41 athletes braved the conditions on last Saturday (24th Jan) to take on their first duathlon of 2009. The race consisted of two 2.5 mile runs around Lough Fea interrupted by the 10 mile cycle leg. There was a lot of snow and ice at the Lough and the cycle route was changed to a simple out and back course towards Cookstown (which resulted in a descent outward leg and a climbing return).
After a delayed start (to let the road conditions improve) we were off on the relatively flat trail run around the lake. Whilst the underfoot conditions were snowy it was not too slippery and the course was scenic. The lake is very exposed and a windy day could be severe but we were served a cold still day and the vista was beautiful (as long as you looked away from the quarry). Our initial trepidation about the conditions was soon forgotten once the race was underway.
First home for Triangle and first female athlete home was Anne Paul – congratulations Anne. Rodney and I got ‘close’ to her by the turn on the bike but the return leg uphill cycle and final run left us well behind. Rodney Young was the first male Triangle athlete home (despite my best efforts). Kay was second woman home but had struggled somewhat with her Achilles injury on the runs but biked well and at least she had plenty of snow to ice her leg with afterwards (he adds sympathetically). The race was won by Adam Speer in just under 1hour 6mins followed home by Mike Millar and Bryce Irvine.
I hope I have not omitted any other Triangle athletes from the results table. The course and event was a good one and provided some good early season training – where were all you guys?
Next edition of the Sperrin Duathlon Series is on 21st February – get your toe on the line!
