Joseph Thursday’s fight unscathed. Mid-South Canterbury riders him the world of good. himself against top fighters. prepare and we’re looking at Thursday, but in the future it needs to come up against. ‘‘He [Pati] came out swinging. were in the medals with Reon Park With Phil Shatford as coach, By beating them, the theory putting on good shows.’’ could become more of an issue. ‘‘I don’t know everything about Coach told me to keep my defence winning the masters 1 men event, Papuni can’t afford to ease off. goes, he will attract more attention Shatford wants classy oppon- Papuni will next fight in any sport but I know a lot less up and protect myself at all times Jack Ford (silver, under 17 Shatford demands high than an unbeaten record built ents and shots at titles. Australia on April 25 in a trans- about boxing than rugby league, and that’s what I did. Then when I scratch) and Fabian Wybrow standards from Papuni and he around beating bums. ‘‘But only if he’s done the Tasman battle. I’m the first to admit that. People saw an opening, I went for it.’’ (bronze, under 19 omnium).

WINDSURFING Live in parents needed for family home Tobin comfortable despite

We are looking for couples interested in foster care, short buildup for RS:X worlds who are in the position to move into one of our family homes in either Christchurch or Nelson. The successful applicants will provide care for young people who need Fred Woodcock this one but you never know. breeze it’s always a lot more both stability and parental support. I’m just coming in relaxed and interesting, and Buzios is really A relaxed J P Tobin would love we’ll see how it pans out. We’ll not that far from Rio.’’ For the young people to be the best that they can they need foster carers who can offer a safe, caring, stable to go a couple better than last keep it fun,’’ the 35-year-old said Tobin, who was disappointed home where they will be supported on their journey year but is keen to ‘‘keep it fun’’ from Buzios. to finish seventh at last year’s toward a positive future. at the world RS:X windsurfing ‘‘I’ve been spending a couple Olympics, said a few of the championships in Brazil, start- of days on water per week. I regular names were missing The right foster carers will live in the home receive training and ongoing support. They will also receive a ing tomorrow. usually stay pretty fit anyway so from the small field of 65 this care allowance for the young people in their care. The New Zealander has had a it doesn’t take long to piece week but the powerhouses were short buildup to the regatta, things together.’’ there, including Dutchman If you have experience caring for young people and which is being held earlier He described Buzios as a Dorian van Rijsselberghe, the have the skills it takes to care for young people with a than usual, but after two ‘‘magic wee spot’’ and couldn’t Olympic champion, and Brit- range of needs, then we would love to hear from you. weeks of preparation in Buzios understand why the Olympic ain’s Nick Dempsey, the Olym- FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: he is comfortable in the regatta will not be held there in pic silver medallist. Christchurch: Dyanne Bensley on 029 650 0119 conditions and hopeful of a good 2016. Natalia Kosinska, who mis- or toll free on 0508 FAMILY (0508 326459) showing. ‘‘It’s a pretty good setup here, sed selection for last year’s email: [email protected] Tobin claimed the bronze it’s like a wind factory whereas Olympics, is the only New Nelson: Heather Couper on 029 989 4248 medal at last year’s world Rio is probably the exact Zealander in the 41-strong Or toll free ) 0508FAMILY (0508 326 459) championships in Cadiz, Spain, opposite,’’ he said. women’s fleet, which has also Email [email protected] and will be among the favourites ’’We’ve had Olympics in light assembled in Buzios. this week in Buzios, about winds before and it’s not that The first of five days of racing 175km east of the 2016 Olympic appealing to spectators. It’s is tomorrow (NZ time) with the WWW.CYF.GOVT.NZ venue in Rio de Janeiro. about trying to be attractive double-point medal race for the ‘‘It’s a bit of a short lead-in to nowadays, and when there’s top 10 on Thursday.