Today (Saturday 31 May) the Vitality World Triathlon London hosted hundreds of triathletes in Hyde Park.
The action packed day began with the British Triathlon Youth and Junior Aquathlon Championships, kick-starting the days racing with many of Britain’s most talented young triathletes having a unique taste of the London 2012 Olympic venue.
Travis Bramley and Imogen Moroney both record victories in the youth races, whilst Ben Dijkstra and Elizabeth Hood celebrated success in the junior events – both races were the second events in the 2015 British Triathlon Youth and Junior Super Series.
No sooner did the youth and junior triathletes finish, did the ITU World Paratriathlon Event get underway. The race hosted many of the world’s top paratriathletes and saw British athletes win two gold, three silver and two bronze. Lauren Steadman and Melissa Reid both celebrated victories in the PT4 and PT5 categories respectively.
As the elite racing came to a conclusion, it was the turn of the mass participation races. The action began with the Corporate Relay, where athletes from sponsors, supporting organisations and teams from the business world got the chance to taste the triathlon experience first-hand.
Hyde Park also hosted a range of mass participation events enabling athletes of all abilities to race at the Olympic Triathlon venue.
Laura-Ann Mcgill was the first athlete to cross the line, cheered on by the crowds. She said: “It’s brilliant to run on the same course that was used in London 2012 – I’m from Imperial College so this is my home turf which makes it all the better. The support’s phenomenal.
I got into triathlon after the Olympics actually – it was the thought of being able to train here in the Serpentine that spurred me on and the college have been really supportive.”
Shorty behind Laura, and first of the men to finish, was Simon Jorn Hansen.
Simon added: “I’m from Denmark and I travelled here just to be able to compete on the same course as the Olympians – I wanted to do it myself. I’ve only been involved in the sport for about six months and took it up because it was a challenge. It has something for everyone and there’s always something you can improve on.
“My biggest tip is to keep the consistency in training and really just enjoy it.”
Finisher Alison Eaton also offered her thoughts on the race, saying, “I’m 53, so if I can do it, anyone can do it. It keeps you fit but because it’s cross training, it keeps me away from injury as there isn’t so much pressure on one particular part of your body.
“This is my second triathlon this season. I took up the sport about 20 years ago and now have a good group of friends around the same age that do the same – it’s great”.
“I got into it because my daughter did – we’re even coming back to watch the elite races tomorrow”.
Another triathlete to cross the line was Jimmy Fay, who added: “I done a few triathlons after starting in the sport about three years ago. I did one for charity and then competed here in London last year. I enjoyed it a lot and thought I’d give it a go again
“I took triathlon up because it’s not easy and I wanted to challenge myself. I fell into it really; I didn’t know a great deal about it but I’ve found that it’s actually very addictive. I really enjoy it”
“My top tip – save a little bit in the tank”.
The Vitality World Triathlon London will host the elite races on Sunday, commencing with the men’s elite race at 3:05. Coverage of the races will be from 14:50-18:00 on BBC2.
