Robertson Claims Fourth to Boost Olympic Bid

WAIS tri-athlete Peter Robertson has claimed fourth position in a World Cup event in Ishigaki, Japan over the weekend.

Robertson, a three-time World Champion, produced a gutsy run in the final leg to shave a minute off the leading pack and propel himself into the top five. Robertson had earlier become caught in a chasing pack during the cycle leg, leaving him 1:27min behind at the final change.

The timing of Robertson’s result couldn’t be better after the Athens Olympian reminded selectors of his big race prowess by defeating a host of talented competitors.

Robertson was understandably delighted by his Japanese result, but was realistic about the task at hand.

“In terms of Olympic selection my racing today definitely comes in handy,” said Robertson.

“It was important for me to show people that I can run fast. Unfortunately my pre race plan failed me on the bike. I went out hard from the start but got caught up in that second pack and couldn’t move.

“I had to throw the game plan away and just push the pace right from the start of the run.

“I came here to win, but I am probably the happiest I have ever been with today’s fourth placing.

“I feel like I might be in there with a chance now,” said Robertson.

Canadian and 2000 Sydney Olympic Champion Simon Whitfield claimed the World Cup win with Robertson 27 seconds behind the best of the Australian contingent in fourth.

Australia has yet to confirm a third men’s position in the Olympic triathlon and with Brad Kahlfeldt and Courtney Atkinson already early nominated, Robertson still has a big task on hand to compete in a second Olympic Games.

Should Australia earn a third position, Robertson will be up against Greg Bennett, who claimed fourth position in the opening World Cup round in Mooloolaba last month.

Australia will be frantically accumulating national ranking points ahead of the June deadline, and must be among the top eight nations to have three men at the Olympics.