A total of 8 Wight Tri ventured over to the mainland on the early morning ferry to take on the Southampton Fast Twitch Sprint Triathlon, based at the Applemore Leisure Centre in Dibden Purlieu. This was also the first mainland triathlon for several of the competitors. Starting with a 400m pool-based swim, and a 20km undulating bike route on open roads around the new forest, with the 5 km run centred around the Dibden Purlieu main streets, they all completed it admirably well with some amazing results. Unfortunately, the weather gods were not on their side on the day as the conditions were cold and wet, but this did not deter the hardy triathletes to give it their best! Jack Elton-Walters came home first for Wight Tri in 15th position overall and 2nd in the 35-39 age group in a very swift time of 1hr 10mins 53secs, having shown that his winter running training has paid off, posting the 9th fastest run overall of 19.01 for the 5km run. Jack Eldridge was next to complete the course and finished 4th in the 35-39 category and 27th overall male in 1:15:20. Lucy Doorly, competing in her first ever mainland triathlon, was next club member home, and had a super race to take 6th female overall position and 2nd in the 40-44 category in a super time of 1:20:13. Mike Kimber was close on Lucy’s heels, posting a time of 1:20:56 to take 10th in the 55-59 age group and 42nd male, with Loic le Floch next in 1:22:43, 5th in the 50-54, 52nd male. Arielle Elton-Walters continues to show her improvements in all 3 disciplines, posting 1:26:10, and 3rd in the 35-39 category and 13th female overall. New members and novice triathletes, Steve Snary and Caley Teasdale triathlon finished in 1:37:45 and 1:37:58 respectively. This was Caley’s first ever triathlon and Steve’s second. Steve finished 14th in the 40-44 category, 89th male with Caley achieving 2nd in the 30-34 category and 34th female overall. 
Wight Tri training and events will continue over the summer months. Social swim/run sessions take place on Friday evenings with Wednesday evening social cycle rides soon to be arranged. The Summer Aquathlon and Aquabike Series of events begins in early July. Further information available on the Wight Tri Facebook page.
