Bonus: 1988 Gold Coast World Cup. Triathlete (USA) Report

20 Apr

Written By Ross

Here’s the first of four bonus blog posts to go with the latest podcast episode. TSP24: Season Openers Part 1.

In TSP24 I read the Tri-Athlete (UK) version of the 1988 Gold Coast World Cup Triathlon race report. The text in the Triathlete (USA) one is identical. But I think the presentation and images are better.

I’ve also found the press release and a write-up in the feature
Great Races: Our Picks For 1988 Best Triathlons.

The announcement from the March issue of Triathlete (USA) mentions the New Big Money Races Of 1988 Category. I guess that includes
St. Croix, Ireland, Bermuda and maybe Kelowna.

Bermuda started in 1987. And I’m 99% sure that the Ireland Triathlon didn’t happen. Although I’ve never found an official announcement. The promotor was Patrick O’Riordan. Who also put together the Bermuda International Triathlon. More homework needed on that race. I’ll write a blog post and talk to some people who might know.

The cover of the August 1988 issue of Triathlete (USA) is excellent. It shows Mark Allen cycling on the Gold Coast. He’s on the Schwinn Paramount that he used in 1987. He’ll move to a Kestrel and wear a light-blue Nike skinsuit later in the 1988 season.

He’s on Profile Aero 2s here. Rather than Scott DH like in 1987. And his position looks much better. I thought in 1987 he was very low and cramped. But everybody was still experimenting on the new bars.

The inside contents page also shows an iconic Nike / Mark Allen kit. Cap sleeved vest and wide-side trunks. And pages 31-33 have 4 very cool images. A ripped Allen exiting the water. Baker cruising on the run. Tinley in full signature-kit with vest tucked in.

And Gerard Donnelly. With a great aero-position on his Scott DH. He’s also riding a Hillman. A famous Melbourne bike builder / shop. That seems to be still going. Stephen Foster also had one.