Gary back competing after serious injury

Along the south coast and a merry band of Torbay Tri Club members took on the Weymouth Middle Distance, Classic and Sprint Triathlons, producing lots of fantastic results and podium positions.

Racing over the longer distance and the team firstly did battle with a rough 1.2 mile swim before a rather hilly 56 mile bike and then some slight respite on the final 13.1 mile run.

Leading the team home was Jon Parkinson 5.19.26 who was closely followed by Baabii'o La Fleur 5.26.16 (3rd AG) Nigel Fenn 5.37.20 Lewis Cholerton 5.41.54 and Julian Smith 5.44.57

In the Classic (Olympic) Distance race, facing much of the same course, Frank Reay utilised all his racing experience to be first club member over the line in 2.40.26 (2nd AG) and was followed home by Devon Macs 2.51.02, Jonathan Cowling 2.59.31 and Sue Hayes 3.30.13 (3rd AG)

Valerie McClean completes the club line-up in successfully completing the Sprint Distance race in 1.56.42.

Heading in land and the Cotswold 113 also saw a superb turnout from club members racing over the middle distance format. Taking advantage of far calmer waters and a flatter bike course than his Weymouth teammates, Steve Waters put in a time befitting of the sunny conditions with a blistering 4.52.18 Katie Potter wasn't far behind in 5.02.36 along with Peter Hayward 5.27.24 Samara Taylor 6.33.15 Mark Tidball 6.47.17 Rachel Carter 6.57.42

Across the border and there was lots occurring  at the Barry Island Triathlon as Emma Jefferys produced a rather tidy race to finish second in her age group, which will hopefully bring with it Team GB Age Group qualification. Emma raced her way to a time of 1.16.08 over the Sprint format and was joined by Sarah Kathryn in 1.27.45 who secured 3rd AG and must also now wait to see if a qualification spot is offered.

Having suffered a serious injury only weeks ago in his last competitive triathlon outing, Gary Burman was back in action and at the AG European Championships in Madrid no less. Still showing his war wounds, Gary battled his way to a strong top half showing in his AG, even more impressive considering his strongest swim discipline was replaced by a run. Gary finished the Sprint Distance Duathlon in 57.08. From IRONMAN success only two weeks ago Donald Brooks once again proved his versatility and dominance over any distance by taking the AG win with a resounding time of 1.59.47 and over four minutes ahead of his nearest rival.

Club members organised a Torbay Velopark Parkrun takeover as members volunteered to support the weekly event which attracts nearly 300 runners and walkers. A great way to give back to the popular local event, which many participate in on a regular basis, members filled a variety of roles from setting up the course to marshalling, timing and tail walking, encouraging everyone along to the 5k finish.