Quick Kiwi throws race for top spot wide open

Thursday 24th July 2008, 2:29PM BST.

LUKE WALTON has thrown the De Putron Triathlon Series wide open. The New Zealander built on his promise from earlier in the season as he stormed to victory in the weekend’s Portelet Triathlon.

Making the most of the favourable conditions, Walton (pictured) completed the 1km swim, 18-mile bike and four-mile run in just under 1hr 29min. The result puts him in contention as the series heads into its final event.

‘I was really pleased with the way I performed today,’ he said after the race. ‘I am racing in the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon in a couple of weeks followed by the inter-insular in Jersey on 17 August and it is reassuring to know that the hard work I’ve put in over the past few months is paying off.’

The third race of the season started from the Cup and Saucer with the swim section across Portelet Bay.