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First Windsor Duathlon Age-Group Champions are crowned

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The Windsor Duathlon standard distance race, featuring over 750 of Britain’s finest age-group duathletes, saw numerous British titles awarded today (Sunday 3 April) in what was the first domestic championships of 2016.

Clive Kennedy-Burn was the quickest of the day to claim gold in a tough M40-44 age-group. The Alnwick District Triathlon Club member clocked 2:00:19 to fend off Samuel Pictor (M25-29) in 2:00:51 and Gethin Butler (M45-49) of Preston Harriers, finishing shortly after in 2:00:58.

Kennedy-Burn said: “I didn’t think I’d do that well actually, I’ve had a bit of an illness and injury coming into the race so I came in to the race with not much expectation. I had a very good bike today and I think that’s what nailed it for me.”

“The race went out so hard. After the first run I must have come back in about 30th place. The multi-laps on the bike were tough but that played to my strengths.

“The location is idyllic; I think that’s one of the main reasons why I chose this event. Windsor Great Park is a pretty special place.”

Alice Jenkins (W20-24) clocked the quickest time of the day in the women’s race to cut the tape at 2:10:08. Just five seconds adrift was Gill Fullen (W50-54), taking top honours in her age-group. The Bedford Harrier successfully defended her 2015 title in 2:10:13.

Commenting on her performance, Fullen said: “I never really have any expectations to be honest. I wanted to win my age-group because it pre-qualifies you for the ETU European Championships next year, but I never ever dreamed I’d do so well -  not with the suburb girls that were racing here today.

“The course was beautiful; it’s got enough hills in it, mixed with undulations, fast bits and good descents to keep you interested and keep you working hard the whole way round. I really liked it.

“I had some really strong girls with me, pushing all the way, there was no way you could sit back in this one. I’m going out to the US next week to do Boston Marathon, my one proper running race this year, then I’ll crack on with more duathlons and triathlons.”

Claire Steels (W30-34) was third-fastest female in 2:13:16.

Fifth fastest female was Lucy Charles, famous for beginning her multi-sport career with a GO TRI event.

Charles said: “Lovely venue, really great course, quite technical on the bike which was a good test of my skills. I had a bike crash only about a month ago so it was really good to be back out there and build my confidence.”

GO TRI was my first multi-sport event and I absolutely loved it. Anyone should give it a go; this is absolutely brilliant fun.”

The event also played host to an age-group sprint distance duathlon, where some-350 duathletes kick-started the day by taking on the 5km run, 20km bike and 2.5km run course through Windsor Great Park.

The sun was shining as Luke Worthington made history by being the first duathlete of the day across the line in 1:10:29. David Mole and Lee Thompson followed in 1:11:56 and 1:12:27, respectively.

Worthington said: “It’s fantastic to win. It was a tough sprint distance course out there – I really enjoyed the bike course although there was a bit of wind. But all in all, happy days! It’s an absolutely beautiful setting. We’re really privileged to ride and run within Windsor Great Park, so long may it continue.”

Samantha Fawcett took the W30-34 crown after a swift 1:22:21 clocking. Fiona De Mauny (W30-34) and Cathy Dawson (W45-49) were quick on her heels, posting respective times of 1:23:08 and 1:24:47.

Fawcett commented: “It’s amazing, I never thought I’d actually do it. The first run was tough – sand, mud and hills, so it was hard work but I think my cross country season has helped. The bike was nice, again it was hilly and the last run out in the sun just topped it all!”

For full race results, please visit here.

The standard distance race also acted as the final qualifier for the Great Britain Age-Group Team for the 2016 Aviles ITU Standard Distance Duathlon World Championships. For more information on competing for the Team, please visit here.

Register your interest for Windsor Duathlon 2017 here

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