Clair recovers to take first (From Western Telegraph)

Clair recovers to take first

Following the good turnout at the Pembrokeshire Triathlon on 30 June, Eleven members of Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club tackled the Llanelli Classic Triathlon on 8 July.

This was the second running of this race, following a successful event in 2000.

This year the swim transferred to the renovated North Dock from the weed infested Sandy Water Park, a definite improvement according to the competitors, and a better arena for spectating.

The event consisted of an 800m two-lap swim in the dock, followed by a 32km cycle on a relatively flat and well-marshalled course to Kidwelly and back. Finally the last leg involved a run along the new cycle track, covering a total of 6km. A total of 160 individuals and 15 teams completed the race.

In the womens race it was a coveted win for Clair Davies, who clawed back a deficit from the swim with stronger bike and run times than the second placed woman.

A trophy and a small cash prize were her reward.

In the mens race, PTC athletes put up a great showing, with three in the top 15, and this gave PTC second place in the team competition.

Trophies were also awarded to the fastest swim, bike and run times of the day, and the club again performed well with Roger Devonald recording the fastest bike and Simon Watson the fastest run. Strength in depth was evident as club members recorded 5 of the top 13 run times.

It was also very pleasing to see some of the clubs newer members competing. Caroline Blair raced in her first open competition and did extremely well, especially as she tackled the bike course on a mountain bike. Steve Matchett only completed his first triathlon on 24 June, but has now tackled three events in as many weeks.

Results for PTC members were as follows:

4th Roger Devonald; 1:28:39; 5th Oggy Owen; 1:30:10; 15th Simon Watson; 1:35:44; 20th Richard Thompson; 1:36:57; 24th Stuart Irving; 1:38:01; 28th David Astins; 1:39:02; 33rd Clair Davies; 1:39:47; 59th Steve Matchett; 1:46:23; 66th Peter Lloyd; 1:47:45; 104th Howard Williams; 1:54:05; 149th Caroline Blair; 2:06:05.

Anyone interested in triathlon please contact Clair Davies on (01437) 765453.