Riaan Naude and Dee Thomson lifted the male and female national triathlon titles over the weekend.

On a perfect day for the event, with virtually no wind, low humidity and clear skies, Naude blitzed the field, winning by some six minutes over second-placed Neil ste. de Croix. The two athletes finished in two hours, three minutes and 39 seconds and 2:09.36 respectively.

And Thomspon was equally emphatic, crossing the line in 2:17.32, ten minutes ahead pf runner-up Vanessa Madeiros (2:28.01).

Last year's winners were both absent opening the door for new champions. Evan Naude was missing due to a bout of flu and Karen Smith was competing in the Ironman World Triathlon Championships in Hawaii (see story, Page 21).

It was Peter Hallet who led the field out of the water and onto the bike leg. However, his advantage was short-lived as a mechanical problem left him struggling to maintain speed.

He was overhauled by Naude within a few laps. Veteran athlete, and former national champion, de ste Croix blew through the field on the bike after exiting the water almost nine minutes down on Hallet.

At the end of the bike leg it was Naude who dismounted first and onto the run portion, with de ste Croix a few minutes adrift in second and Andrew Davis third.

That order would not change as Naude posted the day's fastest run of 36 minutes 45 seconds over the 10K course with de ste Croix a distance second and Davis claiming third.

In the women's race it was Ashley Kirkpatrick who exited the water in first place with Madeiros second and newcomer Taryn Pringle third.

But Thomson showed her prowess on the bike, making up for a weak swim, and dismounted the cycle first, with Madeiros second and Kirkpatrick third.

At the end of the run it was Thomson who took the line honours unchallenged with Madeiros second and newcomer Pringle finishing a creditable third in her first ever Olympic distance race.

The fastest woman on the run was Claire de ste Croix who finished a mere 19 seconds behind Pringle.

The age group titles were awarded to Ashley Kirkpatrick and Peter Hallet in the 20-29 divisions, Madeiros and Andrew Davis in the 30-39 divisions, Claire and Neil de ste Croix in the 40-49 divisions and Carolyn Conway and Steve Petty in the 50-59 divisions.

In the team event, Team Van Zanden took first ahead of Team Wright.