VIC Standard Championships shake up series standings ahead of Elwood decider

The VIC Standard Distance Championships in Sandringham delivered a mix of dominance and drama, as some athletes locked in their overall series crowns while others set up thrilling title showdowns for the season finale.

Victoria’s triathletes took to the start line on Sunday, 11 February, for the penultimate race of the VIC Championship Series, held at the 2XU Triathlon Series Sandringham.

Severe wind conditions made for a tough day of racing, with wild water conditions forcing the cancellation of the kids’ race and wreaking havoc on event infrastructure. Many marquees didn’t survive the conditions, making it a massive effort for those who braved the elements.

The fifth stop of the VIC Championship Series saw 30 new VIC Standard Champions crowned across age groups, with competitors giving their all for state titles and valuable series points.

Several athletes rose to the challenge and secured VIC Standard Championships titles. Sean Miller (20-24 Male), Lauren Dehne (40-44 Female), Tom Gibson (65-69 Male) and Laurence Tod (U20 Multiclass Male) all claimed their third VIC Championship title of the season –  mathematically wrapping up the overall series championships in the process.

Shelley Cooper (50-54 Female), Sebastian Harvey (60-64 Male), Joanne Deacon (65-69 Female), John Allen (75-79 Male), and Andrea Crompton (Para Female) have also built insurmountable leads, securing their Overall Championship Series crowns.

However, several categories remain undecided and will come down to the final race of the season at the VIC Sprint Championships at the 2XU Triathlon Series Elwood on March 2.

The 20-29 Female category is set for a thrilling showdown, with Emily Dunk’s silver medal and Molly Voss’s sixth-place finish bringing them level with Georgie Jenkins on 38 points apiece.

A similar story is unfolding in the 45-49 Female and 50-54 Male categories, where Heidi Edmiston and Gemma Berry, as well as Mack Clarkson and Paul Taylor, are tied at the top. Other contenders in both categories also remain in contention for the title, promising an exciting finale.

To view the 2024/25 VIC Championship Series Leaderboard, click here.

2024/25 VIC Standard Champions: