London

2016 Inter-Regional Duathlon

Published:

South East Region retained the trophy in a tremendously exciting Inter-Regional Duathlon (IRD) at Olympic Velopark on Sunday 9th October.

IRD is the annual season finale for the best triathletes from London and South East. Each region selects a team of 60 comprising boys and girls in the age-groups Tristar 1 (age 9/10) through to Youth (age 15/16). The contest is based on the scores of the leading 5 finishers in each category and so every competitor knows that their performance can make a difference to the overall outcome.

London won the inaugural event in 2014, South East won last year, and it was clear that the 2016 was going to be a very keenly contested race. London brought together a very strong team and hopes were high at the start of the day, but it was South East who were the well-deserved winners with the score 230:209 in their favour.

Below are photos of the South East and London teams.

The London team was managed by Sheila Horsman, and her reaction after the result was announced was: “Everyone in the London team gave it their all, both racing and supporting, I couldn’t ask for more.  Our team did fantastically well with some outstanding performances.  It was an absolute pleasure to help bring together so many enthusiastic athletes to represent London and we hope you are up for more next year!”.

Some of the closest racing of the day came in the youngest age-group Tristar1, and leading boy home was Matthew Marsh (Greenwich Tritons).

"I am thrilled with my results this season which meant that I got to represent London in the IRD last Sunday. Duathlons are my favourite event and I love the Olympic Park course. This the biggest win I've ever had and I was really amazed at how well I did."

On the right we see Matthew checking his lead on the 2nd run before sprinting away to the finish.

Daisy Parry (Comet) was the leading Tristar1 London girl, and is seen below in white leading the group. She said:
“It felt like a special day and I was proud to be representing London. It was nice to be in a team with others that I am normally looking to beat. I’m just a bit disappointed we didn’t win. Maybe next year.”

South East’s Hamish Reilly (Ocean Lake Tri Club) was the winner in a very competitive T3 boy’s field, and was delighted afterwards to finish his season on a high:

“This was my third year of competing at the IRD for the South East.  It is a great end to the Tri season to be able to race with the SE team as we have built friendships over the season, and also made friends with the competitors from the London Region. The organisation of the event is also good, with great facilities and a good challenging course. Great Trophies for the winners too!”

See the event home page HERE for the full results and many more photos of the day.

The event was organised by London Region, with many parents helping out to enable it to all run so smoothly, and specialist roles undertaken by Alan Spelling (Race Referee) and Jon Train (Timing and Venue Management).

Report by Jim Desmond
Event Director

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