Welsh title for Pembrokeshire (From Western Telegraph)

Welsh title for Pembrokeshire

Twelve members of Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club competed in the Pembrokeshire Triathlon held at Fishguard & Goodwick on 30 June. This was the third successive year for this race at this venue, which is proving popular with athletes across the UK.

265 entrants started together to tackle the 1500m sea swim in the harbour, which was made difficult by the strong wind on the return to shore. A 40km out and back bike course followed the swim, along the A487 towards St. Davids, again into a strong headwind. Once back at Goodwick the athletes completed a flat 10k run, involving two laps of land around the Stenaline ferry terminal.

Tenby athlete Oliver Simon finished the swim in secondnd place, but faded somewhat on the bike and run to finish 16th overall. However, he collected the first local male prize for his efforts, and scooped third place in the Welsh Championships. He was nearly caught by Roger Devonald who had an excellent race coming in less than a minute behind Oliver in 17th place.

Biggest cheer of the day went to the clubs newest member, Paul Reynish, who was last out of the water by several minutes. He got the loudest ovation at the swim exit for his sheer determination for sticking with it and proved that triathlon is not just about winning. Locals Mervyn Palmer and Richard Thompson had a great battle, Richard eventually coming out on top by just 19 seconds thanks to the fastest run time of the club athletes. In the womens field Clair Davies came home in an excellent 7th place, 81st overall, and was second Welsh women home. She also scooped the local female prize once again.

Most prestigious of all, Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club beat off all-comers across Wales by winning the Welsh team title. Awarded by the Welsh Triathlon Association (WTA), the trophy went to the team with the fastest aggregate times of its first three WTA athletes home, and Oliver Simon, Roger Devonald and Richard Thompson won this to round off an excellent day for the club.

The results for club members were as follows:

16th, Oliver Simon, 2:14:39; 17th, Roger Devonald, 2:15:34; 60th, Richard Thompson, 2:28:15; 63rd, Mervyn Palmer, 2:28:34; 81st, Clair Davies, 2:32:14; 88th, Charles Paffett, 2:33:50; 149th, Steve Matchett, 2:47:15; 161st, Neil Morgan, 2:49:52; 166th, Peter Lloyd 2:51:08; 210th, Mel Balkwill, 3:02:02; 238th, Suzanne Thomas, 3:10:53; 257, Paul Reynish, 3:25:33.

There are still a number of races this season which club members will be tackling, including Llanelli, Newtown, Bro Ddyfi and Bala. Some will even be tackling the Half Ironman UK race at Llanberis in September, a gruelling 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run.

Anyone interested in triathlon, whatever you ability, please contact Clair Davies on (01437) 765453.