LEFT: Luke Haines leads Rob Sharpe during the run.

BELOW: A muddied Haines works hard on the road.

Pictures: PETER MERKESTEYN

MEN’S open winner Luke Haines has admitted an intense preparation was the driving force behind his first Upper Murray Challenge title on Saturday.

The Geelong athlete put in a dominant performance on the bike leg and never relinquished the lead to finish the gruelling course in five hours, 47 minutes and four seconds.

Haines, 33, has competed in the past six Challenge events, including the 2007 race where he knocked himself out after a nasty spill on the treacherous mountain bike course.

But Haines said this year’s race could not have gone smoother in what he described as “perfect” racing weather.

“I’d placed reasonably well but never won before, so I’m really pleased to win it,” Haines said.

“I had a 16-week lead-in to the race, I really made it a focus and changed a few things in training, lost a bit of weight and I really wanted to do well.

“I was really happy the day went perfectly to plan really, from the warm-up, to the start of the race and all the way through, I didn’t think I did anything wrong, which was great.

“You couldn’t have asked for a better day for the race, it was a bit wet on the bike leg but that was probably a bit of an advantage for me, I was prepared to take a few risks and get some time on the other competitors.

“The paddle was perfect and the run is always tough, no matter what the conditions.”

Haines said he would “certainly be back next year” to defend his title.

“Yeah, absolutely, I just love the area,” Haines said.

“The first time I came here six years ago, I thought it was just great, the national parks, all the people are really friendly and the weather has been perfect every year.

“I’d love to buy a house there and train there, you’ve got the lake and the river and the hills.”