A SMALL team of Stratford Triathlon Club members travelled to the annual Inter-Regional Triathlon Championships (IRCs) at Mallory Park in Leicestershire.
The IRCs are the national championships for Tristar 2 and 3 athletes with only the best from each region selected to compete.
For the Tristar 3 category (under 14s) Ellie Deaner qualified to represent the West Midlands region. Ellie had a fantastic open water swim (315m) to kick off the race but unfortunately her bike chain came off as she transitioned to the bike section of the course, losing her valuable time.
Showing great perseverance, Ellie finished the 6.7km bike course and 2.5km run course to finish in 36th place in a time of 34mins, 40secs.
Ellie will have the chance to qualify again next year as this year was her junior year in the TriStar 3 category.
Supporting the West Midlands team at Mallory Park was Theo Skirvin in the TriStar 2s (under 12s) and Josh Mitchell in the TriStar 3s who both qualified as reserves for the West Midlands team.
Stratford TC juniors head coach Richard Cox said: “Being part of the West Midlands team is a fantastic experience for these juniors and a great inspiration to other members of the club.
“I am very proud of those from Stratford Triathlon Club who made the squad.”
