Phoenix Park, Dublin City Centre, Ireland 2.7km run, 8.5km cycle, 2.7km run, 8.5km cycle, 2.7km run.
Next Wednesday (5th of Aug) will see the final race in the 2009 Runways Duathlon Series in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. To mix things up the Duathlon is being run in the ‘Formula 1’ format, consisting of three runs and two cycles. The prize money attracts the top domestic Duathletes and Triathletes, while the timing just after the Irish Athletic and Cycling championships, allows some of the best single sport athletes to have a bit of multisport fun! A few of people to look out for are
Form Guide
Women
Elana Maslova: This former Russian national bi-athlete squad member has cleared up domestically this year, winning all three previous duathlons in the series. While there are faster runners out there, Maslova has out-split most other women by 2 minutes on the bike to secure her wins.
Monica Marconi: Marconi slick Italian bike handling skills have allowed her to challenge Maslova on this technical cycle course. After taking 2nd place no less than four times on this course, it’s time she took her first win.
Eillis Connery: Since taking a win in her first ever Duathlon this spring, Connery’s run speed has definitely made her the most promising Irish duathlete. With her sights set on racing elite at the worlds in Edinburgh next year, winning here is the expectation.
Sinead Jennings: There are few irish athletes with as much talent at Jennings. She won the world lightweight rowing championship in only her second year of rowing. She almost repeated this last year, with a silver at the world championships, before transferring to the irish track cycling squad. She’s also won the Dublin x-country running championships as well as last years Dublin triathlon, which she did as training. While this is her first ever Duathlon, she’s got to start the main contender. If she has a potential weakness it’s transitions. With 4 transitions, this could be decisive.
Men
Mark Doyle: With a win rate of 6 out of 7 duathlons this year, Doyle starts as favourite. Doyle’s 1500m track background means that he’s always close to the top in the run, and has the ability to go with all but the best cyclists. His win in the Runways June Duathlon was probably the most impressive, as he closed down Bryan McCrystals lead of 22seconds in the final 2.5km run.
Bryan McCrystal: Fresh from his win at the ‘Best of the East’ this uber-biker has cycled his way onto the podium of most races this summer. The battle between himself and Doyle is difficult to call. In fact it may have more to do with who still has fresh legs at this end of the season!!!
Darragh Halpenny: Expect Halpenny to be pushing the pace on the run. His bike leg in the Runways June Duathlon let him down, causing him to finish 3rd. However nobody has spent more time training on the bike course since then, so with a bit of luck, he could well win.
Colm Turner: Turner took silver in the 2007 Irish Triathlon Championships, before concentrating on running, and the European student x-country in particular. Now he’s back racing triathlons and coming into form. However his lack of full fitness may mean that Turner may struggle towards the end.
John Caffrey: Caffrey is always a good bet for a podium spot. He’s definitely the best bike handler in the field, so if it’s a wet night, he’ll have a significant advantage over the other men.
Peter Kern: Normally someone with an 8h50min Ironman under their belt would start as favourite; however this course is probably too short for Kern to shine.
Barry Minnock, Kevin English & Mark Ryan: The Track Stars
Fresh from the Track & Field championships, these 10km and 3km steeplechase runners will all be aiming for the first run prime. On the face of it Minnock’s sub 30min running form makes him favourite, but it’s difficult to call.
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