Swindon Duathlon National Series Race Report
Tuesday, 4th April 2006
The eleventh Swindon Duathlon and first race in the British Triathlon National Duathlon Series returned to the Science Museum, Wroughton, situated high on top of the Wiltshire hills. The Series really did get off to a flying start as the blustery wind never let up from start to finish making this the hardest day ever recorded for this event.
In the main National Ranking event Army triathlete Tom Lowe battled on the first run with Science In Sport's Jonathan Wills and Kairn Stone, but once on the bike they couldn't stay with the pace in the strong winds leaving Lowe clear, with Chris Birch of East Street Cycles moving through the field to second and Dave Brown (Milton Keynes) moving through to third and this was the way it stayed to the finish.
In the female event Michelle Parsons of Worcester Tri Club had no real challenger, although Sophie Whitworth was going strong until she punctured. Michelle had a fantastic bike showing how experience in these tough conditions really does count. Monmouth's Sarah May took second some 11 minutes back, followed by Vanessa Hogg.
Others who showed their experience and flew through the course with relative ease, compared to most, were Lesley Cliff (55-59 winner), David Gardner (65-69 winner) and Stuart McGowen (55-59 Winner). All three said afterwards they enjoyed the course, with no traffic to worry about and when it comes to the weather, shrugged - you just have to deal with it!
In the Short Duathlon of 5km-40km-2.5km youth Robert Bowle of Wantage had a commanding lead once on the bike and was never challenged, by second placed Stuart Dinwoodie of Chippenham. Local junior triathlete Yasmin Smith was equally as impressive winning the women's event for the third time since 2003, from Plymouth youth Carla Haines.
The competitors left after prize giving in the Museum, content that they had endured a hard days racing, then with just a few days rest it's off to prepare for the next Ranking event in Ashbourne.
Congratulations to all the competitors and good luck in Ashbourne this weekend. The ranking points for Swindon will be available by the end of the week.
British Triathlon Association: 4 April 2006