Kona 2012: #GBKONA men's results

October 15, 2012, 11:54 pm

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Full GB & Ireland Pro/Age Group results from Kona 2012: MEN In the lead up to the 2012 Ironman World Championships in Kona we highlighted the full listing of GB & Ireland entrants who had made it to the big island of Hawaii. While the ladies - Leanda Cave in particular! - will grab the majority of the British headlines, there was a strong British and Irish Age Group team racing too... and one Ironman World Champion too. Here's a look at how they all faired. Joseph Townsend, a member of the British Paratriathlon Performance Squad won the Men's Physically Challenged category with a superb time of 11:35:52 in extremely tough conditions. There were two bronze medals too. Irelend's Alan Ryan (M45-59, 9:33:34) and Scotland's Scott 'Bonkers' Balfour (in, I 'think', his 10th consecutive Kona?) - M65-69, 12:38:25 - took third place finishes in their respective categories. In Kona the Age Group prizes are five-deep, and that means that one of the locally made wooden bowl trophies will have also been won by Sam Baxter (who we interviewed at The Beaver and Ironman UK), who took fourth in M25-29 with a time of 9:15:33. Sam was also the fastest GB Age Grouper this year, while Martim Muldoon - the Irish Ironman Record Holder - achieved that feat for the Emerald Isle, with 9th (9:29:51) in M35-39. (Find the results of the GB & IRL Kona LADIES HERE) Presented below is the full GB & IRL results listing (men), firstly by category and then sorted by finishing time. Great Britain, Ireland and Gibralter men, Kona 2012, ordered by category/division BIB NAME DIVISION AGE COUNTRY Cat Position Time TWITTER 49 Thomas Lowe MPRO 34 GBR 23rd 08:53:42 @tomalowe 37 Paul Amey MPRO 39 GBR DNF N/A @paulamey 150 Joseph Townsend MPC 24 GBR 1st 11:35:52 @Joetownsend1664 2034 Henry Eaton M18-24 22 GBR 34th 11:14:24   2023 Philip Hatzis M18-24 24 GBR 14th 09:58:54 @PhilipTTH 1907 Andy Sloan M25-29 27 GBR 61st 10:23:33 @ProcisionFit 1853 Sam Baxter M25-29 29 GBR 4th 09:15:33 @sbaxter220 1878 Scott Thomson M25-29 29 GBR 16th 09:31:10   1720 James Brown M30-34 31 GBR 76th 09:55:37   1731 Daniel McParland M30-34 31 GBR 51st 09:46:02 @danielmcp 1668 Phillip Murphy M30-34 32 GBR 137th 10:57:05   1715 Michael O'Brien M30-34 31 IRL 56th 09:47:18 @trimike30 1662 Liam Dolan M30-34 32 IRL 71st 09:53:44   1472 Per Cunningham M35-39 36 GBR 84th 10:01:31   1469 Mark Westlake M35-39 36 GBR 161st 10:48:58   1413 Conan Gibney M35-39 37 GBR 70th 09:53:39 @conangibney 1438 Dean Johnson M35-39 37 GBR 98th 10:08:53   1382 Charlie Low M35-39 38 GBR DNF N/A   1331 Stuart Anderson M35-39 39 GBR 99th 10:09:27 @Stu_Ando 1322 Martin Goodlad M35-39 39 GBR 83rd 10:01:23   1314 Richard Howarth M35-39 39 GBR 108th 10:12:34   1385 Neil Feerick M35-39 38 IRL 153rd 10:36:53   1371 Martin Muldoon M35-39 38 IRL 19th 09:29:51 @MartinMuldoon1 1308 Owen Martin M35-39 39 IRL 50th 09:44:00   1187 David Garner M40-44 40 GBR 117th 10:32:22   1207 Brett Hedges M40-44 40 GBR 49th 10:02:52 @bretthedges 1182 Kit Stokes M40-44 40 GBR DNS DNS @KitStokes 1137 Peter Doubleday M40-44 41 GBR 106th 10:27:21   1119 Lee Kieran M40-44 41 GBR 157th 10:57:01   1121 Ben Lloyd M40-44 41 GBR 139th 10:42:35   1131 Sean Nicolle M40-44 41 GBR 138th 10:42:23   1125 Dominic Paul M40-44 41 GBR 146th 10:52:45   1153 Nick Rose M40-44 41 GBR 135th 10:40:32 @ironrosey 1136 Andy Shaw M40-44 41 GBR 191st 11:33:49   1086 Paul Sherwood M40-44 42 GBR 41st 09:59:53   1052 Paul Carmichael M40-44 43 GBR 133rd 10:40:22   1063 Iain Hindes M40-44 43 GBR 201st 11:52:10 @Devoniain 1002 Matthew Nuttall M40-44 44 GBR 210th 12:22:18   1198 Rob Cummins M40-44 40 IRL 188th 11:31:54 @wheelworx 1034 Matt Molloy M40-44 43 IRL 62nd 10:09:27 @AhoySavaloy 995 James Mc Laughlin M40-44 44 IRL 206th 12:07:57   846 Tim Bishop M45-49 45 GBR 16th 09:59:30 @fasterwithage 847 Jim Graham M45-49 45 GBR 126th 11:06:05   844 Jeff Nagle M45-49 45 GBR 118th 10:58:21   855 Richard Parkinson M45-49 45 GBR 52nd 10:21:59   785 Simon Bowler M45-49 46 GBR 110th 10:55:34   812 Fraser Dawson M45-49 46 GBR 47th 10:19:42   789 Richard Mason M45-49 46 GBR 132nd 11:11:30   809 Mark Richardson M45-49 46 GBR 40th 10:16:37   759 Graham Coull M45-49 47 GBR 166th 12:18:45 @grahammcoull 747 Warren Mason M45-49 47 GBR 107th 10:54:53   746 Guy Roberts M45-49 47 GBR 150th 11:39:15   704 Roger Canham M45-49 48 GBR 9th 09:49:46 @hawc 695 Hugh Gibbs M45-49 48 GBR 144th 11:27:09   692 John Levick M45-49 48 GBR 