‘I’m in the best shape of my life’: Chaffey

FIVE-TIME world champion Billy Chaffey has made a spectacular return to racing to clinch the inaugural International Triathlon Union paratri World Cup in Devonport and seal favouritism for the Commonwealth Games.

Racing for the first time since last May, Chaffey beat fellow Rio Paralympian Nic Beveridge and Germany’s Benjamin Lenatz, before declaring he was in the best shape of his life.

The 42-year-old, who was left an incomplete paraplegic after being hit by a truck while on a training ride at Chinderah almost a decade ago, missed a medal in Rio but is determined to perform at his home Commonwealth Games.

“I’m absolutely over the moon with that performance – to come back to Devonport and chalk up a win in probably some of the toughest conditions I’ve raced in is really pleasing,” Chaffey said.

“That wind was hard to handle even though we are close to the ground on our cycles – it’s still tough going.

“But I couldn’t be happier with my fitness – I’m in the best shape of my life and really looking forward to the Games in April.”

Chaffey won automatic qualification to the Games team last April, with his nomination to finally become official this weekend, when the paratriathlon team is named on Sunday.

Chaffey’s win came after Gold Coast’s Brandon Copeland won the Oceania title on Saturday. Queenslander Emily Tapp will also have her nomination confirmed this weekend after adding the Devonport title to her resume.

Tapp beat former ironman triathlon Lauren Parker, Japanese Wakato Tsuchida and Gold Coaster Sara Tait across the line.