For the second year in a row Australian Nicholas Kastelein took the title at the very popular Cats Solutions Cotswold Sprint Triathlon, organised by TrFerris Promotions and which takes places at Cotswold Country Park and Beach, Nr Cirencester.
This year Kastelein had some strong opposition from Bradford-Upon-Avon Junior Max Hazell, who caught Kastelein on the bike section and were neck and neck as they went onto the picturesque run around the lake, but there was no time for sightseeing as Kestelein slowly pulled away from Hazell to take the victory and top prize money in 55:57, just 10 seconds ahead of Hazell. Fastest transitions of the day and third place overall went to veteran Steve Yates of Cirencester Tri Club.
In the female event Victoria Wilkinson of Tri Team Glos had to come from behind in the swim and on the bike to snatch victory on the run from Jenny Manners of Performance Cycles, with Nicole Walters of Bath Amphibians in third. There were many age grouper vying for points in the Triathlon England South West Series which made for some strong competition in every age category.
In the Novice/Youth event over a slightly shorter distance of 400m-20km-2.5km George Firth of Cirencester Tri Club romped home first ahead of Beckie James of Vale Tridents (Faringdon), whilst Sebastian Craig had the fastest run of the day to take him up to third.
Kastelein commented after “I thoroughly enjoy racing the Cotswold sprint and hope to make it an annual event for me. The competition appeared to be quality this year with many younger athletes stepping up. Max Hazell in particular. The course is stunning taking in the best of Cirencester with a very competitor friendly environment. Congratulations to everyone who participated and made the day very enjoyable.
The race acted as preparation for me as I tackle 3 ITU events in Asia before returning back home to Australia. I wanted a quality race to practice the essentials that you can't replicate in training and the Cotswold sprint served me well.”
Whilst Wilkinson is now off to compete in the World Ironman Championship in Hawaii but said “The Cotswold Triathlon is still my favourite triathlon in the world”.
