Benson clinches age-group bronze at Xterra Asia-Pacific Championships, earning invitation to world event

Albany’s gun off-road triathlete Keiron Benson was third in his age group at the Xterra Asia-Pacific Championships in Dunsborough, earning an invitation to the world championships in America in November this year.

Benson, who won the 2025 event in March last year, took the bronze medal on March 28 in what will be his last year in the 50-54 age group.

The top three finishers earn slots in the world championships, which will be held in New Mexico.

Benson completed the 1.5km swim, 30.2km cycle and 10.5km run in 3hr. 6min. 21sec., more than 6min. quicker than the time he set in winning the age group last year.

He said he was happy with his effort, as he was first out of the water after the swim and survived the mountain bike leg which was extra muddy due to the rain dumped on the course by cyclone Narelle.

As Benson was saying goodbye to his age group, two new entrants to the bracket were taking the top slots on the podium.

Bryce Dunlop, of New Zealand, won the age group in 2:51:20 with Peter Jensen, of Australia, second in 2:57:20.

Benson knew he was in for a battle to retain his title, with his time securing 24th place overall in the 94-strong field.

“I just beat Pete at the worlds when he was in the age group below so I knew he was going to be right on my tail,” he said.

“I felt his presence in the ride, and he smiled as he went past me.

“I’ve got chook legs, so I didn’t have the power to keep with him – I am usually better on the downhill stretches, but it was so muddy and a guy got stacked really badly in front of me so that shook me up a little.

“I went six minutes faster than last year but I’m a year older and these new guys are stronger and faster.”

The terrain started with the ocean swim followed by the off-road cycle and then a run on a track through the forest, beach and over the headland rocks.

“It was good fun and definitely a challenge, which I love,” Benson said.

Arthur Forissier, of France, took the overall title in 2:25:34 ahead of Italian Federico Spinazze in 2:28:12.