Organisers hope new route for Jelly Tea race will prove popular
TRI-ATHLETE Kate Waugh put in a superb performance to lift the silver medal in the ITU World Championships in Rotterdam last weekend.
Competing in the junior age group (under-19), the Birtley athlete was in no way disgraced by finishing runner-up behind defending champion Taylor Knibb of the United States.
On a tight, technical course 18-year-old Waugh exited the water in a small group just behind the leaders.
After a near-perfect transition it was Knibb who held the advantage after setting off on the 20k bike course as Waugh settled into a bunch not far behind.
And after an excellent second transition the RGS student was 24 seconds adrift behind the pre-race favourite going into the final 5k run.
By halfway the gap between the pair was down to 14 seconds. However, despite posting the fastest run of the day from the 72 competitors, the early fast pace began to tell in the closing stages on Waugh, and at the finish the gap had lengthened to 16 seconds as she posted an overall time of 1hr 01min 38sec against Knibb’s 1:01.22.
Waugh, a GB junior cross-country international, still has another year to go as an under-19, and was surprised by her second place, saying: “I didn’t have much expectation going into this race, so a silver medal is unbelievable.’’
She could see the leader throughout the run, adding: “I felt I was chasing her down at one point, I Jelly tea awaits competitors at the completion of the Tynedale 10-mile road race could see her in my sights, but towards the end I could feel myself tiring so I just tried to hold on to it.’’
However, she need not have worried because at the finish she had plenty in hand, as Japan’s Fuka Sega followed her home 27 seconds behind.
Waugh made her debut in last year’s ITU Grand Final in Cozumel, Mexico, where she finished in 11th place.
But the gap behind Knibb on that occasion was 1min 40sec so there has been a dramatic improvement over the past 12 months.
While in Mexico she was part of the GB quartet, which also included Gateshead Harrier Calum Johnson, who finished runners-up behind Spain in the under-12/junior mixed relay, so a second silver medal, this time an individual one, will be added to her trophy cabinet.
After her first taste of global competition in South America, Waugh said that none of it would have been possible without the support of her family, with mum and dad coming in for special mention.
“British Triathlon have been very supportive, but without my mum and dad’s support then none of this could have happened. I’m extremely grateful for everyone’s encouragement over the years.’’ THIS weekend’s Tynedale Jelly Tea 10-mile road race, which hosts the North East Counties Championship, takes a new twist after switching tracks to a new course.
Until 2014 the Tynedale Harriers’ 10-miler started in Hexham and finished in Ovingham but, due to the increased volume of traffic, the organisers sought out a new venue and settled for the stunning countryside around Hexham Racecourse.
While it proved to be a tough test, it wasn’t to everyone’s satisfaction and, in its second year, with an added 15-mile race on the programme, entries dropped significantly.
So much so that another new out-and-back circuit is set to be used this Sunday which takes in the second part of the original course.
It’s a move the organisers hope will be attractive to serious competitors as well as the not-so-serious.
Last year South Africa visitor Gerda Steyn finished in third place overall – Saltwell’s Abraham Tewelde was first across the line – and she will be back this year to defend her women’s title before heading back home.
It will be a superb send-off for Steyn as it will be her final competitive race in England after her recent victory in the Middlesbrough 10k and a first-rate performance in the Great North Run.
“I certainly enjoyed running the Jelly Tea race last year,’’ said Steyn.
“It was a tough course but I enjoyed it so much that I’m sorry they have changed it, although I’m sure the race route will be just as stunning.’’