Albany’s Keiron Benson placed third in the 50-54 age group at the Xterra Asia-Pacific Championships in Dunsborough, securing a spot for the world championships in New Mexico this November. Benson, who previously won the event in 2022, finished the race with a time of 3 hours, 6 minutes, and 21 seconds, which was over six minutes faster than his winning time last year. The race included a 1.5 km swim, a 30.2 km mountain bike leg, and a 10.5 km run. Despite challenging conditions due to heavy rain from Cyclone Narelle, Benson was pleased with his performance and felt competitive against younger participants. The top two finishers were Bryce Dunlop from New Zealand and Australia’s Peter Jensen, who finished in 2:51:20 and 2:57:20, respectively.
Why It Matters
This achievement highlights the increasing competition in age-group triathlons, with younger athletes pushing the boundaries of performance. Keiron Benson’s success at the championships reflects a growing trend in endurance sports where seasoned athletes continue to excel despite the influx of younger competitors. The Xterra series is recognized globally, with world championship events contributing to the sport’s popularity and the development of off-road triathlons. Benson’s upcoming participation in the world championships will provide an opportunity to compete against elite athletes from around the world, further elevating the profile of the sport in Australia.
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