converts newbies into triathletes (Provisional results) Mini Triathlon results added.
On Saturday 29th May, the Westport Harbour Quay fishing community thought for a moment they had realed in some fine sized catches when 70+ wetsuited triathletes appeared in the harbour channel. The first Westport Triathlon was an inauguration for many competitors to the world of triathlon, which has infected so many newbies with the “bug” making triathlon Ireland’s fastest growing sport.
Weather conditions were ideal with a light haze and breeze on the course encompassing a 500m swim, 20km cycle and 5 km run. Race organizer Sebastien Lochteau was pleased to note that the response from entrants was overwhelmingly positive with many noting Westport as a very popular destination for sports tourism and he is confident that this event will grow in future years. “The support of the local community is what makes an event like this happen, we were fortunate to have an excellent team provided mainly by the Westport Swimming Club. Local authorities and race partners made the running of the event really smooth, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Mayo County Council, the Westport Gardai, Westport Coast Guard and Water Safety teams, the Red Cross and staff and management of the Westport Woods Hotel and Westport House as well as Murrisk Development Authority.” The race was won by local athletes, many will know Padraig Marrey of AnPost fame, who claimed the first male prize and Deirdre Kelly took the ladies star podium position, both of them in impressive times on a relatively challenging course. Triathlon is a sport of endurance and congratulations have to be offered to all who took part, no matter where they feature on the results list. For anyone interested in taking part in the sport, there is a full series of 25.5 Triathlon races based in the West of Ireland. See www.sebfitness.com for information. Thanks to our Official photographer Sean Bailey for the superbe pictures : https://picasaweb.google.com/Locteau/Westport255Triathlon#