Triathlon goes virtual

Triathlon is the latest sport to ‘go virtual’ organising an online race at the weekend.

‘We have been running a series of virtual duathlons in recent weeks and decided that we would try to do a short triathlon,’ said Emily Squire from the Guernsey Triathlon Club.

‘We thought that maybe 15 people or so would take part, but we ended up with 50 adults and six children competing which was amazing.’

Triathletes from Jersey, the UK and even New Zealand also took part alongside Guernsey competitors. The event was sponsored by the Ana Leaf Foundation.

The race consisted of a 750m sea swim, a 20km bike and a 5km run, all completed individually to comply with current restrictions. Competitors could choose which order they did the disciplines in, but they all had to be completed over the course of the weekend and within the daily two-hour exercise window. The cycle leg could either be done on the road or ‘virtually’ on a static bike indoors.

‘Some people actually got very competitive,’ said Emily.

All times were submitted, checked, calculated and the winners announced.

Women:

1^st           Emily Squire

2^nd          Sammy Yendall

3^rd          Louise Bracken-Smith (Jsy)

Men:

1^st           James Travers

2^nd          Bob Guilbert

3^rd          Alan Rowe

The Club is now planning a novice event taking place on 16^th and 17^th May.

‘We want to hear from anyone who hasn’t completed a triathlon before but who would like to give it go,’ said Emily.

‘We will buddy people up with experienced club members to give them some help and advice about how best to complete the different stages.’

The novice event will involve a 300m sea swim, a 10km bike leg and a 2.5km run. The Club is hoping that permission will be given for competitors to complete all 3 legs in one day.

Anyone interested in taking part should visit the Guernsey Triathlon Club Facebook page, their website or email Emily at ejbookless@gmail.com

Further virtual races are also being planned for club members.

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