Social & Information
Wakefield Triathlon - Report by Dene Townend
19th June 2011
A rainy and windy Sunday morning saw three members of Halifax Harriers again taking part in the 2011 triathlon season of events.
James Franklin, Helen Roby and Heath Reilly all competed in the Olympic distance which involved a 1500 metre open water swim in Pugney's lake, followed by a 24 mile cycle ride through Durkar, Clayton West and Bretton before returning to Pugneys for a 2 lap 10K multi-terrain run up around Sandal Castle.
Making their first foray into open water swimming, James Franklin completed his swim in an impressive 25 minutes 48 seconds and Helen Roby, fresh from her recent pool swims at Ribby Hall and St Anne's, came out of the water in 31 minutes 21 sec. Heath although experienced in open water, elected to extend his swim somewhat by veering off the shortest line, coming home in 33 minutes 36 seconds.
On the cycle route, a long climb up to Bretton was followed by 3 gruelling loops before returning in a headwind back to the lake. Early conditions were far from ideal with the rain requiring officials to instruct the cyclists to take care on the steep sections, strategically placing a St John's ambulance as a reminder, at the bottom of a steep descent next to a large road puddle!! Times for the three reflected the conditions, James took 1:28:09, Heath 1:41:10 and Helen 1:48:21
James finished off with a sub 40 minute 10K and including transitions posted an overall time of 2:35:35. Helen, pleased with her first attempt at the Olympic distance in preparation for next month's London Tri, finished in 3:11:34 and was 5th overall in the Ladies event, also coming home as first in the junior category. Heath, on his way back from injury, came home in 3:13:27 and described the event as the toughest Olympic distance race he had ever taken part in, never the less, looking forward to the Todmorden and Ripon sprint tri races, before also heading for London at the end of July.
Suits you Sir!! (and Madam)
Heath, Helen and James preparing for the off
Heath and Helen finishing within 2 minutes of each other
Report by Dene Townend and Heath Reilly.