More than 300 ready for Hazelwood Tri
PREPARATIONS are complete, the stage is set at Hazelwood and the performers will take to the stage this Saturday 8th July at Hazelwood Forest for Sligo Triathlon club’s Hazelwood Olympic Distance Triathlon – National Series event.
As a National event, the Hazelwood Triathlon has attracted its maximum capacity of 300 people, travelling from across Ireland, Northern Ireland and an entry from the Netherlands too. A Gentleman from Antrim at 74 years of age Sam Gordon, will be the oldest competitor to take on the 1500metre Swim. 40km cycle and 10km Run.
The Swim is taking place in the placid waters of Lough Gill at Half Moon Bay,
Hazelwood will make for a spectacle setting for this National Series Event.
The 40km cycle will firstly follow the shores of the lake to Dromahair and then take a sharp left-hand turn for a 6km incline joining the old Manorhamilton-Calry road and a speedy cycle back towards Sligo and then onto Hazelwood Car Park. From there it’s the Transition site for a 3-lap loop in Hazelwood forest for the 10km run and completion of The Hazelwood Olympic Distance Triathlon.
As a National Series Event, many of the country’s elite athletes will take to the start line but much interest will be on the large local contingent that have entered.
This Triathlon will be used as a preparation race for many locals who are currently upping their training for the Copenhagen Ironman event on August 20th – Kevin O’Donnell, David Gormley, Paul Rutherford, Fergal Henry and Caoimhe Ní Mhurcu who won the Double Olympic in Athy last month.
Dermot Cunningham along with Ken Foley will be using the Hazelwood Triathlon as part of their preparations for the Dublin 70.3 Ironman also on August 20th.
It’s expected that the Ironmen will be in contention for the overall victory on Saturday along with another local Brian Sexton who competed well at last year’s event.
Alongside Caoimhe who could also challenge for the Ladies prize will be Heather Foley, recently crowned National Sprint Distance Champion and current holder of the National Middle-Distance Crown.
Heather will be looking to claim top spot, boosting confidence as she begins a busy period of the season.
Not to forget our other local ladies who will be putting in strong performances – Orla Kelly, Ruth Walsh, Shelia Devaney, Angela Carr and Bernie O’Connor.
Strong outings are also expected from the rest of the local males – the ever-strong George Mullan, Ray Gillen and Stephen Daly.
Rod Toner is a very consistent Triathlete who will give it is all, so too will Adrian Bagnall, Alan Watters, Paul McGrath, Paul Carr, James Hardiman, Declan Byrne and Keith Marron.
It is set to be a great day, a great event – fantastic racing and top performances from the local cast! Spectators will be there in abundance as the Tri gets underway at 12pm.