Kyle inspired me, says Travis
PORT Elizabeth triathlete Travis McGrath will be looking to build on the good form which saw him place third in the elite category at the African Triathlon Championships at the weekend.
Finishing in a time of two hours, three minutes and 48 seconds, McGrath managed to scoop ninth place overall and strengthen his bid to obtain his elite licence for next season, which he says will allow him to race against the best athletes on the planet.
“I don’t think anyone can complain with coming third in what is probably the biggest race in Africa,” a relieved McGrath said.
“I am really happy with how the day turned out. The race itself suited me – hard swim, flat bike and a hard run.
“I knew the run would be tough because it is not my strongest discipline but I have been working hard to improve it.”
Despite some issues on the swim, he managed to come out of the water with the front pack before taking to the bicycle on a fast, technical course.
He said the run was equally tough as he could not make a clean breakaway but he managed to hold on for his third place.
“I have a new running coach now. I have a fairly strong swim and bike, so I could always take some time in the run,” McGrath said.
“But racing as an elite, everyone is strong in those departments so I am working hard to improve that aspect of my performance.”
McGrath had a massive training block prior to the championships, including having to compete in a number of events locally and abroad.
These included races in Europe as well as The Herald Continental Cycle Tour and the SA Triathlon Championships.
“I’m going to be racing full-time this year and so far I am really happy with where I am in terms of my training,” he said.
McGrath said the performance was inspired by another homegrown hero in Kyle Buckingham, who won the coveted Ironman African Championships in Port Elizabeth recently.
“I’m so thankful for all the messages I have received, before and after the race, especially from Kyle, who kept motivating me and encouraging me to do my best,” he said.
Meanwhile, at the same event, Stellenbosch-based Jamie Riddle ran the race of his life as he ended in a dead heat alongside fellow South African Ben De La Porte, resulting in both men being awarded gold.
Racing in the junior men section, the 17-year-old former Grey High School pupil swam, cycled and ran a splendid race to claim the shared gold medal in a time of 59:45.
“I am very happy with my performance. It was a great race and my tactics [worked] well for me,” Riddle said.
“The finish was tight and I put everything I had into this race so I’m glad I could pull it off.”
Riddle’s performance has put him in good stead ahead of the team selection for the ITU Grand Finals on the Gold Coast.
He is now exploring the possibility of a return to the European circuit as he earmarks a few events which he says would improve his overall performances and at the same time bolster his chances for SA selection.
Bay para-athlete Charl Parkin added yet another gold medal to his cap when he took gold in the PTS3 category at the championships.
Parkin, racing with a new carbon bicycle sponsored by a good Samaritan, slashed almost 10 minutes off his previous championship time to finish in 1:21.00.
“This will put me in a good position as I continue my push for selection in 2020. I will now look to see which races I can do and try to raise the necessary funds so I can continue to compete at this level,” he said.