156th 11:50:38   683 John French M45-49 49 GBR 97th 10:50:12   856 Chris Walker M45-49 45 GIB 58th 10:23:56   814 Alan Ryan M45-49 46 IRL 3rd 09:33:34   594 Mark Carter M50-54 50 GBR DNF N/A   606 Keith Eastham M50-54 50 GBR 68th 11:20:52   590 John Knapp M50-54 50 GBR 52nd 11:02:43   602 Christopher Leeman M50-54 50 GBR 75th 11:27:38   499 Clifford Hogg M50-54 53 GBR 123rd 13:38:42   488 Kevin Pullin M50-54 54 GBR 119th 13:30:28   420 Sean Bennett M55-59 55 GBR 58th 13:05:21   364 Kes Aleknavicius M55-59 57 GBR 54th 12:53:57 @fnurgas 373 John Maxted M55-59 57 GBR 79th 14:30:24   296 David Patten M60-64 60 GBR DNS DNS   268 Stephen Belt M60-64 62 GBR DNF N/A   261 Christopher Domoney M60-64 63 GBR DNF N/A   224 Scott Balfour M65-69 65 GBR 3rd 12:38:25   163 Peter Norman M75-79 75 GBR DNF N/A   Great Britain, Ireland and Gibralter men, Kona 2012, ordered by finish time BIB NAME DIVISION AGE COUNTRY Cat Position Time TWITTER 49 Thomas Lowe MPRO 34 GBR 23rd 08:53:42 @tomalowe 1853 Sam Baxter M25-29 29 GBR 4th 09:15:33 @sbaxter220 1371 Martin Muldoon M35-39 38 IRL 19th 09:29:51 @MartinMuldoon1 1878 Scott Thomson M25-29 29 GBR 16th 09:31:10   814 Alan Ryan M45-49 46 IRL 3rd 09:33:34   1308 Owen Martin M35-39 39 IRL 50th 09:44:00   1731 Daniel McParland M30-34 31 GBR 51st 09:46:02 @danielmcp 1715 Michael O'Brien M30-34 31 IRL 56th 09:47:18 @trimike30 704 Roger Canham M45-49 48 GBR 9th 09:49:46 @hawc 1413 Conan Gibney M35-39 37 GBR 70th 09:53:39 @conangibney 1662 Liam Dolan M30-34 32 IRL 71st 09:53:44   1720 James Brown M30-34 31 GBR 76th 09:55:37   2023 Philip Hatzis M18-24 24 GBR 14th 09:58:54 @PhilipTTH 846 Tim Bishop M45-49 45 GBR 16th 09:59:30 @fasterwithage 1086 Paul Sherwood M40-44 42 GBR 41st 09:59:53   1322 Martin Goodlad M35-39 39 GBR 83rd 10:01:23   1472 Per Cunningham M35-39 36 GBR 84th 10:01:31   1207 Brett Hedges M40-44 40 GBR 49th 10:02:52 @bretthedges 1438 Dean Johnson M35-39 37 GBR 98th 10:08:53   1331 Stuart Anderson M35-39 39 GBR 99th 10:09:27 @Stu_Ando 1034 Matt Molloy M40-44 43 IRL 62nd 10:09:27 @AhoySavaloy 1314 Richard Howarth M35-39 39 GBR 108th 10:12:34   809 Mark Richardson M45-49 46 GBR 40th 10:16:37   812 Fraser Dawson M45-49 46 GBR 47th 10:19:42   855 Richard Parkinson M45-49 45 GBR 52nd 10:21:59   1907 Andy Sloan M25-29 27 GBR 61st 10:23:33 @ProcisionFit 856 Chris Walker M45-49 45 GIB 58th 10:23:56   1137 Peter Doubleday M40-44 41 GBR 106th 10:27:21   1187 David Garner M40-44 40 GBR 117th 10:32:22   1385 Neil Feerick M35-39 38 IRL 153rd 10:36:53   1052 Paul Carmichael M40-44 43 GBR 133rd 10:40:22   1153 Nick Rose M40-44 41 GBR 135th 10:40:32 @ironrosey 1131 Sean Nicolle M40-44 41 GBR 138th 10:42:23   1121 Ben Lloyd M40-44 41 GBR 139th 10:42:35   1469 Mark Westlake M35-39 36 GBR 161st 10:48:58   683 John French M45-49 49 GBR 97th 10:50:12   1125 Dominic Paul M40-44 41 GBR 146th 10:52:45   747 Warren Mason M45-49 47 GBR 107th 10:54:53   785 Simon Bowler M45-49 46 GBR 110th 10:55:34   1119 Lee Kieran M40-44 41 GBR 157th 10:57:01   1668 Phillip Murphy M30-34 32 GBR 137th 10:57:05   844 Jeff Nagle M45-49 45 GBR 118th 10:58:21   590 John Knapp M50-54 50 GBR 52nd 11:02:43   847 Jim Graham M45-49 45 GBR 126th 11:06:05   789 Richard Mason M45-49 46 GBR 132nd 11:11:30   2034 Henry Eaton M18-24 22 GBR 34th 11:14:24   606 Keith Eastham M50-54 50 GBR 68th 11:20:52   695 Hugh Gibbs M45-49 48 GBR 144th 11:27:09   602 Christopher Leeman M50-54 50 GBR 75th 11:27:38   1198 Rob Cummins M40-44 40 IRL 188th 11:31:54 @wheelworx 1136 Andy Shaw M40-44 41 GBR 191st 11:33:49   150 Joseph Townsend MPC 24 GBR 1st 11:35:52   746 Guy Roberts M45-49 47 GBR 150th 11:39:15   692 John Levick M45-49 48 GBR 156th 11:50:38   1063 Iain Hindes M40-44 43 GBR 201st 11:52:10 @Devoniain 995 James Mc Laughlin M40-44 44 IRL 206th 12:07:57   759 Graham Coull M45-49 47 GBR 166th 12:18:45 @grahammcoull 1002 Matthew Nuttall M40-44 44 GBR 210th 12:22:18   224 Scott Balfour M65-69 65 GBR 3rd 12:38:25   364 Kes Aleknavicius M55-59 57 GBR 54th 12:53:57 @fnurgas 420 Sean Bennett M55-59 55 GBR 58th 13:05:21   488 Kevin Pullin M50-54 54 GBR 119th 13:30:28   499 Clifford Hogg M50-54 53 GBR 123rd 13:38:42   373 John Maxted M55-59 57 GBR 79th 14:30:24   1182 Kit Stokes M40-44 40 GBR DNS DNS @KitStokes 296 David Patten M60-64 60 GBR DNS DNS   37 Paul Amey MPRO 39 GBR DNF N/A @paulamey 1382 Charlie Low M35-39 38 GBR DNF N/A   594 Mark Carter M50-54 50 GBR DNF N/A   268 Stephen Belt M60-64 62 GBR DNF N/A   261 Christopher Domoney M60-64 63 GBR DNF N/A   163 Peter Norman M75-79 75 GBR DNF N/A  

