Race Coverage
Hankee Claims Career Win #30!
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Sunday, 21 May 2017 19:10
GEAR WEST DUATHLON - A pair of brand new masters led the way yesterday in cool, soggy Orono at the 25th edition of this annual classic run-bike-run....
MATTHEW PAYNE and DIANE HANKEE, newly-minted 40-year-olds, took the lead during the early stages of the bike segment and held it the rest of the way.
Both destroyed the previous masters records; Payne Train by 1:06, Hankee by 2:38.
For Hankee, the win was a milestone, the 30th of her multisport career. She held off 2014 champ ELAINE NELSON for the victory. Nelson, who had been on maternity leave in 2016, finished 18 seconds behind Diane, and 39 seconds in front of 3rd placer, SUZIE FOX, a three-time winner here.
Hot on Fox's heels was rising star MAGGIE WEISS, runner-up for Rookie of the Year in 2016, who was followed by 2016 USAT DOY Honorable Mention JENN SCUDIERO.
For Payne, the win was his 4th at GWD, and 48th of a career that has earned him more Minnesota Multisport Awards (11) than any of his male peers.
Matt is a two-time US DOY and three-time US TOY HM.
Finishing second for the men was another new master, BROOKS GROSSINGER, bettering the four bronze medal efforts he's turned in here since 2010.
Team Minnesota newcomer ANDY WIBERG rocked the final podium spot.
Despite a rather long list of weather-related no-shows, Mark and his Final Stretch crew produced a great event. RESULTS
