Atkinson wins in Caloundra

Subaru Ambassador Courtney Atkinson won the first race of his season, the Seven Sunshine Coast Enduro Triathlon held in Caloundra, Queensland on 5th February.

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The enduro triathlon format requires athletes to swim 400m, cycle 7km and run 1.8km, then swim another 200m, cycle 7km and finally finish off with another run of 1.8km.

Courtney took a tactical approach the race in order to clock the overall fastest time (the women's field was given a 4 minute 50 second head start on the men's). He took line honours 4 seconds ahead of Ryan Fisher.

"I used to love racing this format when I was younger, where I used to try and get away to do the whole second half of the race by myself, but I'm a bit of a different athlete now and the sprinting doesn't come as easy," said Courtney.

Congratulations also go to Emma Jackson, winner of the women's category, who took a light hearted approach to the race: "I really just wanted to see how I was racing and to have a little bit of fun."

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Both Atkinson and Jackson are aiming for spots on the Australian national team at the 2012 London Olympics.