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The Snowman report

October 15, 2012, 11:54 pm

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Bryan Keane, Irish international triathlete who recently placed 9th in the Geneva ITU European cup and second at the Alp D'Huez Triathlon, praises first ever Snowman Triathlon. The first ever Snowman Triathlon took place yesterday (Sunday October 14) from the world renowned Plas y Brenin National Mountain Centre in Capel Curig, Wales, bringing over 200 competitors to this beautiful and iconic part of Snowdonia. In addition, there were also a host of top class athletes including top Irish International triathlete Bryan Keane. Following the event Keane commented: "What a fantastic and professionally run event. It is one of the most friendly and relaxed atmospheres I have ever experienced at a triathlon. Credit to the organisers, spectators and competitors. The beautiful location is inspiring - the run is spectacular and a challenge for competitors of whatever standard. Don't forget your hot water bottle for the swim though!" As competitors lined up in Llyn Mymbyr ready for the swim they were rewarded with stunning views towards the Snowdon horseshoe. They would then set off on a 30km cycle which took in Betws y Coed, Llanrwst and a steady climb back up to Capel Curig before finally taking on a challenging but rewarding run to the summit of Moel Siabod and back, finishing at Plas y Brenin. Event Director Tim Lloyd was delighted with the event, stating: "The Snowman has been the perfect end to the 2012 Always Aim High Events season. I grew up skiing on the slope at Plas y Brenin as a young lad and so this event is very special to me. To see hundreds of competitors challenging themselves in this unique environment is fantastic. Whatsmore, the support from the spectators has been great. We are extremely grateful to the help we have received from the Capel Curig community and to the staff at Plas y Brenin in making the event possible." The Snowman is the final event in the 2012 series that included the extremely successful Snowdonia Slateman in May and Anglesey Sandman in September. 2012 has also seen Always Aim High Events recruit Chain Reaction Cycles as their official retail partner of both their Triathlon Series - which includes the Slateman, Sandman and the Snowman, along with the Etape Eryri cycle sportive in June. Triathlon Plus magazine are also the media partners of all three events. As spectators lined up in front of the stunning backdrop to Llyn Mymbyr on a glorious October morning, it was Bryan Keane, international Irish triathlete, who took an early lead completing the 750m swim in 10 minutes and 32 seconds, over two minutes ahead of his nearest rivals. Heading onto the bike Keane increased his lead and left transition going into the run four minutes up on local athlete Arthur Connell, with Peter Brook winner of the Slateman and Sandman not far behind. However, it was to be a fantastic showcase in fell running that would eventually decide who would be the 2012 Snowman Triathlon champion. Ewan Brown, setting off on the run in 4th position had a sensational run, completing the up and down route in just over 53 minutes, over seven minutes faster than the rest of the field, to come in first in an overall time of 2 hours 2 minutes and 41 seconds. After the race Brown, now based in York, commented: "It's great to win here in Capel Curig, as I grew up in the area as a boy. I felt strong heading into the run and passed two guys in front of me on the ascent. Bryan was quite a fair way ahead when I reached the summit so I knew it would be hard to catch him. I took a few risks on the descent though and it definitely paid off as I passed him just before the rocky technical section near the bottom and just held on from there" Peter Brook was third, meaning he was crowned the Always Aim Tri series champion with Arthur Connell and Alex Smith in 4th and 5th respectively. In the women's race it was a surprised looking Sheona Schofield who would be crowned the 2012 Snowman Triathlon winner. After getting out of the water in seventh position and having a solid ride it would again be the run which would earn Schofield top honours. Speaking after the race she said: "I can't believe I've won, are you sure!? I absolutely loved the Slateman annd Sandman, but I suppose now that I've won here at the Snowman this has got to be my favourite. The run section is just incredible and the location here at Plas y Brenin is perfect for an event like this - I will definitely be back" An equally suprised Helen Pitt followed up in second, only entering on the morning of the race due to a recurring foot problem. Similarly, Rosemary Byde finished a happy third after praising Pitt and Schofield on their fantastic descending skills on the mountain. Leading Snowman Triathlon results: Men 1. Ewan Brown 2:02:41 2. Bryan Keane 2:04:48 3. Peter Brook 2:12:23 4. Arthur Connell 2:12:47 5. Alex Smith 2:13:51 Women 1. Sheona Schofield 2:33:52 2. Helen Pitt 2:35:18 3. Rosemary Byde 2:38:00 Full results can be found at www.tdl.ltd.uk Further details on the entire AAHE line-up, can be accessed via www.alwaysaimhighevents.com and the Always Aim High Events Facebook page

New for 2013: The Owler Half

October 15, 2012, 11:54 pm

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Tri Spirit Events is introducing a new middle-distance event for the coming year, with The Owler Half making its first appearance on August 4, 2013 at the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford. This new event consists of a 1.9K open water swim in Conningbrook Lake, followed by 94K bike section and finished off 21K run. Triathletes have a time limit of nine hours to complete the event. It is also running an Aquabike at this distance on the same day – a 1.9K swim and a 94K bike – alongside The Owlet Sprint Tri with a 750m swim, a 20K bike and a 5K run. There will also be The Owlet Sprint Aquabike on the same course. The Aquabikes have proved increasingly popular in the past two years, with numbers more than tripling this year compared to last, according to Liz King, event director for Tri Spirit Events. She added: “The Aquabike is a fab event if you do not like running but still want to challenge your body and mind, and is perfect for anyone who still has a love of multisport but is no longer able to run because of injury. “We decided to put this half distance on at this time of year because it is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to take part in Challenge Henley, Ironman Wales or Challenge Barcelona – among other iron-distance races – to do a half as a tune-up to make sure their fitness is on track.” The event gets its name in recognition of the 18th Century Kent and Sussex wool smugglers. One theory is they were given the name ‘Owlers’ because they ‘hunted’ at night and communicated with each other by ‘hooting’, another is that it is a corruption of the word ‘wooler’ that denotes anyone working with wool. Either way, it is very specific to the region the event takes place in. Both The Owler Half and The Owlet Sprint triathlons are open to individuals and teams. Having this event on that date in August means the popular Brett Ashford Triathlons and Aquabikes will be brought forward next year to June 16. King added: “We increased our numbers for this event by nearly 60% this year, and we are anticipating a high demand for the Brett Ashford Triathlons again in 2013.” All of these events have early bird prices available until December 31, 2012 and you can get more details on these at www.trispiritevents.com.

Mud & Mayhem: Delapre race report

October 17, 2012, 3:44 am

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Mud & Mayhem Duathlon 14th October 2012 - Delapre Abbey, Northamptonshire. The inaugural Mud & Mayhem Duathlon at Delapre Park was greeted with a ground frost and low lying mist throughout the race village as early competitors arrived before the race. The clear skies resulted in temperatures quickly rising and the race started in bright sunshine. The opening run saw five runners completing the picturesque 3km run around Delapre Lake in under 13 minutes. Stewart Shears led the field into transition after 11:50 closely followed by Garth Collier in 12:00. The bike course contains a large section of single track riding through the woods, made both muddy in places and slippery due to the heavy summer rain. Dave Nichols made light of the conditions, posting the fastest bike split of the day, as the leading men's relay team moved from fifth overall to head the field. Duathletes, Richard Lewey and Peter Norton arrived back in transition together closely followed by Tom Bailey who posted the fastest individual bike split to move up from eighth after the run. Peter headed out of transition first courtesy of his quicker change, but was caught relatively early on by Richard Lewey who set the fastest second run split of the day to win the individual race in 1:27:26. Rob Taylor had the distinction of finishing first, as the relay team combined well to finish over seven minutes ahead of the field in 1:19:30. The podium was completed by Peter Norton, second in 1:27:26 and Tom Bailey, third in 1:27:51. Kate Sealey finshed strongly to take the ladies title in 1:35:38, a time good enough for an impressive seventh overall, with the fastest 3km run and the fastest bike split. Behind her Bex Bates moved from 5th after the initial run into second with a strong bike leg but eventually slipped back. Emma Bush set the fastest time on the longer 6.5km run to move into second place, and held onto finish second in 1:43:05. Third across the line was Wellingborough runner Justine Keech combining with Lorraine Kirk to finish as the first ladies relay team, with Nicola Shannon the third solo lady in 1:47:05. Behind the leaders everyone was enjoying the chance to race off road with it’s relaxed atmosphere and challenging traffic free courses, with 4th finisher Harvey Jones summing up many opinions “The bike route... I loved it, was really up for the second lap, I enjoyed it so much.” Sports Physio and massage was on offer before and after the event courtesy of b-Activ along with bike mechanics for those last minute tweaks from Baines Racing. As always there were plenty of smiling faces in the finish area where competitors were greeted with welcome refreshments, the now legendary Go Beyond fruit cake, jelly babies and event T shirts.

