Munster Express Online

The second annual Carrick-on-Suir Duathlon returned to Rathgormack on Saturday, March 21. Entry numbers were up compared to last year with 133 people registered to race. The race consisted of a 5km run, then a 20km cycle and a 3km run to finish.

Weather conditions were almost perfect for racing with the exception of some wind on the bike course and some distant fog that slightly spoiled the spectacular view of the Comeragh Mountains.

Once again Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club members were out bright and early to set up the transition and registration areas, sweep the course and assemble the goody bags that each competitor would receive. Registration went smoothly and by 11:45am the Rathgormack Hiking and Hostel Centre was filled with eager duathletes gathered to hear the race briefing.

Race organiser, Niall Crowley, explained the rules of the race and described the race route. Triathlon Ireland race delegate, Helen Whyte, spoke about the official rules and regulations of a duathlon. After the race briefing everyone took the short walk to the start line.

Right from the start David Graham, Aubrey Storey and John Caffrey took the lead. Coming up the large hill on the first run Aubrey and David were neck and neck with John not far behind. By this stage the field had really spread out proving yet again how challenging this duathlon course is. Pauline Lambe was one of the leading females coming up the hill followed closely by Beth McCluskey of 3 Rock Tri.

All the leaders had smooth transitions and set of on the bike leg that consisted of a straight out and back course but with plenty of hills. There was a significant breeze going out the road and coupled with some steep climbs this proved a tough cycle for all. Coming back was slightly easier with the leaders staying tucked into aerodynamic positions on the bike as much as possible.

David Graham was the first to finish the cycle leg and had built up a few minutes lead over Aubrey Storey. Again John Caffrey was not far behind. But only a 3km run remained so if there were any catching up to do it would have to be done quickly. With the leading pack already on the run some competitors were still less than halfway through the cycle.

Lead

The run consisted of two 1.5km laps and after the first lap the lead had not changed and it looked unlikely to. And sure enough a few minutes later David Graham had finished his second lap to claim top spot in a time of 1:04:26. Aubrey Storey of 3d Tri took second place in 1:06:58 and John Caffrey from Belpark Triathlon Club finished third in 1:08:17.

The female winner was Beth McCluskey of 3 Rock Tri who finished in a time of 1:13:31 which was good enough for 10th place overall. Second place went to last year’s winner Louise Nolan in a time of 1:18:30. Louise improved her time by 48 seconds over last year showing great consistency.

Third place went to Karina Teahan from Cork Triathlon Club in 1:19:53. Only one relay team took part, however it consisted of two young men, Gary Cantwell and Johnny Skehan, whose overall time of 1:12:23 claimed them 8th place overall. These two have a bright future ahead of them.

The 1st Vet prizes went to Michael Bowes of Waterford Triathlon Club and Denise Compton of Dundrum AC. David Richardson from Limerick was the 1st Junior. As is customary prizes are also given to the 1st Carrick-on-Suir male and female. This year’s winners were Rolf Power and Catherine Brown.

A big thank you needs to be given to all those who made this great race possible, the organising committee, the race marshals, the Rathgormack Hiking and hostel centre, the Gardai and all who helped in any way on the day. Thoughts have already turned to next year and here’s hoping the third annual Carrick-on-Suir Duathlon will be even better again. Full race results and photos can be found a www.tricarrick.com.

The Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon takes place on Saturday 11th July. Entry for the race will be opening shortly. Keep an eye on www.tricarrick.com for more details.