A strong swim leg by Wānaka Ironman athlete Braden Currie set him up for a win at the Tauranga Half yesterday (Saturday January 22).

Setting the pace in the swim, Braden was joined on the bike by Mike Phillips, before quickly taking the lead into the run to record a comfortable victory.

“It’s a good start to the season and I really appreciate everyone’s support on the sidelines. It was awesome out there,” Braden said.

“I had a great swim. It’s not often I get away from those guys in the swim so it was nice to get clear which meant I could do my own thing for the first hour at least. 

“I knew Mike would ride well, but I knew as long as I stuck with him, I was confident my run would take me where I wanted to be.”

This is the third time Braden has been on top of the podium in Tauranga, adding to previous wins in 2016 and 2017. He finished second last year.

The fastest run split of the day (1:11:37) allowed Jack Moody to take the silver with XTERRA specialist, Sam Osborne, rounding out the podium trio.

Braden says where he races next is uncertain PHOTO: Supplied.

Braden said that the government announcement last week around planned Omicron protection restrictions means where he races next is uncertain.

“Once Omicron is in the community many events will need to cancel,” he said.

“The next time I race will likely be overseas unless Omicron stays at bay until April.”

The Tauranga Half is the pinnacle event at the Mount Festival of Multisport and involves a 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run.