Kona 2012: Roger Canham

October 17, 2012, 3:44 am

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Continuing our Kona coverage, Roger Canham reports on his race from the 2012 Ironman World Championships this past weekend, a day in which he made the top-10 of his Age Group... but has plans for more in two years time when he moves up a age group. 3.8km Swim 180km Bike 42km Run - Temperature 98°F Swim 1:10:13 - T1 2:57 - Bike 5:11:09 - T2 4:01 – Run 3:21:26 Total Time 9:49:46 9th 45-49 Age Group, 258th overall I qualified to race at Kona in July at IM UK. I had not planned to compete in Kona and so this was a relatively late stage to qualify and decide to race on the Big Island. Once I had made the decision to go, I felt I was in a race against time to recover and rebuild my fitness to be in top shape for my fifth consecutive visit to the world championships. In the days leading up to the race I was confident I had done everything I possibly could have done to be ready to race the best athletes in the world. I stood on Digme beach contemplating the day ahead, the atmosphere electric as the adrenaline pumped hard; it was show time. The announcer urged us to enter the water as 7am approached. No time to be faint hearted, onto the front line of the swim jostling for space, no one wanting to give an inch to another competitor. Boom, we were off. Ironman becomes a contact sport for the first 500m of the swim, at the world championships it's the first 1500m, exchanging blows, some accidental, some not. After 70 minutes I exited the water, relieved not to have conceded too much time to my fellow competitors. Now my race began. I was swiftly through transition and out onto the bike course, head up, sucking in the energy of the cheering crowds and feeling great as we completed the loop in Kailua-Kona and out onto the Queen K. The first aid station approached, always a danger as less experienced athletes wobble across the road to grab bottles, I opted to stay wide and press on. The planned power numbers were coming easily so I didn't dwell on them, just stuck to my nutrition plan and ensured I continued to safely pass athletes. As I sped along I was constantly calculating pace and potential finishing time so by the time I was at Hawi I was perhaps a little too excited. I had arrived in the quickest time I had ever done, my expectations started to grow as I made the turnaround and hit the gas downhill back to Kawaihae clocking well over 60 kph at times. Up onto the Queen K and only 55km to the finish but as I made the turn I ran into a wall of wind and heat. My speed nosedived and my core temperature started to inexorably edge higher; we were in Kona and now what makes this race unique started to unfold. I was ready for this, I had a plan but I was starting to tire and the conditions slowly gnawed away at my resolve. I recalculated my finish time, once, twice, over and over as the minutes slipped through my fingers and my optimism melted away in the heat. At last the airport approached and there was only 20k remaining then suddenly, there was a loud crack from the front wheel and I came to a juddering holt. I dismounted, inspected the front wheel and there, lamely hanging from the hub was a broken spoke. I wasn't sure if this was terminal but I slackened off the brake to minimise the rubbing, jumped on and started to contemplate how far I would need to nurse the bike before I was close enough to run in to the transition zone. K by k I made progress, and as I approached Kailua once more my spirits lifted, head up, I was back in the race and hadn't conceded a terminal amount of time. I laced up my shoes and eagerly set about getting to work on the run, this is what I enjoy most and I was going to take the course on, it was in my hands now. I settled into a relaxed pace and with no real effort I was running seven minutes per mile. I took another inventory of how I felt; all was good so kept on the pace I had fallen into. I made the turnaround on Alii Drive and as I started back into town I made a mental note that there was good cloud cover and conditions might favour a fast run. No sooner had I contemplated this than the clouds cruelly melted away and the sun bore down with the full midday intensity. I made the 10 mile mark in 70 minutes just as I hit the sharp climb up Palani; I came to a grinding halt at the aid station close to the summit. Within a matter of minutes my core temperature had shot up and now I was in damage limitation mode. I had been in this situation many times in this race so the planned routine snapped into action; ice, water, coke, ice then run to the next aid station. The conditions sapped the spring from my legs and my pace crashed to over eight minutes per mile; this is where the race can break you and what makes it special. I focussed mile-by-mile and made my way out to the Energy Lab, the final turnaround and headed for home. There were some dark moments as the conditions battered my body, my head and my heart but I took energy from the other athletes as we urged each other on. I pressed on, concerned that if I lost my momentum then I would come to a grinding holt out in the lava fields. Eventually I re-entered Kailua, hobbled down Palani and rounded the final corner into the cheering crowds lining the finishing chute on Alii Drive. Crossing that finishing line never loses its magic; this is a very special race. I have been lucky enough to finish this race five times now and without doubt can attest that it is unique in every way, the course, the location, the conditions and of course the field of athletes. I plan to be back in 2014, in the next age group and ready to fulfil a dream.

Midnight Man 2013 open for entries

October 17, 2012, 3:44 am

≫ Next: Aquathlon World's: time for a rethink?

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Midnight Man, the unique overnight long course triathlon - fully traffic free for 2013, with an improved course - is open for entries. The second edition takes place on the weekend of July 27th-28th 2013 in Dartford, with both full and half-iron options. Organiser John Setford from Bridge Triathlon (www.bridgetriathlon.co.uk) previews the 2013 event: Despite saying never again and dropping almost half a stone in five days due to stress... I have decided to do it all again next year. I must be totally mad! This is due to all the e-emails I have received since the race from competitors telling us how much they enjoyed the event. We have changed the bike course for 2013 and it will be even faster (no speed bumps). The run course has also been altered to make it easier to follow and even more spectator friendly. We are also limiting the event to 240 competitors. We will be taking 120 for the full and 120 for the half. The race will start at 6pm on Saturday evening and the cut off will be 11am on Sunday. All finishers will receive a bespoke finishers medal and technical finishers t-shirt. For more information and to enter go to www.bridgetriathlon.co.uk.

Aquathlon World's: time for a rethink?

October 17, 2012, 3:44 am

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Four years ago I wrote an article called Aqua-gone? The context of that article was the hosting of the ITU Aquathlon World Championships outside of the ITU World Championships / ITU Grand Finals in 2007 and 2008. My view then was "put it back where it belongs or bin it." The 2012 Aquathlon World's takes place tomorrow in Auckland - ahead of this weekend's Grand Final - but, I think it highlights that some questions about the validity of this event, for the Elite, need to be asked. Why? Well, here are some statistics based on the official start lists: Junior Women - 1 entry (8 in 2011) Junior Men - 4 entries (6 in 2011) U23 Women - no entries (4 in 2011) U23 Men - 3 entries (2 in 2011) Elite Women - 4 entries (2 in 2011) Elite Men - 4 entries (4 in 2011) Thus, in total, across three elite categories - male and female - a total of 16 entries. That's less in total than in the men's 65-69 Age Group. Is that really worthy of a 'World Championship'? I'll repeat here what I said four years ago - I really like Aquathlons. They are a great way to experience multisport, a great way to spot talent, great fun to race and relatively easy and cheap to organise... but I have to ask, do we need an Elite Aquathlon World Championship if - it appears - (almost) nobody wants to enter it? The Aquathlon World Championship is a great Age Group event and a natural fit with the Age Group Triathlon World Championships. Is it time to make it an Age Group only event? How about making it an 'Open' race, removing the Age Group / Elite segregation - first across the line wins?

