Triumphant return to Broad Haven (From Western Telegraph)

Triumphant return to Broad Haven

10:00am Friday 24th July 2009 in

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Huge crowds of spectators turned out to see the return of the Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon to Broad Haven.

Local Triathlete and Welsh Standard Distance Champion, Oliver Simon (Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club) led from the start and stormed to victory in 2:21:11, more than seven minutes ahead of second placed Richard Wilder (Les Croupier Triathletes).

The battle for second and third was more closely contested as Jonathan Pryke (Spiuk) opened up a four-and-a-half minute lead over Richard in the swim.

Richard entered T2 in second place posting the fastest bike split of the day in 1:13:13.

The challenging course was not going to yield any personal bests over a standard distance triathlon. Winner of the Female Open Category, Kirsty Murray (TROT’s), led from the swim with second place Fiona Evans chasing hard. Fiona posted the fastest ladies bike in a time of 1:27:26, taking two minutes out of Kirsty’s three minute lead. However, Kirsty pulled away on the run course to a winning time of 2:55:23.

The race was very well supported by local athletes and a number of them collected prizes from Triexercise of Milford Haven in their various categories. Local knowledge of the hilly bike and run course paid off for Karen Corcoran and Steve Pryke who collected their respective Super Veteran category prizes. It has been more than ten years since Broad Haven has hosted a triathlon and some of the 180 athletes had returned to take on the newly designed course. Mike Griffiths, better known as Batman, was one of those competitors. The spectators lined the beach finish to cheer him on as he finished in a time of 3:06:09 in full fancy dress, raising money for Wales Air Ambulance as he went. More than £1,000 was raised for the Wales Air Ambulance on the day through donations and the raffle of a holiday donated by Timber Hill.

The top two relay teams, both from Newgale Surf Lifesaving Club, shared the title. The two teams crossed the line, arm in arm, in a time of 2:31:20. The female relay category was won by team Ton-and-Kate who finished in 2:57:19. Newgale YMCA donated a prize for the first corporate relay team which was won by a Pembrokeshire County Council team from Fishguard Leisure Centre. The prizes were not restricted to the winners as spot prizes donated by The Royal in Broad Haven, Wood Park Off Road, Folly Farm and Julia Hill were up for grabs to all competitors.

The new course proved to be as tough as those used in the mid 1990s. The one lap bike course through the Pembrokeshire countryside proved a popular challenge as did the panoramic views of St Bride’s Bay from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park coast path. The support of the local community and businesses including the Galleon Inn and St Bride’s Bay clothing added to the event and it is hoped that the Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon can once again become an annual event.

Results: Men: 1500m Swim, 43km Bike, 10.2km Run 1, Oliver Simon, Pembrokeshire Tri - 2:21:11; 2, Richard Wilder, Les Croupiers Tri - 2:28:23; 3, Jonathan Pryke, Spiuk - 2:30:44 Women 1, Kirsty Murray, TROTs - 2:55:23; 2, Fiona Evans - 2:59:19; 3, Stephanie James - 3:03:48.

Relay teams 1= Newgale Surf Lifesaving Club - 2:31:20; 1= Newgale Surf lifesaving Club A - 2:31:20; 3, Ton-and-Kate - 2:57:19.