A busy weekend of international action for Freedom Tri.

Richard Pitcairn finished a fantastic 4^th in his age group at the European Triathlon Championships, held in Athlone, Ireland. Richard completed the 1500k swim, 40k bike and 10k run Olympic distance event in an impressive 2 hours 43 mins and 41 seconds.

Next up, 3 club members travelled to Frankfurt, Germany, to compete in the European IronMan championships, at IronMan Germany.  The 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run always makes for a tough day, however this year it was made even tougher, with temperatures topping 35°C. Despite the tough conditions, Dave Hamill smashed the coveted 12 hour barrier, finishing in 11:37:20.  Jez Statham was next home in 12:35:07, with Robbie Laughton finishing in 12:54:03.

Closer to home, 8 members of the club participated in a multi-sport race festival, held at the picturesque Emberton Country Park, near Milton Keynes, where two different races were on offer. 

Four club members took on the half IronMan distance race, “The Cow Man”. First home for the club was Kevin Ash, who finished  the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13 mile run event in 5:21:28.   Next home was Penny Wylie, who finished in 5:28:04 for a fantastic 2^nd in her age group!!  Dave Chapman impressed in what was his first ever triathlon, finishing in 5:40:12. Neil Paterson, suffered cramps on the run, but showed true IronMan spirit, and battled on to complete his first attempt at the distance in 6:59:31.

A further 4 members chose to race “The Big Cow sprint”, over a 750m swim, 20k bike and 5k run distance.  First home for the club was Kev Smart who finished in 1:16:54, closely followed by Christine Gillham-Yuill, who finished in 1:18:11, for a top 10 finish in the female race! Chris McQue finished in 1:22:42, whilst Greg Blount completed the course in 1:30:54.

Toni Fenton took part in her first ever triathlon at the “shock absorber” women’s only super sprint triathlon, on 3rd July. Toni finished the 400m swim-20k bike-5k run event in an impressive 1:30:24.

Karen Parnell competed in the Great London Swim, held at the Royal Victoria Dock in London on Saturday.  Despite the Thames reaching temperatures of 21°C, wetsuits remained compulsory, making the 1 mile long event particularly hot work! Karen finished the event in 37 mins and 23 secs.

 
Freedom Tri is open to new members who are interested in fun friendly Triathlon training. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or go to www.freedomtri.org.uk