Win a training holiday at Tri-Topia

October 17, 2012, 3:44 am

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Tri-Topia, Triathlon Holidays in France (www.tri-topia.com) are thinking that the Ironman World Champs in Kona this past weekend will  inspire a few Tri247 readers, and have set up this fantastic competition to offer one of you the chance to win a week’s training holiday at their luxury training facility in central France. What a way to will really get your 2013 season off to a flying start. What's on offer? 7-nights stay, Saturday-Saturday during 2013 All food included Full use of facilities: gym, sauna, Endless Pool, outdoor heated pool Standard coaching including underwater swim analysis Transfer from the airport or train station Bike / wetsuit hire. What's not included? - flights or travel to Tri-Topia. Conditions; prize is not transferable. Dates are subject to availability, only valid between April and October 2013. Winner must be over 16 years of age as of April 1st 2013. The judges decision is final and no discussion will be entered into. We reviewed Tri-Topia back in August 2009, and had a chat to the guys there at the TCR Show last year. They have added even further to their great facilities now - with their own on-site 25m outdoor heated pool. How to enter? Ok, this is what you need to do to win this great prize...with a question which revolves around one of Tri-Topia's greatest assets; it's food!! Send an email to competitions@tri247.com with the subject line "Tri-Topia Competition", and simply tell us what's for dessert at Tri-Topia in their example menu?! If you need help, here's a clue... The closing date for this great competition is Wednesday 7th November 2012. Tri-topia triathlon and cycling holidays 8 La Valleé, Ingrandes 36300 France. Tel; (0033) 254 286 731 www.tri-topia.com

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National League Update #4 2012

October 17, 2012, 3:44 am

≫ Next: Outlaw Half entries open now

≪ Previous: Win a training holiday at Tri-Topia

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Kevin Robinson reports in with his fourth update of the 2012 season from the UK National Triathlon League. If you have any queries or corrections on the scoring etc, please direct them to: kevinrobinson@cambridge2.freeserve.co.uk. Hello, Leaguers, In this update I shall offer a brief review of the season as a whole, the changes that came about in the final weeks, and the team table at the end of the season. First of all I must say what a disappointing year 2012 has been as far as the weather was concerned. The weather and the economic situation, between them, took their toll on various triathlon events and a good number of leaguers, as well as non-league triathletes, apparently preferred to compete rather less often. Having said that, it must also be said that the top League clubs, effectively the top four in the League table, did what they could, and the final positions in the League Table reveal what was the tightest finish for some years, with just 28.14 points separating the top three teams, almost in the realms of a photo finish. But winning by half a stride is still winning, and we now once again have new League Champions, who won this year's UK League by their tremendous efforts over the closing weeks. I'm sure that some of you will remember that, after a quieter period in the history of their Club's participation in the League, Black Country Tri burst into the reckoning again last year to finish second in the League Table. Well, this year the Club has gone one place better, and Black Country Tri are once again, as they were years ago in four consecutive seasons, Champions of the League. In the early months of the season, Black Country Tri gave clear notice of their intentions, beating the Derby Tri team result at the National Duathlon Championships. The difference between the two clubs there was less than five points, so Derby Tri could equally be said to have clearly posted their intentions for 2012. Furthermore, Derby Tri were in action again at the Ashbourne Duathlon, where their respectable score put them ahead of the other League teams. Coventry Tri opened their account at the Swashbuckler event. Ful-on-Tri were also there, but FOT had only two registered members, which was a pity for them because their two registered members scored well, and with a third of that calibre they could have gone to the top of the League. On the same weekend, Swindon Tri, returning to League action after some years, achieved a team score at Lanzarote, but did not then follow this with another League team result for the rest of the season. Several teams at this point had not yet opened their League account, but three of the London teams got into action at the Crystal Palace Tri, with FOT's main team, and their Ladies' team, both outscoring Tri London. Moving into June it was Derby Tri who produced a good score at the Bala Middle event, and Tri London, who were outstanding at Wimbleball, and then followed this with another team score at Shropshire. Black Country Tri did not compete at the Bala Middle, but were the top League team at Shropshire, and by the end of the month, the positions in the League table had changed. Derby with 1843.100 points after 4 events had been overtaken by League Champions Tri London who, as a result of their score at Shropshire, now had 1911.101 points and led the League. Black Country Tri were in third place with 962.86 from two events, and Coventry Tri in fourth place with 884.654 points also from two events. However, during July, three League teams achieved team results. NYP opened their account at the Cleveland Steelman, Army Triathlon opened their account at the TriStar Triathlon, and Black Country Tri showed that they were still very much in the Championship title race by scoring 507.801 at the Cowman Middle-Distance Champs to bring their total to 1462.001 from just three events. Tri London and Army Tri both had two registered leaguers who finished at the Cowman but, as far as Tri London's title hopes were concerned, their lack of a third finisher at the event severely damaged their hopes of retaining the League title. So on the whole, July was relatively quiet, but August, without a doubt, was even quieter (perhaps it was the sizzling heat of the summer that kept most people at home!) with Coventry Tri the only League club to achieve a team score. Coventry made the journey to the Ely Monster middle-distance event, and although their score was not outstanding, it brought their League total to 1603.686 for four events, a total that would leave them secure in fourth place at the end of the season. Not a bad result against top quality opposition. But a summer that was really disappointing meant that the results at the remaining eight events (seven in September plus Carsington in October), would in effect decide the Championship. Two of these eight were held abroad (Zofingen and Nancy) and although individual leaguers were present there were no team finishes, but there were team finishes at the Bala standard event, the Vitruvian, and the Henley Half. At the Bala standard, Black Country Tri were the only League team in the field, where they scored 459.290 points. With a small correction to their Cowman score of 6.670 this brought their total for the season to 1928.960. The Vitruvian took place the day before the Bala standard and two League teams, Army Tri and Derby Tri, scored there. Derby had six registered finishers there, but although their fastest finishers produced a respectable team score, they were outpaced by Army Tri who scored an excellent total of 508.502 points, bringing their season's total to 980.15 for two events. Subtracting Derby Tri's lowest score of the season (400.00 at the Dambuster Tri) and replacing it with points earned at the Vitruvian left them with 1900.81 points and in third place in the League Table. Tri London had three finishers at the Vitruvian, but one of them was not registered with the League, so there was no team score for the 2011 Champions there. All eyes among League Championship watchers now turned to the Henley Full and Half Ironman events, and to Ironman Wales on 16th September. There were no League teams at Ironman Wales or at the Henley Ironman. Derby Tri had two highly-placed finishers there, but they lacked a third. Army Tri had two finishers there, but also lacked a registered third. So what happened at the Henley Half? Well, it produced a real surprise, although not one that affected the League title race. The surprise was that Ful-on-Tri had no fewer than ten registered finishers, with their top three in 2nd, 3rd, and 9th position, which earned FOT the highest League score of the season, no less than 549.768 points, which brought FOT's total for the season to 1016.17 from just two events. Scoring like that, FOT could have won the League, so what happened to them? Was it the weather, lack of interest, or lack of team co-ordination? Who knows, but they finished in fifth position overall. But they could undoubtedly have a future in the highest ranks of the UK League if they would put themselves to it. We'll see. But wishes are not cabbages, as I think someone once said, and thanks to their score at the Bala standard, Black Country Tri had won the race for the line. That's how things stayed because there were no League team scores at the New Forest Middle or Nancy, and while Derby Tri finished a team at Carsington, the team score was not high enough to increase the Derby Tri total, and Black Country Tri, as I said above, have become League Champions once again. The final League Table is given below. Individual scores in the various League competitions will appear in the next update. FINAL LEAGUE TABLE 2012 POS. CLUB EVENTS POINTS 1 Black Country Tri 4 1928.95 2 Tri London 4 1911.1 3 Derby Tri 4 1900.81 4 Coventry Tri 3 1603.606 5 Ful-on-Tri 2 1016.17 6 Army Tri 2 980.15 7 NYP 1 463.32 8 Ful-on-Tri Ladies 1 459.94 9 Swindon Tri 1 438.7

