Freezing temperatures failed to deter 21 hardy athletes who took part in Wight Tri’s East Cowes winter duathlon on Sunday morning (4th January).
Competitors were met with a bracing –3c for the latest event in the club’s winter series, staged along the East Cowes seafront and surrounding roads.
Athletes completed either a 2.2km or 4.2km run along the Esplanade, Cambridge Road and Old Road, followed by a 10km cycle route to Fairlee roundabout and back, with some tackling the bike leg twice.
With icy conditions underfoot, Cooper Road Safety inspected the course in advance and highlighted a particularly slippery section at the top of the first hill. Despite this, the event passed without incident and no injuries were reported.
All competitors completed the course safely, despite one dropped chain and a small number taking a wrong turn on the bike leg.
The event used a predicted-time format, with several athletes coming impressively close to their estimates. Jurgita Bates claimed top spot, finishing just 10 seconds outside her predicted time.
She was followed by Jack Elton-Waters in second place, 27 seconds off his estimate, with David Anderson third (35 seconds out) and Paddy Condy fourth (37 seconds out).
Wight Tri’s new chair, Lucy Doorly, was on hand to welcome competitors home and draw the post-race raffle, which was won by newcomer Mike Burt.
Organisers thanked the volunteers who supported the event in sub-zero conditions, including marshals, timekeepers and catering helpers.
The next Wight Tri winter duathlon will take place in Cowes on 8th February and is open to all abilities.
Great event, but it was freezing in East Cowes.