IT WAS an exhausting weekend for many at Rugby Triathlon Club, with some members representing Great Britain in Austria, some trying to represent GB in the national championships and even more aiming for glory in the club’s very own Middle Distance Championships.
The weekend began with the European Sprint Distance Championships (750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run) in the well known Austrian ski resort of Kitzbuhel. Here, Rugby businessman Lawrence Webb competed in his first representative GB race, coming 42nd in his age group (40-44) in a time of 1:17:42.
Mike Smallwood gained a podium place, coming second in his age group (65-69) in a time of 1:25:40.
Meanwhile, back in the UK, Ali Moult surprised herself by coming third in her age group at the National Olympic Distance Championships (The Dambuster, Rutland), gaining an automatic GB entry into the European Championships in 2015.
Ali completed the 1.5k swim, 42k bike and 10k run in 2:25:07. Tamara Hardman, also third in her age group (45-49), posted a time of 2:34:15 and Kevin Sexton completed the race in 2:32:43.
On Sunday in the heat nine members took on the challenge of The Avenger – the club’s chosen Middle Distance Championship race.
The beautiful weather was great for the supporters at Ragley Hall in Alcester, but it added an extra dimension to this tricky race comprising a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run.
Tony Johnson bagged first place in his age group and Rod McGowan a third in his.
Full results: Tony Johnson (1st V60 – 6:16:39); Rod McGowan (3rd V45 – 5:30:50); Phil Scott (5th V45 – 5:40:29); Garry Haynes (9th V45 – 5:58:32); Ross Wearing (14th V40 – 5:52:56); Paul Askquith-Ellis (17th V30 – 6:39:09); Carl Williams (V40 – 7:25:59); Chris Longman (V35 – 7:32:57); Naomi Leugs (V30 – 8:13:47).
Finally, Greg Ashley joined over 1,000 others to compete in The Wall – an ultra-marathon race from Carlisle Castle to Gateshead Millennium Bridge – and he finished this on and off-road race totalling 70 miles in 14:40:59, coming 125th in his age group.
Rugby Triathlon Club currently organises and promotes one triathlon race a year. Taking place in Daventry at the end of August, the race is suitable for novices and experienced competitors alike. More information about the Daventry Triathlon and the club’s adult and junior sections can be found at www.rugbytriathlon.org.uk.