Outlaw Half entries open now

October 17, 2012, 3:44 am

≫ Next: World Aquathlon: Elite, Age Group, Para results

≪ Previous: National League Update #4 2012

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We don't expect these to hand around long - entries to the first Outlaw Half (2nd June 2013) are now open... Entries for the Outlaw Half are now open and available via the One Step Beyond website, www.onestepbeyond.org.uk. The middle distance event is set to take place for the first time on 2 June 2013 at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham. The event will follow the same format as the long distance Outlaw Triathlon, with a few subtle differences. There will be wave starts starting from 6:30am rather than a mass start at 6am. However, the swim will follow the exact same out and back format in the Regatta Lake with spectators able to walk alongside swimmers to cheer them on. Out of the swim, athletes will mount their bikes for a speedy get away around the lake and out into the Nottinghamshire countryside. The run will comprise laps of the lake and River Trent path and the finish will take place in front of the spectator grandstand. The Outlaw Half will be part of a full weekend of triathlon racing, with the previous day featuring the National Sprint Distance Championships in waves throughout the day. Athletes taking on the Outlaw Half will register on Friday evening (31 May) or Saturday (1 June). Mandatory briefings will take place on Saturday, and racking will be on Sunday morning. The long distance Outlaw Triathlon sold out in just a few days and interest in the Outlaw Half has been extremely high since the new event was announced last month. An initial limit of 1100 entries has been set. Individual and relay team entries (teams of three) will be accepted via www.onestepbeyond.org.uk, via postal entries downloaded from the website, or by phoning the office on 01427 718888.

World Aquathlon: Elite, Age Group, Para results

October 17, 2012, 3:44 am

≫ Next: Bridge Triathlon: Sunday 23rd June 2013

≪ Previous: Outlaw Half entries open now

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The early hours of this morning (UK time) saw the traditional warm up to the Triathlon World Championship / Grand Final - the 2012 ITU Aquathlon World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand. The headline results are below for the Elite categories, along with the GB & IRL medal winners in the Age Group and Paratriathlon events. Richard Stannard added another medal to his Aquathlon/Biathle collection with silver to a dominant Richard Varga (SVK), while Nicky Samuels made it a home win for New Zealand in the ladies Elite ahead of Ireland's Emma Davis. The GB Age Group medals haul comprises two Gold, two Silver and seven Bronze, while the ParaAquathletes took six Gold, four Silver and one Bronze. ITU Aquathlon World Championships 2012 - 1km swim / 5km run Elite Pos Men Women 1st Richard Varga (SVK) 28:33 Nicky Samuels (NZL) 33:02 2nd Richard Stannard (GBR) 29:34 Emma Davis (IRL) 34:23 3rd Ognjen Stojanovic (SRB) 30:12 Tea Milos (CRO) 34:54 Under-23 Pos Men Women 1st Ivan Ivanov (UKR) 29:30   2nd Harrison Dean (NZL) 31:58   3rd Andreas Schilling (DEN) 32:51   Junior Pos Men Women 1st Bob Haller (LUX) 30:04 Ivana Kuriackova (SVK) 33:54 2nd Jorgen Gunderson (NOR) 30:33   3rd Davip Pap (HUN) 30:49   GB & IRL Age Group Medals GOLD Caroline Whittaker (F50-54) Mike Trees (M50-54) SILVER Louise Bardsley (F30-34) Graham Plews (M60-64) BRONZE Michael Birchmore (M20-24) Neil Eddy (M25-29) Christine Lutsch (F30-34) Daniel Plews (M30-34) Susannah Clark (F35-39) Paul Jennings (M50-54) Beverley Childs (F55-59) GB & IRL Paratriathlon Medals GOLD Karen Darke (F-TRI-1) Faye McClelland (F-TRI-4) Melissa Reid (F-TRI-6) Steven Judge (M-TRI-3) Matthew Emmerson (M-TRI-5) Iain Dawson (M-TRI-6) SILVER Jane Egan (F-TRI-1) Lauren Steadman (F-TRI-4) Charlotte Ellis (F-TRI-6) James Smith (M-TRI-3) BRONZE Clare Cunningham (F-TRI-4)

Bridge Triathlon: Sunday 23rd June 2013

October 18, 2012, 2:25 pm

≫ Next: Human Race Festival of Sport 2012

≪ Previous: World Aquathlon: Elite, Age Group, Para results

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We are pleased to announce that entries are now open for the Bridge Triathlon - Sunday 23rd June 2013. The race is now in its 4th year and is getting bigger and better every year. We can’t believe the amount of e-mails we received from competitors telling us how much they enjoyed the event this year. The most important thing about this race and all our events is we are keeping all our entry fee’s the same as they have been for the last 3 years. The swim section takes place in one of the cleanest lakes in the UK. We hold the bike part of the race on a closed road course so ideal for anyone new to racing. The run section is all held on pavements so no busy roads to run down or cross. All competitors will receive a high quality technical finishers t-shirt. New for 2013, we are introducing an Aqua Bike race this year for the first time. It will be a 750 swim and then a 22k bike. To enter and for more information go to www.bridgetriathlon.co.uk.

Human Race Festival of Sport 2012

October 18, 2012, 2:25 pm

≫ Next: World Triathlon Grand Final preview

≪ Previous: Bridge Triathlon: Sunday 23rd June 2013

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The inaugural Human Race Festival of Sport (www.festivalofsport.net) took place last month based at Marazion, Cornwall, directly opposite the imposing figure of St Michael's Mount. A full range of Triathlon events (Sprint, Olympic, Middle), Sportives (100km, 150km), Open Water Swims (1.5km, 3km, 10km), Beach Runs (5km, 10km), a ladies only Cycletta and more were held alongside live music, beach sports, lots of food and relaxed 'festival vibe'. Several of the Tri247 team were there for the full weekend, and between us we took part in the majority of the events. A really fun weekend, the weather stayed dry and a relaxing way to spend a few days away in Cornwall. Hopefully we can make it back in 2013. We might be ready for the Cornish hills this time... The 2013 Festival of Sport has already been announced for the weekend of 20th-22nd September 2013, and entries can already be secured HERE. This includes 'early bird' pricing before the end of October 2012, plus reductions on the entry prices of the triathlon events versus this year too. If you are a Cornish resident, you can get a further 20% reduction as well. Interested? Well here is a nice highlights video from the weekend to give you a little more insight into the weekend.

