Ayro stars enjoy second helpings
Silver show pays off
Stars from the Ayrodynamic Club took second place at the Aberfeldy Middle Distance Triathlon.
Tom Reid had a powerful swim in Loch Tay, emerging from chilly waters after 1900 metres to hand over to vintage veteran Alastair Stewart for the 56 mile bike.
Alastair stormed through the hilly cycle leg in 2 hours 45 minutes, passing to daughter Mandy who brought the team home second after her half marathon.
There was another first for the club, when it fielded a relay team at the Crossmichael Triathlon.
The experienced trio, with a combined age of 187, beat most of the other 20 plus teams. John Strawhorn battled choppy and cool waters of Loch Ken in the 1600m swim.
Not only had the swimmers to swim, but also sprint from the centre of the village first to plunge into the water, and then charge back to hand over to waiting cyclists.
John passed the timing chip to Grant Young who completed the 25 mile bike leg in 67 minutes in the third fastest time of the day overall, and beating the individual race winner by a minute.
Grant handed to Alastair Stewart, 60 the previous day, who attacked the hilly seven mile route. In recording fifth fastest run of the day overall, he brought the trio home as first veteran team, second male team overall, and fifth team overall.
The lads reckon the last time they ran as a relay team was as members of Ayr Seaforth, over 25 years ago.
Ayro member, Stewart McKinstray, was a member of the overall second relay team, the ‘ Hillbillys ‘ all from Dalmellington. Stewart swam 29 minutes only 24 hours after food poisoning.
The final official Sea Swim at Barassie Beach took place last Thursday in choppy conditions, which added to the challenge for the record 51 who took part.
Katherine Self has arranged a further session for Thursday, September 14 at 7pm, supported by the triathlon club.
Top club finisher in the North Ayrshire 10k was Davie Auchie who was third in the 50+ in 41.50. Les McDerment ( Kilmarnock) finished in 46.12 while Alice McNulty completed the run in 51.10.
This weekend, members hope for medals at the Scottish Standard Triathlon Championship.