Triathletes relishing green light for events
NOW that racing is back on the calendar, Rossendale Triathlon members have been taking full advantage of a variety of events.
Ben Molnar and Sarah Clancy travelled to Cheshire to take part in the Ultimate Half triathlon which is based near Whitchurch. This would be Ben and Sarah’s first attempt at a half Iron distance triathlon which consists of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run.
The lovely freshwater lake at Alderford was the first test of endurance and Sarah in particular posted a fantastic swim time of 38 minutes with Ben completing it in 50 minutes.
The tables were turned slightly on the bike leg, probably Bens strongest discipline with him finishing in 3 hours and 37 minutes, whilst Sarah completed it in 3 hours 46 minutes.
The 13.1 mile run was all that needed to be done now but running straight off a lengthy bike ride is tricky. Ben suffered in the first few miles but soldiered on to finish in 3 hours and 4 minutes giving him an overall finish time with transitions of 7 hours 39 minutes.
Meanwhile Sarah had a fantastic run, completing the half marathon in 2 hours 31 minutes to give her an overall finish time of 7 hours and 4 minutes.
Experienced triathlete and long time club member Dave Smith travelled over to Leeds to rub shoulders with the professionals at the World Triathlon Series Olympic distance triathlon.
Following the elite race, club members race on the same course with the race also being a qualifier to represent GB at the Age Group World Championships.
Dave has represented GB previously and was keen to see where his fitness was after a season off competitive racing due to the pandemic.
He needn’t have worried as he polished the 1500 metre swim off in 26 minutes, the 40km bike in 1 hour, 9 minutes and the 10km run in 52 minutes. This awesome performance saw Dave placing 14th in his age group with an overall time of 2 hours, 38 minutes and more than likely an automatic selection to represent GB once again.
One of the newer members of the club, Mary Ann Mahadevan decided a swim challenge was the order of the day and headed up to Ullswater to complete a 1 mile open water swim.
Mary Ann only learned to swim very recently, having earned her 50m badge in April 2018 and has been attending club swim sessions regularly in order to improve her technique.
She completed the 1 mile open water swim in just over 42 minutes which is an awesome achievement.
Mary Ann said “I couldn’t have done this without the support of my club mates and in particular coaches Jan Kempson and Karen Quartermain”
If you feel ready for a challenge and would like to join the triathlon club we are always keen to welcome new members. We have weekly social runs and bike rides and our structured run and swim training sessions take place on Thursday evenings at Marl Pits Leisure Centre on Newchurch Road, Rawtenstall. Come along to the track any time after 6pm to meet members and coaches.