World Triathlon Grand Final preview

October 18, 2012, 2:25 pm

≫ Next: Weekend preview: October 20-21

≪ Previous: Human Race Festival of Sport 2012

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Brownlee aims to finish season on a high ITU Triathlon world champions will be decided this weekend as the 2012 season comes to an end at the Barfoot&Thompson World Triathlon Grand Final in Auckland, New Zealand. Jonathan Brownlee has the opportunity to win his first senior world title, whilst elite junior, U23 and Paratriathletes aim for medals as part of the GE Great Britain Triathlon Team. Brownlee famously won bronze at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and although he says his experience at the Games cannot be bettered, winning the world title would cap a remarkable year for the 22 year old. He said: "To win the world title would be incredible, especially to follow Alistair as the champion. It's been a long season and the Olympics was my major focus this year, but I now have a big opportunity this weekend and I hope to make the most of it. "Alistair wanted to be here but we've both been so busy since the Olympics, it's been crazy and he needed a break. The World Series races in San Diego and Madrid were two of my best ever, so I've shown I can race without him, but it does change things. "My ideal race would be to be part of a small break away on the bike. It's no secret that I like to race like that and the tough bike course in Auckland should break things up a bit.” Brownlee starts with a cushion of 180 points over Olympic silver medallist, Javier Gomez. To guarantee the title he will need to finish on the podium in the Grand Final race, which will feature a cold water swim and severe climb on the multi-lap bike course. A full list of the GE Great Britain elite teams and the schedule of events are below. The Elite Women's and Men's events will be televised live on the BBC Red Button, and a highlights programme with be shown on BBC2 on Sunday 21 October at 2:05pm. The Age Group events are previewed HERE. Schedule of Events All times are local NZ and then London U23 Women - Saturday 20 October - 9:15 (Friday 9.15pm) Elite Women - Saturday 20 October - 12:15 (Saturday 12.15am) U23 Men - Saturday 20 October - 15:15 (Saturday 3.15am) Junior Women - Sunday 21 October - 11:00 (Saturday 11.00pm) Elite Men - Sunday 21 October - 13:05 (Sunday 1.05am) Junior Men - Sunday 21 October - 16:00 (Sunday 4.00am) Paratriathlon - Monday 22 October- 15:15 (Monday 3.15am) GE Great Britain Team Senior: Jodie Stimpson, Adam Bowden, Jonathan Brownlee, Mark Buckingham,Aaron Harris, David McNamee U23: Lucy Hall, Lois Rosindale, Non Stanford, Tom Bishop, Matt Sharp Junior: Sophie Coldwell, Georgia Taylor-Brown, Marc Austin, Gordon Benson Paratriathlon: Tri 1: Karen Darke, Jane Egan, Liz McTernan, Jimmy Goddard, Darron Shields, Joe Townsend Tri 3: Steven Judge, James Smith Tri 4: Clare Cunningham, Faye McClelland, Lauren Steadman Tri 5: Matthew Emmerson Tri 6: Charlotte Ellis, Melissa Reid, Iain Dawson

Weekend preview: October 20-21

October 19, 2012, 1:19 pm

≫ Next: Bronze for Bishop at Under-23 World's

≪ Previous: World Triathlon Grand Final preview

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Now this officially counts as a quiet weekend! All the real action on the international scene is at the ITU's Triathlon World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand where we've already started the medal harvest in the form of multiple podiums in the Aquathlon Championships. Hopefully there will be many more to come as the weekend progresses. Jonathan Brownlee is in the box seat to take over the title of ITU World Champion from big brother Alistair provided he can secure a podium finish. The Auckland course is a tough one - which can only help his cause further. As always it seems, Javier Gomez (ESP) is the biggest danger for both the victory on the day and overall World Championship. You can read the separate preview piece HERE. Whatever happens, having won all three Grand Final races to date (Gold Coast, Budapest, Beijing), it won't be Alistair Brownlee on the top step of the podium this weekend. He is recovering from an Olympic Gold winning season - and an appendix operation! There is (half) M-Dot Ironman action this week, yes, even the week after Kona! Ironman 70.3 Mandurah (Western Australia) is the event where the British interest rests with Liz Blatchford, who has raced so well over the half-iron distance since her non-selection for the Olympic Games. 2011 70.3 World Champion Melissa Hauschildt (nee Rollison) will make it a tough day, though Blatchford has taken a couple of scalps already this year. You can read a full preview on that one from our friends 'down under' with the local knowledge at firstoffthebike. Back home the leaves are tumbling off the trees and there's not a triathlon in sight. On a weekend where event naming seems to have taken new flights of fancy the Chilham Castle Duathlon offers the most simple description and delivers two distances of duathlon and run. Concept Sport's long-established Mass Attack Duathlon hits the Thruxton circuit near Andover but extra naming points have to go to the Lungbuster Duathlon at Banbury and the Grim Duathlon at Aldershot. Aquathlon wise it's the first of the Hot Chilli Damp Dash Winter Aquathlons in its various distance guises, plus the Plympton Aquathlon, which also hosts a junior edition too. The Human Race crew are still piling events into the mix and this weekend it's their Women Only Shock Absorber 5k and 10k runs in Richmond Park. A great success last year and the event has expanded its entry which can't be bad given that there's another run event less than five miles away: The Fix Event's Richmond Riverside 10k. FULL WEEKEND RACE LISTINGS

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Bronze for Bishop at Under-23 World's

October 21, 2012, 3:05 am

≫ Next: Non Stanford: U23 World Champion

≪ Previous: Weekend preview: October 20-21

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Brilliant bronze for Bishop at ITU World Championships Tom Bishop won bronze at the ITU U23 World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand. The 21 year old, who is originally from Derby and now training in Leeds, won his third world championship medal in row, and Matt Sharp set the fastest run split to finish sixth. LISTEN TO TOM BISHOP HERE Bishop swam, biked and ran with the lead group throughout, enjoying the tough, hilly course. His bronze matches the one he won in Beijing last year, and adds to junior silver from Budapest in 2010. He said: “I'm really happy with the race, it was hard, how I like it. I wish there were more courses like that. “The first couple of laps on the bike were really hard, and then my legs started to feel good and I just wanted to push on. I tried to take the finishing kicks out of the guys, but they were just sticking to me like glue. “On the last two or three hundred metres they came by and I tried to go a bit but (Fernando) Alarza's got that good little kick and then (Aaron) Royle came by. “Third is still good, a world championship medal is nothing to complain about, but I just wanted an upgrade, it's not quite there yet. I've got a few more years at U23 and next year at the home world championships hopefully the home crowd will give me a little bit of that extra boost.” Matt Sharp was happy with sixth place, although slightly disappointed not to defend his title from last year. He said: “I had a race plan and I executed that today. Unfortunately it didn't pan out how I wanted, but I'm really happy and my legs felt good on the run.” Jonathan Brownlee races tomorrow (1:05am tonight UK time) and is attempting to win his first senior world title. The elite junior races also take place tomorrow and the Paratriathlon on Monday. Results, men U23: 1. Aaron Royle AUS 1:57:17 2. Fernando Alarza ESP 1:57:20 3. Thomas Bishop GBR 1:57:21 6. Matthew Sharp GBR 1:58:49

