Triathlon England’s North West region got the British Triathlon U20’s Festival off to a winning start claiming victory in the team event at the British Triathlon Inter Regional Championships earlier today (Saturday 31 August).
The iconic venue of Eton Dorney hosted the most talented Tri Star 2 and 3 athletes within the Triathlon England regions, Welsh Triathlon and triathlonscotland in the first races of an action packed day at the Olympic rowing venue.
Marcus Dey, representing the North West region received the accolade of being the first winning athlete of the British Triathlon U20's Festival. Marcus won the boys Tri Star 2 race with a time of 00:21.53, although the London pairing of Zak Wort and Tom Simpson who finished second and third respectively pushed him hard to the line.
Marcus who was congratulated by friends and family at the finish line said: "It was a great experience racing as part of the Festival and I was extremely happy to end up winning."
The South West region’s Ellie Hobbs won the girl’s Tri Star 2 race in a time of 00:23.25. Ellie added: "I was nervous before the race but the run went very well and I was very pleased to win.”
Next was the Tri Star 3 boy’s race, which gave the North West the double as Matthew Willis crossed the line first in a time of 00:23.36. Matthew was particularly pleased with his finish as he explained: “It was a hard race and my sprint work is something I have been working on; it was great that this work has helped pay off with a win which also helps the team result.”
The final piece of the British Triathlon Inter Regional Championships puzzle was the final Tri Star 3 girl’s race, which was won by Kate Waugh representing the North East region. Kate finished in a time of 00:24.06. A delighted Kate said: “It feels amazing to win, especially for all the hard work and training I have put in over the summer.”
The aggregate scores across the day resulted in the North West region picking up the overall title. A proud Team Manager, Andy Rawley aged 42 said: “Last year we came last so with the hard work and the 100% effort that the whole team put in it is fantastic to be crowned winners. I think this win reflects the whole standard of younger triathletes we have seen right across the North West this year.”
Yorkshire and Humberside took the silver medals with the East Midlands region taking bronze.
Joe Borrett alongside wife Beth were among many friends and family members enjoying the festival atmosphere whilst cheering on their son Joshua who competed for the Eastern region. Mr Borrett said: “It has been a great day out for us all and it has been particularly inspiring for the younger athletes to see the international competitors taking part on the same day.”
For more information, please visit: www.britishtriathlon.org/u20festival
