Picture Special - Roe Valley Sprint Triathlon

So says Chrissie Wellington, the greatest female endurance triathlete in the world and that was the motto behind the Roe Valley Sprint Triathlon organised by the Triangle Triathlon Club, hosted by the Roe Valley Leisure Centre and sponsored by Xperience and Fletcher Torrens.

Record numbers of 210 flocked to the heart of the Roe Valley to enjoy blustery conditions over the 30 length swim, the 20K bike ride and the 5K run. There were 19 competitors from the Triangle Club and many more from all over the country taking part in this traditional curtain season raiser for the Ulster Branch of Triathlon Ireland. There were 7 heats each containing 30 keen triathletes, some experienced, some doing their first ever triathlon but all of them grateful to the enthusiastic and friendly marshals who ensured the day went smoothly. The overall winners were Taryn McCoy from the Peninsula Triathlon Club and Paul Carroll from the Olympian Club. Taryn is Ireland’s greatest Adventure Racer and this 1 hour 9 minutes 47 seconds was merely a quick sprint for Taryn who normally races for distances of up to 24 hours.

The men’s winner was Paul Carroll from Belfast. He was the only man under the hour and he set a new course record. His swim time for 30 lengths was 11 minutes 32. He had a transition of 40 seconds. His bike time was 30 minutes 29 seconds which is an average of 25 miles an hour on the hilly Ballyquin Road. He had a second transition time of 44 seconds and a phenomenal run time of 54 minutes 32 seconds for the 5K to finish sub 59 minutes.

Paul later said he was in good form. This has not been his first success this season and it won’t be his last.

Second on the podium was Peter Savage from the Newry Club in a time of 1 hour 2 minutes 27 Seconds and third was TTC Member Rhodri Jones in a great time of 1 hour 2 minutes 43 seconds. It’s great to see Rhodri back on the scene. Rhodri worked in Spain for 8 years and he is now the leading athlete for the Club.

Second in the female race was Maeve Maher-McWilliams from the North West Club just 15 seconds behind Taryn and third was Joanne Doran also of the North West Club in 1 hour 10 minutes 12 seconds.