Ben McHale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOB:
5 January 1985

Background:
I am originally from Rotorua and at present I am studying through Otago University. I already have a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Biochemistry) and am currently in my 4th year of Medicine at Wellington Hospital.

I have a very strong running background. I started running competitively when I was 14 and focused on the 1500m and 800m. Since then I have won many regional titles and won many NZ medals. I have also represented NZ twice for middle distance running. Due to ongoing injury, I started cycling in the summer of 2008 and made the progression into the sport of duathlon. After a couple of local races I placed 2nd in the 2008 NZ duathlon champs (20-24 category) and was subsequently selected in the NZ U23 elite team to race at the 2008 ITU World duathlon championships in Rimini, Italy.

Sponsorship:
Penny Farthing Cycles Wellington: I am very grateful for the support that Penny Farthing Cycles has given me.

Greatest achievements:

• I have won more than 15 BOP, Waikato and Mid-North Island championship races from 800m track to 6000m cross country and had many more top 3 placings.
  
• I have had numerous top 3 placings at the North Island schools Athletics Championships.
  - 2nd in the U20 3000m at the 2004 NZ 3000m Championships
  - 3rd in the U20 1500m at the 2004 NZ Athletics Championships
  - 4th in the U20 8000m at the 2004 NZ Road championships
  - 2nd in the 2008 NZ Duathlon championships (20-24 category)
  

• 15th U23 elite at 2008 World Duathlon championships, Rimini, Italy
  

NZ representation:

2008: Competed at the ITU World Duathlon Championships

2004: NZ U20 representative at the Australian Athletics Championships, where I placed 6th in the 1500m.

2002: NZ U18 representative at the Oceania Athletics Championships, where I placed 2nd in the 1500m and 4x400m relay and 3rd in the 800m.

Other interests:

Taekwondo (I have my Black belt and am a past NZ U-52kg Champion), Hockey, Golf and Squash.

Ambitions/Goals (for 2009/10):

2009:
Unfortunately I have my big 5th year medicine exams in October/November so I have had to cut back on my training/racing, meaning I was not able to focus on duathlons this year. However I am still planning on racing in the Lake Taupo Classic race in November and a number of other cycle races

2010:
- Considering Tour of Wellington, and a number of other cycle races
- Aim to run a sub 31.45 10km time (current PB 32.08)
- Aim to qualify for the senior elite ITU World duathlon championships in Scotland – I will be aiming for top 15

Recent reports and results: