TRIATHLON: European Duathlon champion and selection for Half Ironman Worlds

It’s been an epic period of racing for the members of Rugby Triathlon Club, racing all over Europe.

A large contingent ventured to Mallorca for the famous Half Ironman event, renowned for its hot weather and lovely climbs, however, wet and cold weather greeted the club on race day and the race was held in torrential rain. First home from the club was the Welsh wizard Hywel Davies, who revelled in the cold conditions recording a time of 4hrs 43 minutes for the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run.

Tamara Hardman was first club lady home in 5hrs 26 mins. But the best performance came from Tony Johnson, defying both his age and running style Tony recorded a time of 5hrs 26mins which gave him the win in his age group and guaranteed him a spot at the World Half Ironman Championships in Australia.

Results: Hywel Davies 4.43, Adrian Sarkies 4.49, Keith Edwards 5.14, Phil Scott 5.25, Ant Smith 5.25, Tamara Hardman 5.26, Rod McGowan 5.33, Ross Wearing 5.41, Greg Ashley 5.43, Peter Wright 5.47, Claire Murphy 5.53, Tony Johnson 5.53, Garry Haynes 5.56, Alison Rose Quirie 6.30, Damon Street 6.33, Shayne Wright 6.37, Mark Neale 6.45, Adrian James 7.03.

Nic Smith, Graham Davidson and Amy Sarkies teamed up to do the relay event, they blasted round the course, with Nic recording one of the fastest swims of the day to come fourth overall in the relay event, a superb effort on a hard day.

Claire Walker, Nic Smith and Tom Greeves ventured to Southam for the sprint triathlon, a 400m pool swim, 20km bike and 5km run event. Rugby Tri continued to dominate with Tom Greeves taking the overall win in the men’s event with Claire taking the win in the ladies’ event with Nic just behind in 3rd.

Andrew Boon, Tom Greeves, Mike Smallwood, Tamara Hardman all visited Germany for the European Duathlon champs, an event consisting of a 5km run, 20km bike, 5km run. Held in damp conditions Rugby Tri were to the fore on foreign soil. Top performer was once again Mike Smallwood, who once again was crowned European Champion with a dominating performance, Andrew Boon took 9th in AG, Tom Greeves 5th, Tamara Hardman 9th in her age group.

Keith Edwards got his season off to a great start with an age group win at the Pitsford Open water sprint tri. The 750m swim was reduced to a 400m swim because of the cold conditions, but Keith flew around the 20km bike and 5km run to record a clear age group win. Tom Greeves, Sarah Booker and Lawrence also took well earned age group wins in the tough cold conditions, with Tom taking a fine 2nd place overall.