Hardman Valentia Island Sprint Triathlon

IS there anywhere more beautiful than Kerry in the sunshine? Well there is certainly not where as beautiful as Valentia on Saturday as the magnificent sunshine and scenery literally stopped cyclists in their tracks as they sped around the island as part of the annual Valentia Triathlon.

Warm weather, stunning views and perfect race conditions made for a fantastic atmosphere and wonderful event at this year’s Hardman Valentia island Sprint Triathlon.

The 750m swim, 20k bike and 5k run drew almost 160 competitors from across Kerry including a large contingent from local triathlon clubs in particular Tralee and Killarney but also athletes from further afield. Even holidaymakers joined in the action to take part in the event which showcased the beauty of Valentia and challenged participants who took on the course.

The 750m swim from Renard point to Valentia, following the ferry route, had almost perfect conditions and the first out of the water was Tralee triathlete, Cillian Tierney, who swam the distance in just 8.37.

He was the first man home for the second year in a row and finishing the entire distance in just 56.56. He was just 17 seconds ahead of Kerry triathlete Mark Nolan from Kilflynn, living in Cork, with whom he has more than a few close races. In third place was triathlete John O’Connell in 1.02.53

The first female to cross the finish line was Denise Casey from Killarney in 1.11.36 followed by Tralee Triathlon Club’s Suzanne O’Sullivan in 1.14.09 and in third place was Deirdre O’Sullivan in 1.17.51.

Tralee Triathlon Club also proved their talent again in the relay race to win the team event.

After the hard work was done it was time for relaxation in the sun in Valentia as triathletes wound day after a hard day’s work out on the course and judging by this year’s success the Hardman Valentia Island Sprint Triathlon will definitely be a must on the racing calendar next year with triathletes looking to return to race in one of Kerry’s most scenic locations.

Con O’Regan, Cathal King and David O’Leary, cycling along the coast of Valentia Island, Co Kerry.

On Familiar Ground…Bryan Foran of Valentia Island, coming close to the finishing line at Knightstown, in The Hardman Sprint Triathlon

Cooling down….Members of Tralee Triathlon Club, cool down after competing in the Hardman Sprint Triathlon on Valentia Island. from left, Cathal King, John McKeonn, Ines Delgado, Joe Roche and John Roche. Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan

Leanne McCarthy and John O’Sullivan, close to the finishing line in The Hardman Sprint Triathlon

Making a grand entrance…John Barrett and Poshey Aherne, Tralee Triathlon Club coming close to the finish line at Knightstown, Valentia Island.

Sinead Kelleher, Tralee Triathlon Club, close to the finishing line in Knightstown, Valentia Island

Fiona Fenton emerging from the water onto Valentia Island, in The Hardman Sprint Triathlon

Adrian McCarthy from Killarney, cycling along the coast of Valentia Island

Arthur Nowak, Tralee Tri Club, on Valentia Island, Co Kerry