This year saw another successful TriStars Series, with more competitors than ever taking part. Over 150 young Welsh Triathlon members travelled the length and breadth of Wales to compete in as many as nine of the ten official races!
From the first race in Machynlleth in April to the season finale in Carmarthen in September, a lot of exciting and high quality triathlon racing took place, with the TriStars 1, 2 and 3 age groups really excelling themselves this year. The IRC qualifier at Parc Bryn Bach, also part of the Series, gave the competitors the chance to swim in open water and cycle a hilly and technical route, and these helped ensure some incredibly close finishes on the day!
TriStars 1
The top three girls this year were all representing Ruthin Tristars, and Millie Hannant claimed an impressive five out of five victories to take the Series with a maximum 500 points. Lily Roberts came second with 465, and Josephine Hurst a close third with 455. Well done girls!
The boys' Series was closely fought, with Cerist Tri Club’s Finlay Thapa only securing top spot with a race win in Carmarthen, his fourth of the Series, to give him a total of 485 points. Second with 465 was Iestyn Thomas of Celtic Tri, who was unfortunately hampered in Carmarthen by a wrist injury. Third place was also decided in the final race, with Dewi Thomas of Pembrokeshire Tri Club just taking the honours with 435 points.
TriStars 2
Only ten points separated the top three girls in T2, with Abigail Davies of Aim2Tri the eventual victor with 490 points thanks to four Series wins this season. Tied for second place on 480 points were Freya Thapa of Cerist Tri Club and Anwen Nesham of Cardiff Junior Tri, both winning three races this year.
A great tussle in the T2 boys saw Finlay Catling of Celtic Tri draw level with Ruthin Tristars' Ioan Oldfield on 490 points with a win in Carmarthen, with the boys each winning four races across the Series. Another RTS triathlete, Oliver Jones, claimed third spot with 455 points.
TriStars 3
The ever-impressive Orla Davies of Ruthin Tristars won the T3 girls' title with 500 points for her five Series victories. Fiona Bostock of Triathlon Coaching Wales also had a good 2017 with three Series wins, coming second with 480 points, and Tia Froom of Ludlow Junior Tri finished third overall with 460 points.
Liam Edwards of Pembrokeshire Tri Club claimed a stunning Series victory on the final day, his win in Carmarthen giving him a total of 475, just edging Alex Layzell of Triathlon Coaching Wales, who finished with 470 points. Huw Jones of Ruthin Tristars came third with 440 points.
Many congratulations to the Series winners, and to all who competed in TriStars races this year. Thank you to the clubs, race organisers, volunteers and especially the parents for devoting so much time and effort to supporting triathlon in Wales. Hopefully see you all again in 2018!
