A STRATFORD Triathlon Club quartet headed to Duston in Northamptonshire on Sunday for an early season sprint triathlon, writes Victoria Jeffs.
The event starts with a 400m pool swim at The Duston School in Northamptonshire, followed by a one-lap 20km bike route. The bike leg is full of cheeky little surprises, the favourite being the hill at Great Brington, but the views through the very scenic countryside surrounding Althorpe House really make up for it, so there is plenty to take your mind off the cycling when things get a little tough going!
A fast, flat 5km run finishes off this course, which is popular with experienced triathletes as well as newcomers, and a field of almost 400 athletes meant it was a busy day all round.
Alan Coley-Smith was once again victorious, coming 29th overall and winning his age group as well as gaining a personal best performance on the day too.
Part of Alan’s motivation would have been fellow club member Andrew Speechly, who was right behind him for much of the race trying to chase him down.
Andrew had a remarkably quick second transition and after a strong run came home in 49th place overall.
Leighanne Earley, affectionately known as Lill, also managed a personal best performance at this distance, proving how much her winter training has paid off as she managed to knock three minutes off her last sprint tri time, primarily due to a huge improvement on her bike time.
Brian Weetman, after a superb swim and bike leg, unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury on the run but will no doubt be back in form again soon.
Results: Alan Coley-Smith – Swim 6:23, T1 0:50, Bike 33:37, T2 0:54, Run 20:24 – Total 1:02:09 1st in his age group, 29th overall.
Andrew Speechly – Swim 6:39, T1 1:14, Bike 37:19, T2 0:46, Run 20:31 – Total 1:06:31, 49th overall.
Leighanne Earley – Swim 11:06, T1 2:12, Bike 46:49, T2 1:16, Run 27:37 – Total 1:29:02, 297th overall.
Brian Weetman and Leighanne Earley, aka Lill. Picture courtesy of Richard Eden. (s)
