The race season has definitely started for ATC as April saw no fewer than four major races being attended by club members.
Straight in on the 3rd of April was Graham Atkins, who came 1st in his age group, 24th overall in a time of 1.34.36 in the City of Durham Duathlon. This was a prefect start to the month for Graham, as he would later go on to represent his country nationally. (Read below to find out how Graham got on.)
More success was to follow on the 16th, when Michelle Scott and Dan Halladay competed in the Haltwhistle Aquathlon (400mswim open air pool/4km muddy, cross country run), a race used as preparation for the forth coming Brecca Swim/Run competition. In freezing cold conditions, Michelle crossed the finish line 1st female, in a time of 25.29 and Dan finished 3rd male in a time of 24.15.
That same weekend, on the 17th, Graham Atkins competed as a member of Team GB in Kalkar, Garmany, at the ETU Duathlon European Championships. It was a hard day’s race with a strong German field, but Graham prevailed the home competition, the strong winds and occasional monsoon showers to finish 20th, 6th Brit home in his age group. (A fantastic achievement and Graham’s first experience racing abroad, with an unmistakable sense of pride and comradery shared through the team.)
To finish the month off, 6 of our members entered the annual Stockton Duathlon on the 24th. In the novice race, James Wilson finished 2nd in his age group, 27th overall, in a time of 47.32. In the sprint discipline, Nicola Darragh crossed the line 9th in her age group, 137th overall, in a time of 1.13.05, while Tracy Warrior finished 9th in her age group, 231st position overall, in a time of 1.20.53, ( a good warm up for her impeding half ironman race next month.) With a little energy left over from Germany, Graham Atkins finished 13th in his age group in the standard distance race, 82nd overall, in a time of 2.16.42. Also racing in the standard distance, Stuart Rimmer finished 21st in his age group, 160th overall, in a time of 2.30.25, while Melanie Rowland crossed the line 14th in her age group, 214th overall, in a time of 2.53.54.
A brilliant month of racing for ATC, with the first triathlon races beginning next month, starting with the Ashington Triathlon on the 2nd of May.
The club would like to thank GAMP for the funding they provided for coaching courses successfully passed recently by members of ATC. Their kindness has helped the club to further develop their coaching staff, which will undoubtedly improve the quality of coaching provided by the club for its members. If you would like any further information regarding membership or sessions delivered, please don’t hesitate to check out our website, or you are more than welcome to come and chat to any of our friendly coaches at our swim sessions held at the Newton Aycliffe Woodham Academy Swimming Pool, Wednesday evenings 7-8pm.