Double Tri-umph for twin sisters
ERICA Byram of Holmfirth Harriers took the Senior British Elite Triathlon Championship title in the final race of the Super Series at Mallory Park.
Erica and twin Lucy took on a quality field made up of junior and seniors fighting it out for the title and points for the final Super Series standings.
The event was over the sprint distance of 750m swim, 20.2km bike and 5k run.
Erica was never far from the front and came out from the swim in eighth place but quickly made up a few places to fifth with a speedy transition onto her bike.
After three laps of a six-lap course Erica was in the lead pack of three.
Erica and junior international Sophia Green made a quick exit from transition to the run gaining 10 seconds on the chasing athletes.
The pace was fast from the start but after the third run lap Erica and Sophia were caught by seasoned international Jennifer Manners who tried to pull away on the final lap. Erica went with her and the two athletes were side by side for the last half of the run lap.
Erica made a break with 400 metres to go and took the gap over Jennifer of seven seconds to claim her first British Senior Championship title in a time of 1:03:18 and completing the 5k run in 17:28 seconds, the joint fastest run of the day. Lucy finished 13th senior.
Meanwile Lucy and brother Lewis took part in the Castle Series at the Olympic Triathlon distance of 1500m swim, 40k bike and 10k run. This being a non-drafting race the men and ladies set off at the same time in Paris.
First out of the water with a lead of 40 seconds was Lewis, followed shortly after by Lucy after a super swim in fourth place. Then they were out on the bike course around Chantilly before the final 10k run in the stunning castle grounds.
Lewis got caught on the last part of the course. Not being on a time trial bike probably lost him time but he was very happy to take second place in a time of 2:05:11 seconds.
But it was top of the podium for Lucy, coming home to take the ladies race in a time of 2:20:56 - over 10 minutes in front of the next competitor.
This was a great performance following her second place at Castle Howard in July behind fellow Holmfirth Harrier and Olympian Lucy Hall.