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British Triathlon Youth and Junior Super Series starts the ball rolling in Hyde Park

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With an action packed weekend lying ahead, Hyde Park wash awash with triathletes this morning as the 2015 Vitality World Triathlon London got well underway with Britain's talented youngsters.

The sun was out this morning (30 May 2015) as spectators began filling the grandstand to watch the British Triathlon Youth and Junior Aquathlon Championships, the second race of the British Triathlon Youth and Junior Super Series at the Vitality World Triathlon London.

The youth men's race go the action underway at 8:00am, beginning with a 500m swim before a 2.5km run along Serpentine road. Claiming the first title of his career, Travis Bramley put in a fine performance to cross the line in 13:21, three seconds clear of Frederick Webb. Bramley was 15 seconds adrift of the leaders after emerging from the swim, but managed a swift 8:24 run leg to take the title. Henry Dixon took bronze in 13:27.

Bramley said: “It’s a fantastic race; right from the start it was really exciting. It is a fantastic course here in London and it’s amazing to race on the same course as the Olympic gold medal winners of London 2012.

“It was tough right from the start, but I really enjoyed the run. After the first lap, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to make it, but I managed to get out in front and create a bit of a gap for the sprint finish.

“Words can’t really describe getting on the podium. It has always been my dream. Last year I came fifth in the same event, so I never thought I would be top this season.”

The youth female race proved another closely fought contest, with Imogen Moroney coming out on top to finish in 14:33. Caitlin Roper who before today was in third place in the British Triathlon Youth Super Series rankings managed to push Moroney to the line, clocking 14:38. Emer Wintsch took the final podium spot in 14:42.  

Moroney commented: “It was good - I didn’t wear a wetsuit, so my transition was fast. Although I think the run was the best part of my race.”

Up next were the juniors, who faced a 750m swim in the Serpentine and 5km run. Adding to his growing collection of gold medals was Ben Dijkstra, who managed a convincing victory in 25:13. Alex Yee put in a swift 15:44 run leg to claw back some ground on the Youth Olympic Champion, crossing the line in 25:30. Alex West finished third in 25:50.

Leading the way in the British Triathlon Junior Super Series rankings, Dijkstra said: “It was a brilliant race - everything went to plan. I had a bit of a disappointing swim in Wales a couple of weeks ago, so I am quite satisfied that I had a good swim with good positioning.

“Everything went brilliantly and I knew when I got out on the run in pole position that the race was mine. I knew Alex was catching me and having a great race himself - It’s brilliant to have him on the podium as well, I couldn’t be happier.”

It was a clear run to victory for Elizabeth Hood in the junior women’s race. Elizabeth used her swim speed to her advantage, buidling up a 30-second lead over eventual second-placed Kate Waugh. Hood held on in the run to finish in 28:51, with Waugh in 29:05. Mary Hodgson was hot on her heels to finish in 29:07.

Hood said: “It’s unbelievable – I’ve had a hard few years and have worked really hard to get this one result. With this, I’ve now got the confidence to go on for the rest of the season.

"I can’t believe I finished ahead of Kate as she’s a phenomenal runner. She’s one of the biggest talents I have ever come across; a great racer and a great athlete.”

Results:

Youth Male

1. Travis Bramley, 13:21
2. Frederick Webb, 13:24
3. Henry Dixon, 13:27

Youth Female

1. Imogen Moroney, 14:33
2. Caitlin Roper, 14:38
3. Emer Wintsch, 14:42

Junior Men

1. Ben Dijkstra, 25:13
2. Alex Yee, 25:30
3. Alex West, 25:50

Junior Women

1. Elizabeth Hood, 28:51
2. Kate Waugh, 29:05
3. Mary Hodgson, 29:07

For full results of the British Youth and Junior Aquathlon Championships, please visit here.

The elite races of the Vitality World Triathlon London take place within Hyde Park tomorrow (Sunday 31), beginning with the men’s elite race at 15:05. BBC2 coverage of the races will be from from 14:50-18:00.

 

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