Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Pluckrose faces early test as GB stint continues
Athletics
Claire Pluckrose plans to play to her strengths when she competes in the 2020 Punta Umbria ETU Duathlon European Championships in Spain this weekend.
The Canterbury Harriers member is making her debut in the event in Andalucía, competing in the 50-54 female age group sprint.
Pluckrose made an impressive debut for GB last May, taking a bronze medal in the same age group at the ITU World Championship in Pontevedra, Spain.
The 51-year-old was then fifth, competing in international colours at the Kazan ETU sprint triathlon European Championships in Russia in July, and has high hopes for the event this weekend. The duathlon typically includes a 10km run, 40km cycle and 5km run, and Pluckrose explained: “Last year was my first year competing as a GB age group athlete and I thoroughly enjoyed the experiences in Spain and Russia, both bringing personally successes for me so I have a solid base to build on and am aiming to come in the top five GB athletes. “I am slightly apprehensive as it seems very early in the race calendar to be competing, so this
Invicta East Kent runner Cole Gibbens won the re-arranged Deal Half-marathon on Sunday, crossing the line in 1hr 20min 28sec. Second was Matthew Collyer (1:21.01), of Thanet Road Runners, and third was Collyer’s clubmate Daniel Clarke (1:21.55). The race attracted 195 runners. will be a good test of fitness and strength.
“Training has gone well so hopefully the hard work has been done and I can go out there on the start line in a strong place, mentally and physically. “The start lists have been published and there is strong competition from both Germany and Spain but I have done my homework, know my strengths and will play to these on race day and just give it my all.
“I feel extremely proud to be representing GB again this year when I will be competing in this competition as well as the ETU Triathlon European championships in Malmo, Sweden, in August and then finishing my season at the World Duathlon Championships in Almere, Holland.
“I have fantastic support from friends and family as well as all the help and guidance of the Canterbury Harriers so now I just want to go out there and compete and make them proud.”
■ Henry Cox, of Canterbury Harriers, defied windy conditions to achieve a personal best time in the half-marathon of 1hour 24minutes 59seconds at Eastbourne on Sunday.