Six of the best as aces race for GB G72tri group represented in Dusseldorf
Six athletes from G72 Triathlon Club have qualified to represent the GB Age Group Team at the ETU Sprint Distance Triathlon European Championships in Dusseldorf this weekend.
Scott Mcdermott, Martin Duthie, David Duffy, Martin Jones, Andy Hutcheson and David Mcmillan will race in their respective age groups over the 750m open water swim, 20km bike and 5km run course in Germany on Sunday, June 25.
Some of the athletes from Blantyre-based G72 Tri will be representing GB for the first time.
Scott Mcdermott, who is in the 40-44 group, said: “This will be my first time pulling on a GB vest and to be honest I am really excited about it.
“To be able to compete at a major championships as an age grouper is a dream come true.
“On top of that, to have so many friends from the club represented is incredible, and it also means we have each other for support, and it won’t be so overwhelming.
“We all bring out the best in each other in training, so it will feel nice and familiar.”
G72 was formed in 2013 by former members of Blantyre Swimming Club, who had taken part in triathlon events as individuals.
From there, the group of friends decided to put more structured training in place and form a club, which continues to grow, and they welcome people of all ages and stages to get involved in the sport.
A club spokesperson said: “A young and relatively small club, G72 has a great family feel to it, which reflects the foundations on which it was created – friendship.
“G72 has been described as a ‘big family’ and that has been echoed by all six of the competitors heading to Dussseldorf.
“It is a great achievement for the club, to have six members from six different age groups.”
David Duffy, who will race in the 45-49 age group, said: “The club is still fairly young and small. I reckon I know everyone by name and I’m sure they know me.
“Triathlon has been such a revelation to me over these past two years and it has opened up so many new experiences to me. I’m really glad I joined G72, and I’m grateful to have been given the chance to be embedded in the club’s activities.”
Founding member and club head coach Martin Jones (35-39) said: “I hope this inspires people to join us and be part of the club, at whatever level they want to take it to.”