Elwood set the stage for a thrilling finale to the VIC Championship Series on Sunday, as the 2XU Triathlon Series hosted the Victorian Sprint Championships – the sixth and final stop of the season.
Athletes from across the state lined up for one last shot at a State Championship title in 2024/25, taking on the sprint-distance course in testing conditions.
Among them was JET Coaching’s Steve Hanlon, a familiar face in the 60-64 age group. While he didn’t claim the VIC Sprint title this time around, Hanlon embraced the day with the same enthusiasm that has kept him coming back to the series for years.
“It was shorter than last time, last time we had to do the standard distance. I prefer the sprint because I don’t have to run so far,” Hanlon joked.
It was good, the swim was a bit rough but I don’t mind that. So was the bike, but I like the bike. And it was good having the wind behind me on the run – not so good coming back.”
The 2XU Triathlon Series and VIC Championship Series have built a strong reputation for hosting top-tier events that not only challenge athletes like Steve Hanlon but also foster a sense of community and camaraderie.
“Last year I did the series. This year I didn’t sign up for it, although I have done four of the races so I might as well have.
“I love it, Victoria is my state so these are my home races and they’re really well set up and theres a good bunch of fellas I come and meet every time to race. I’ve been doing it since it was the Gatorade Series, now it’s the 2XU. It’s just what we do every summer.”
Among those who claimed victory at the VIC Sprint Championships were Series regulars Karyn Fitts, Andrea Crompton, John Allen, and Sean Miller, each securing their second sprint title of the season after also winning the regional championships in January.
The 2XU Triathlon Series also hosted the Australian Sprint Championships and Australian Junior Sprint Championships, drawing elites and rising starts from across the country, with Luke Schofield and Aspen Anderson coming out on top.
To read the full recap, click here.
For full results of the VIC Sprint Championships, click here.
To view the final leaderboard of the 2024/25 VIC Championship Series, click here.
The final race of the 2XU Triathlon Series is on 23 March in St Kilda. To find out more, click here.
