Busy End to Triathlon Season

September and October have been an incredibly busy time for Aycliffe Tri Club with its members racing at iconic venues that take in some of the most beautiful but demanding scenery.
Sunday 7th September saw Michelle Scott and Andy Sedgwick taking on the legendary Helvellyn Triathlon. Michelle took on the one mile open water swim in the cold waters of Ullswater then as part of a relay team Andy battled the 38 mile bike section (including the dreaded Kirkston Pass) and the 9 mile 3118ft run up Helvellyn. This was a challenging event for both experienced athletes who plan to return and tackle this challenging course again.
Sunday 21st September saw Tri Club members taking part at three different events across the North of England, each event with its own difficulties (These Triathletes never take the easy option!). Teesdale Triathlon saw three club members taking on the Sprint with a 400m swim, 18 mile bike and 3 mile run. First home for the club and coming 4th in her group Melanie Rowland finished in 1hr 39. Next home Alan Kellet 10th in his group finished in 1hr 43 followed by Mick Casey in 1hr 51.
Wendy Bake travelled across the country to race at Penrith Sprint Triathlon a very hilly course saw Wendy knock 3 mins off her previous years’ time and finish in 1hr 36mins.
Then over at Hartlepool Michelle Scott and Dan Halladay entered the marina to race in Hartlepool Big Lime Sprint Triathlon. Dan Halladay was first man out of the water and finished the event in 1hr 12mins with Michelle Scott who was first lady out of the water and finishing 6th lady over all was close behind in 1hr 18mins.
To round up their training season Michelle Scott, Andrew Sedgwick and Vicky Howse travelled to Malta for their National Championships. All three had a fantastic race with Michelle Scott taking first place female overall and Andrew Sedgwick finishing as first place male in his age category.
This has been a fantastic year for Aycliffe Tri Club who would like to thank all it’s members for their continued support and dedication. The clubs coaches are looking forward to next years racing season and helping club members achieve their goals.
If you are interested in Triathlon and would like further details about Aycliffe Tri Club please contact the club on the website www.aycliffetriclub.onsport.com by email aycliffetriclub@gmail.com. Or if you would like to come and talk to the coaches come down to Woodham Community College Pool on a Wednesday night at 7pm (term time only)
Wendy Bake
Club Coach