Non Stanford: U23 World Champion

October 21, 2012, 3:05 am

≫ Next: Norden secures ITU World Championship

≪ Previous: Bronze for Bishop at Under-23 World's

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Non Stanford wins stunning U23 world title Britain's Non Stanford has won the U23 world title at the Barfoot&Thompson World Triathlon Grand Final in Auckland. She beat Holland's Sarissa De Vries in an exciting head to head race to the finish. London 2012 Olympian, Lucy Hall, led out the swim and Stanford worked hard after exiting the water to ride up to the lead group and she took control of the race from there. She was frequently in the lead on the bike and immediately took up the lead with De Vries on the run. LISTEN TO NON STANFORD HERE The pair ran together for 9km before Stanford, who is from Swansea and trains in Leeds, pushed the pace and claimed the world title. She said: "It was a quality field out there with really strong runners. I struggled on the first few laps of the bike but I managed to ride up to the lead group. "I got on the run and kept my head down and eventually broke free. "It was the dream scenario, but never has one of my race plans gone to plan! For it to actually go right for once is absolutely unbelievable. It happened on the right day!" Lucy Hall finished 8th and Lois Rosindale 21st. Hall said: “The swim was pretty nice, not as choppy as we'd expected. We knew the bike course was going to be tough. There was a group of 12 of us until the run, which was hard! “It's great to see Non come away with the win, I'm really happy for her. I'm happy with my race considering I've only done a few months of run training since the Games.” Results, women U23: 1. Non Stanford GBR 2:13:06 2. Sarissa De Vries NED 2:13:15 3. Joanna Brown CAN 2:14:12 8. Lucy Hall GBR 2:15:11 21. Lois Rosindale GBR 2:18:05

Norden secures ITU World Championship

October 21, 2012, 3:05 am

≫ Next: 2013 ITU World Series announced

≪ Previous: Non Stanford: U23 World Champion

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Stimpson finishes fifth as Norden wins world title Jodie Stimpson recorded her best ever finish in an ITU World Triathlon Series race with fifth in the Grand Final in Auckland, New Zealand. Olympic silver medallist, Lisa Norden of Sweden, finished just one place ahead and secured enough points to win the world title despite having visited hospital overnight before the race. Stimpson has enjoyed an excellent second half of the season, and came to New Zealand with high hopes of a good result. She said: “I hammered the first bit of the bike and managed to get in (to the lead pack) and played it sensibly, and then got on the run and was amazed how slow it was until the last lap. The last lap started to pick it up and it was all about who’s got the run legs left. “I’m ecstatic, really chuffed and excited next for season.” Germany’s Ann Haug won the race by 12 seconds from fast-finishing Gwen Jorgensen (USA). Barbara Riveros Diaz of Chile was third, but it was Lisa Norden in fourth who secured the world title having had a consistently good season. Norden revealed afterwards that she went to hospital overnight to be treated for food poisoning. Ann Haug finished second in the Series and New Zealand’s Andrea Hewitt was third. The GE Great Britain Team enjoyed success in the U23 events. Non Stanford was crowned world champion and Tom Bishop finished third. Elite women’s results: 1. Anne Haug GER 2:10:48 2. Gwen Jorgensen USA 2:11:00 3. Barbara Riveros Diaz CHI 2:11:01 4. Lisa Norden SWE 2:11:03 5. Jodie Stimpson GBR 2:11:03 ITU World Triathlon Series Rankings 1. Lisa Norden SWE 4531 – ITU World Champion 2. Anne Haug GER 4340 3. Andrea Hewitt NZL 3893 4. Barbara Riveros Diaz CHI 3707 5. Erin Densham AUS 3611 6. Nicola Spirig SUI 3264

2013 ITU World Series announced

October 22, 2012, 11:31 am

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≪ Previous: Norden secures ITU World Championship

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ITU unveils schedule for 2013 ITU World Triathlon Series After crowning Lisa Norden (SWE) and Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) as the 2012 ITU World Champions this past weekend, the International Triathlon Union (ITU) today announced the schedule for the 2013 ITU World Triathlon Series. Emerging from the excitement of the highly successful London 2012 Olympic Games, the 2013 ITU World Triathlon Series visits eight cities in four continents as the world's top triathletes compete head-to-head to be crowned the 2013 ITU World Champion. Entering its fifth season, triathlon's premier global series features eight rounds of race action, culminating with the Grand Final on the 2012 Olympic course in Hyde Park, London. 2013 ITU World Triathlon Series: April 6-7: Auckland, New Zealand April 20-21: San Diego, USA May 11-12: Yokohama, Japan June 1-2: Madrid, Spain July 6-7: Kitzbühel, Austria July 20-21: Hamburg, Germany (sprint distance and ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships) August 24-25: Stockholm, Sweden Grand Final - September 11-16: London, Great Britain Every race will feature age-group races and all elite women's and men's races will be broadcast live to an international audience and streamed online live. In 2012, the series was broadcast in more than 160 countries. "The ITU World Triathlon Series has seen astonishing growth year after year and the 2013 edition again travels around the globe to some of the world's major cities," said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member. "2013 promises another season of thrilling ITU racing before closing the season in London where we witnessed some of the most spectacular action in the history of our sport." The 2013 ITU World Triathlon Series opens where this year's series concludes; in Auckland where the 2012 World Champions were decided this past weekend. The series then shifts to the birthplace of triathlon, San Diego, after a highly popular and successful debut in the series earlier this year. Japan will host the ITU World Triathlon Series for the third time in Yokohama, before the series moves to Europe starting in Spain. A candidate city for the 2020 Olympic Games, Madrid offers athletes its usual challenging course through Casa de Campo Park. Scenic Kitzbühel, Austria will welcome the ITU World Triathlon Series for the fifth straight year and will feature a unique mountain course finishing on the famous Kitzbühel Horn. In addition to sprint distance races, Hamburg will also host the 2013 ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championships in July, less than two months before the IOC's decision on whether ITU's bid for inclusion in the Olympic Games will be successful. The series travels to Stockholm for the penultimate round in late August before the season reaches its peak September 11-16 at the Grand Final in London where the 2013 ITU World Champions will be crowned. Races will be September 11-15 while the 26th ITU Congress will be held on September 16. The 25th edition of the biggest event on the annual ITU calendar also marks the 20th anniversary of the first and only other time Great Britain has staged the ITU Triathlon World Championships when Manchester hosted in 1993. The ITU Triathlon World Championships were first held in Avignon, France in 1989. In 2009, the championships were revamped, expanding the former single-day World Championships event into an exciting multi-city global series, culminating with the Grand Final. Athletes earn points throughout the season and those who win the overall series are crowned the ITU Triathlon World Champions.

Grand Final: Elite Ladies Video

October 22, 2012, 11:31 am

≫ Next: Grand Final: U-23 Ladies Video

≪ Previous: 2013 ITU World Series announced

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Sweden's Lisa Norden completed a great season on Saturday, adding the 2012 ITU World Championship to an Olympic Silver medal by taking fourth place in Auckland, New Zealand at the 2012 ITU Grand Final. The race was won by Anne Haug (GER), while Great Britain's Jodie Stimpson in fifth secured her best ever WTS finish. Here is the Tricast highlights package from the race. (Watch all of the 2012 Grand Final highlights videos on these links: ELITE MEN | ELITE LADIES | UNDER-23 MEN | UNDER-23 LADIES) ELITE LADIES - ITU World Triathlon Grand Final 2012 Elite women’s results: 1. Anne Haug GER 2:10:48 2. Gwen Jorgensen USA 2:11:00 3. Barbara Riveros Diaz CHI 2:11:01 4. Lisa Norden SWE 2:11:03 5. Jodie Stimpson GBR 2:11:03