There’s been plenty of action during August for Aycliffe Tri Club. Kicking off the action on 1st August was the club training duathlon, organised and delivered by head coach Dan Halladay. Participating were Mick Casey, Ian Readman, Andrew Greathead and Brett Lambert. The duathlon is a 1 mile run around the oakleaf track, an 8 mile bike around a local loop followed by another 1 mile run on the track. This gives members the opportunity to practise certain elements of their routine. The training duathlon is a handicap event allowing members to finish around the same time. A great event enjoyed by all; just don’t mention the traffic lights!!
4th August was the Cleveland Tri Club Steelman event, this is a very challenging half iron man distance so 2km open water swim, 56 mile bike topped off with a half marathon run of 13 miles. Andrew Greathead competed in this event coming in at a time of 5:30:41 which was 21st in his age category; his first at this distance.
The Weardale Triathlon was held the following day at Stanhope. This was a Sprint distance triathlon so 400m open air pool swim, a 15k bike and a 5k run. Andrew Richardson taking part in his first triathlon with ATC finished with a time of 1:18:04 which was 4th in his age category. Brett Lambert came in with a time of 1:20:54 which was 13th in his age group. Tracey Warrior’s time was 1:32:49 and 8th in her age group and Kate Blocki 1:36:52 seeing her 7th in her age category.
The final Croft cycling time trial was held on 8th August with club members testing out their cycling pace against the clock at the motor racing circuit. Fraser Kirkley’s time for the 10 mile event was 24:39, Michelle Scott clocked 29:17 and Den Dale with 31:31. A tough event which sees competitors cycle all out for the 10 miles!
You may have watched the elite triathletes on the TV representing GB at the European Championships in Glasgow. Susan Brown from ATC competed on the same course representing Team GB age groups. Susan (pictured) competed in the age group Sprint Triathlon on 11th August finishing in a time of 1:16:45.
On 19th August Ray Sawyer competed in his first ever triathlon taking on the GoTri event at Hartlepool. Ray has been training with the club a few months now and he decided to ‘take the plunge’. He completed the 200m swim, 6km bike and 2.5km run in a time of 42:08. Excellent time Ray, we are looking forward to more events next season!
Also on the 19th August was the Castles Triathlon at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland. A challenging half iron man distance which was 1.9km sea swim, a 90km bike and a 21km run. The weather conditions and sea current made the course particularly difficult. Fraser Kirkley, taking on his first half iron man completed in a time of 2:26:08. Fantastic effort.
Finally the 3rd Triology Super Sprint was held at Ellerton Water Park on 22nd August which saw four ATC members participate, with other club members supporting as marshals. Ian Readman completed the 400m open water swim, 10km bike and 2.2km run in a time of 37:50:7 and 6th in his age category, Danny Shoulder completed in 41:07.3 17th in his age category. Special mention goes to Mick Casey who was first in his age group with a time of 44:05.4 and to Jim Wilson who was 3rd with a time of 46:56.2.
Some great achievements in August! ATC are about to commence their winter training schedule in the next few weeks so now is the perfect time to join us in preparation for the 2019 season. If you want to join this friendly group then do get in touch either through facebook or at aycliffetriclub@gmail.com
