Italians Alessio Crociani and Ilaria Zane experienced a wonderful day “down under,” as they just triumphed at the Oceania Triathlon Cup Wanaka. The battle for gold involved only seconds difference, but in the end Crociani and Zane won in impressive fashion.
Zane won the women’s race in a time of 53:39 and had her victory mainly due to a strong run, finishing the five kilometers in less than seventeen minutes. The race was over the Sprint Distance and Switzerland’s Jolanda Annen finished second in 53:46. Kiwi Olivia Thornbury finished third after 53:54 and saved some honor for New Zealand.
In the men’s race, the win went to Crociani, who crossed the finish line after 47:33 minutes, four seconds ahead of New Zealander Dylan McCullough. Australian Luke Schofield finished third in 48:31, completing the podium.
