By Kent Gray/Triathlon.kiwi
Dylan McCullough has given a typically measured Dylan McCullough take on where his maiden World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) top 10 fits into the big scheme of things.
The 23-year-old Aucklander was 8th at WTCS Weihai in China on Friday, just pipped by Kiwi team-mate and Paris Olympic Games silver medallist Hayden Wilde for 7th. The top 10 eclipsed McCullough’s previous WTCS best of 12th in Sunderland last year.
“It’s another step in the right direction,” was McCullough’s understated assessment to what is arguably the result of his career, save perhaps for his selfless domestique act for Wilde and eventual 19th place at the Olympics..
McCullough was 4th out of the water behind Aussie Matt Hauser, French star Vincent and Spaniard Alberto Gonzalez Garia and then took to the hill on the tough Weihai course with relish.
“The swim and bike was comfortable and I played to my strengths pushing the climb,” said McCullough who closed out with a 31:20 10k, the 15th best-of-the-day split.
“The run was in control fitness wise, running in 4th/5th through 5km. The leg muscles just lacked conditioning on that last lap to hold on. Yeah I’m pleased with that result. A top 8 at this level is for sure something to be happy with.”
McCullough will now focus on adding that missing conditioning to his legs for the U23 World Triathlon Championships in Torremolinos-Andalucia. The Kiwi will undoubtedly be one of the favourites for the world title on October 17, not that he’d ever seek that kind of pre-race limelight or pressure.
He’ll be joined on the U23 start line in Spain by recent Asia Cup Tokyo Uminomori winner James Corbett and Henry McMecking.
“Today will definitely help for future races leading into U23s in Spain in a few weeks time,” McCullough continued.
“It’s been a good year for me, apart from the blip with my injury [a stress fracture pre Olympics]. But apart from that, I’m really happy with the progress we’ve made.”
WTCS Weihai – Top 10
1. Alex Yee (GBR) 1:48:21
2. Leo Bergere (FRA) +46s
3. Miguel Hidalago (BRA) +57s Ist medal
4. Alberto Gonzalez Garia (ESP) +1:26
5. Vincent Luis (FRA) +1:31
6. Luke Willian (AUS) +1:37
7. Hayden Wilde (NZL) +1:40
8. Dylan McCullough (NZL) +1:42
9. Jack Willis (GBR) +1:57
10. Pierre Le Corre (FRA) ,+2:21
