20 WIGHT TRI MEMBERS COMPETE IN 1ST SUMMER SEASON EVENT IN WEST WIGHT

20 members of Wight Tri took on the club’s 1st event of the summer season – the Spring Triathlon – despite the decidedly wintry temperatures on Sunday 21st April. With trophies available across three categories, further split by male/female, there was plenty to race for. Based out of the West Wight Sports Centre, competitors completed a 400m swim before running outside – in very chilly conditions – for the transition to the bike leg. Out to Farringford and into Freshwater Bay, the ride then went up the dual-ascent of Freshwater Bay-Compton Farm-Compton Bay before a windy ride along the Military Road. The northerly wind had the added element of dropping the temperature even further, but the bright sunshine was welcome and brought a hint of warmth. A fast return along the Middle Road to Afton and back into Freshwater completed the 24km loop.

Back into transition to leave bikes, the 4.9km run headed out on the same route as the bike as far as Freshwater Bay, before turning back inland to return to Freshwater. A sharp left turn at the petrol station looped the runners round the far side of the sports centre’s grounds to return the way they had left, for a sprint finish down the field next to transition. The fastest male on the day was Chris Till, who also collected the nominated time prize for finishing just 29 seconds off his estimated time. The first female overall was Millie Williams, who’d reportedly only decided to enter the race at about midnight the night before. Closest to her nominated time was Lizzi Elton-Walters, only 14 seconds off her estimate. Winning the Wight Tri category for the males was Sean Williams and for the females was Lucy Doorly.

From seasoned triathletes to beginners, the event welcomed all – regardless of speed or experience. Search for Wight Tri on Facebook to hear about future events and to find out about joining.