WEEKEND LONG TRIATHLON ATTACKED BY WIGHT TRI MEMBERS LAST WEEKEND

Several members of Wight Tri took on the challenge of the Wight Tri Long Weekend Triathlon last weekend (7th – 9th June) Mike Kimber, Loic Le Floch, Arielle Elton-Walters, Lizzi Elton-Walters, Caley Teasdale and the Team of Lucy Doorly and her husband Rob were all up for the half Ironman distance triathlon challenge. Starting with a 2-lap 1900m swim in the rough seas of Totland Bay on Friday evening, 15 members took on the swim section, with Henry Morgan finishing the quickest in 29.43. The 90km cycle route had been mapped out by Event Director Neil Cooper who had chosen a large part of the Round the Island route for this event. Cyclists could complete from any starting point and at any time on Saturday. Only 6 riders completed this distance on Saturday with Mike Kimber posting the fastest split of 3.30.36, with 4 of the members deciding 90km wasn’t long enough, with Rob, and then Arielle, Lizzi and Caley completing over 100km together. Onto the Sunday, with the final discipline being the run. All the runners had entered the Needles Half Marathon to finish off their challenge. Chris Till and Daniel Morgan, who had both completed the swim on the Friday but had dipped out on the bike course, posted solid run splits of 1.33.12 and 1.58.53. Of the 6 triathletes, who had completed both swim and bike course, Mike was again the fastest in 1.57.41 with Lucy Doorly fastest female in 1.59.46. The 3 girls who were completing the event together stuck together all the way despite having to slow down when one of them had an injury late on in the run. True Team work! When times were collated, Mike Kimber came out on top, completing the event in 6 hours 17mins and 36 secs, with Loic next in 6.19.02. Team Doorly took 3rd place in 6.47.47 with Rob also deciding to complete 100km ride. The ‘Girl Power’ trio of Arielle, Lizzie and Caley worked together throughout the event to fulfil and complete this fantastic challenge with only their swim times separating them with Lizzi coming out on top. 8.31.22, 8.47.46 and 8.53.26 were the total times for Lizzie, Arielle and Caley respectively. All in all, this was a fantastic achievement from all of these athletes, who have only taking up the sport in the last few years. Special mention to Caley Teasdale who is a complete newbie to triathlon, only joining Wight Tri this year, but with the encouragement from Lizzi and Arielle, she showed that she has the resolve and determination to continue and improve.