Rossendale Triathlon returns in fine style
THE Rossendale Triathlon returned bigger and better last Sunday following an enforced two-year break due to the pandemic.
Over 175 athletes took on the 400 metre swim (16 lengths) at Marl Pits swimming pool, then sprinted out to their bikes and set off on a 21 km bike route through the glorious Rossendale countryside.
The bike route took competitors along Burnley Road East before traversing the undulating Crown Point Road.
They then had to climb towards Clowbridge before descending back into Rawtenstall and returning to Marl Pits.
Once off their bikes, competitors then had to complete a 5km run around Marl Pits playing fields before finishing in front of their supporters.
The weather was fantastic, if a little breezy on certain sections of the bike route but the dry conditions allowed for some amazing times to be posted.
The overall winner was Mika Brown of Jackpot Racing, he posted a time of 1 hour, 5 minutes. Second
place went to Ian Wilson of Rochdale Triathlon club with a time of 1 hour, 6 minutes. Ian also collected a prize for winning his age group category, 40-44.
Daniel Taylor was in third place, finishing in 1 hour, 10 minutes.
Highest placed Rossendale Triathlon Club member was Dave Woods who finished 10th overall with a time of 1 hour, 15 minutes. This time also meant Dave won the 45-49 age category.
Other notable male performances from Rossendale Triathlon club members were Dave Smith winning the 65-69 age category with a finish time of 1 hour, 22 minutes and Kevin Johnstone winning the 70-74 age category with a time of 1 hour, 46 minutes.
There were some brilliant times posted by female triathletes with the top three finishers separated by less than two minutes.
Jenny Kovacs of Rochdale Triathlon Club took top prize in 1 hour, 22 minutes and 59 seconds. Laura Monighan was second
with a time of 1 hour, 24 minutes and 17 seconds and Natalie Williams was third finishing in 1 hour, 24 minutes and 40 seconds.
Highest placed Rossendale Triathlon Club female was Clare Harris who continued her triathlon comeback with an outstanding time of 1 hour, 29 minutes which
placed her 5th overall and the winner of the 60-64 age category. Rossendale Triathlon Club’s Sarah Whittaker finished in 6th place overall and 2nd in her age category with a time of 1 hour, 31 minutes and Melissa Mitchell won the 35-39 age category with a great time of 1 hour, 38 minutes.
The event wouldn’t
have been so successful without the support of local companies who sponsor the event and the club members who volunteer and give up their spare time. The positive feedback from competitors and the British Triathlon Federation officials who were present meant a great deal to the club members who organise the event and makes it all worthwhile.
Rossendale Triathlon Club is a friendly welcoming club who always welcome new members whatever their ability. If you fancy giving triathlon a go or just want to keep fit have a look at the club’s website to see the training schedules. www.rossendaletriathlonclub.com