Perth's hometown tri hero takes on World Champion
Media Release - Rapid Ascent - Chris Ord / 20.09.2011
There’s a rivalry as big as the Bledisloe Cup brewing in the West, only there’s no ball involved and we’re not sure if World Multisport Champion Richard Ussher will do the Haka before setting off on his 158km challenge to be the inaugural (and expected) victor of the Mainpeak Multisport.Maybe he should contemplate the fearsome battle cry, however, in order to put the fear of the Kiwi Adventure Gods into hometown hero, Scarborough-based Sean O’Neill, who is shaping as the main rival to Ussher’s expected dominance.
A six-time WA triathlete of the year, O’Neill will have the distinct hometown advantage having already pre-ridden the road ride sections and a slice of the paddle leg of the multidiscipline course, which tracks all the way from Toodyay through the Avon and Swan Valleys to finish in Guildford, Perth.
“I don’t think my recce will be too much of an advantage as the course will be well marked, but it should help with my gear selection and race strategy,†says O’Neill.
He is also looking to test the hardest trail run leg prior to race kick off on September 25th. “I reckon that will be a deciding stage of the race.â€
Although gunning for a first over line performance, O’Neill recognises the challenge he has before him in trying to overcome the sheer speed of four-time world multisport champion, Ussher.
