Last Nepean Held at the River

This was the last year the event was held at Tench Reserve on the Nepean River. The cycle course was once through open farmland but it was now shared with over 50,000 suburban residents. Competitor’s safety was at risk and road closures were getting more difficult to obtain.

The new rowing centre was being developed for the 2000 Olympics and would become the events new home from 1999 to present day.

The 1998 winners were a couple of young promising triathletes heading for the top ranks. The women’s title was taken by a Queensland-based New Zealander, Louise Soper while in the men’s Luke Harrop took his first major title. Tragically, Luke died in a cycling accident while out training in 2002, he was only 24.