Tauranga triathlete Sarah Backler has been competing in off-road triathlons for the past two years – but a new bike for summer saw her win a completely different race in the Pilot Bay Eves Classic Triathlon at the weekend.

Sarah won her first on-road triathlon yesterday completing a 20km cycle, 5km run and a 750m swim in a time of 1hr 7minutes and 25seconds. Her husband Matt came third in the men's section in a time of 1hr 2minutes and 38seconds.

Eves Classic Triathlon competitors (L-R) men's third place winner Matt Backler, women's third place winner Alice McFall, men's winner Michael Pugh, second place winner Josh Kenyon and women's winner Sarah Backler. Photos by: Bruce Barnard

Sarah and Matt have been competing in off-road x-terra triathlons for more than two years and recently brought a new road bike for on-road triathlons.

'This summer is really the first summer we've both had road bikes so have been able to do the more traditional triathlons this summer.”

Although the pair finished in a similar time the 30-year-old says she and Matt train separately although they have both adopted a new training programme completing a bike ride together once a week.

The Eves Triathlon is a three part event and after competing in the first race series Sarah says she enjoys racing the Pilot Bay track.

'It was a nice day to be in Pilot Bay as well for the swim and good day at the mount. It was just a nice little race to take part in.

'I think it just gives you an advantage that you know the course and you know how much longer you've got to go rather than on an unknown course. Knowledge helps you pace the race a bit better.

'It' a good environment and there's just lots of people out on the course cheering for you.”

Sarah has always enjoyed racing in x-terra triathlons but says the Pilot Bay track gave her the opportunity to use her off-road experience as well.

'I always enjoy going around the base track around the mount. The runs my strong leg and I just enjoy more off-road running.

'I'm slightly competitive but I enjoy the training. I just enjoy doing it really. It's a bit too much commitment to do something like that if you didn't really enjoy doing it.”

Sarah and Matt will now turn their focus towards yet another off-road race – the Motatapu Triathlon in Wanaka where she will compete in five weeks' time.

The pair will also compete in the x-terra triathlon at the Blue Lakes in April.