On Sunday 19th August as part of the 2012 Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week, Gyllyngvase Surf Life Saving + Triathlon Club hosted a unique sporting event in the town.
Thanks to the success of the Brownlee brothers in the Olympics, the nation has seen a large increase in the number of people taking up the combined sports of swimming, cycling and running. The organisers of this event wanted to carry on that momentum by staging a triathlon that was demanding, yet accomplishable for both the elite and novice competitor. More importantly, it allowed children between the ages of 12-16 to get involved, due to the full road closure around the castle road and seafront.
The relay race started at 7am. There were 18 teams in total, and each team comprised of 4 members aged 17+. Everyone had to complete the 250m swim, 5km cycle and 1 km run before tagging the next team member and the race was completed when all 4 competitors had finished the course. Some of Cornwall’s greatest triathletes turned out on the start line, including Dave Bartlett and Neil Eddy (who compete at the elite level of the sport) and Gylly’s own Melissa Reid and her guide Alice Nicholas who are aiming for Paralympic World Championship glory in October. There were also first timers to the sport and even two teams competing on recumbent trikes from Falmouth based Inspired Cycle Engineering.
After an exciting first lap, Neil Eddy a Dave Bartlett were clear leaders before tagging their next team members. At this stage, the competitors were greeted by torrential rain, making for a slippery transition. This didn’t seem to put anyone off, and following an hours worth of racing the first team had completed the course, cheered home by the spectators and their teammates. All 18 teams successfully finished, before the junior race got underway
The Junior triathlon started at 9am. 36 children aged between 12-16 were lined up on the start, many of them ready to embark on their very first triathlon. Following the 250m open water swim at Gyllyngvase, they then had to complete an undulating cycle around Pendennis Castle before heading back to transition at the beach. The younger age group of 12 years had one lap of the castle with the 13-14 years and 15-16 years racing 2-3 laps respectively. Once their bikes were racked, the triathletes started a 1k run/1.2k run around the Queen Mary Gardens and along the sea front, before turning around and sprinting back to the finish.
The event was a great success, and already competitors are asking for a repeat next year.
“Thanks to all for a great Tri this morning, the water cover, marshals and supporters. Despite the weather, it was great fun. Looking forward to next year!”
Michaela Holley – Tri Logic
“Thank you to all who made the Gylly Tri happen today. Brilliant atmosphere and a fantastic experience… especially for the juniors! So many smiling faces despite the torrential rain and thunder. In awe of everyone’s efforts, well done!”
Jacqui Owen – Gylly
Thank you to everyone who helped out with marshaling and water cover on the day – the event wouldn’t have been possible without you. Also thank you to the local businesses and organisations that supported the triathlon (Gylly Beach Café, Falmouh Cycles, ASP, Asda Penryn, Falmouth Town Council, Carrick Leisure, Hine Downing Solicitors, Harbour Lights, Research Instruments Ltd, W T Flockhart Plumbing, and Baileys Country Store). A final thank you to Allan Reid, Reggie Christophers and Marc Thomas who made the event possible.
f you are interested in getting involved in triathlon, the club holds several training sessions throughout the week. Click here for our training schedule and give it a tri!
