Large turnout and high standard at triathlon

AROUND 300 triathletes descended on Monikie Country Park to participate in the Scotland National Sprint event hosted by the M3 Monifieth club.

A high quality field of male and female athletes competed over a swim, bike and run course in age groups ranging from 16 to over 80.

Race director Mark Hopkins said “There was a swim course of 750 metres, followed by a 20 kilometre bike course and a five kilometre run.

“Monikie is the perfect venue for this event with its safe environment and great spectator facilities.

“This was the fourth year we have held the event, and the second year in a row M3 has been awarded the championship.”

Competitors set off in waves grouped by gender and age with a stream of cyclists exiting the park onto the testing, undulating bike course.

The wind played a big factor as the athletes were tested to their limits on the return leg past the Wellbank transmitter.

Once back in the park, the fast flat five kilometre course offered welcome shelter.

Soon a steady group of athletes were experiencing their own personal triumph and crossed the finish line for a well deserved medal and refreshments.

The standard was high and Debbie Moore was presented with the Scottish Championship after a hard fought race with Natalie Milne runner-up.

In the men’s race, Douglas Roberts won over Lewis Strachan.

Competitors get into the swim in the Monifieth triathlon while Marcus Taylor decided to get on his bike.