Torbay Tri stars shine in European Powerman event

Five Torbay Tri Club members proudly flew the flag for Team GB in Germany at the 2024 Europe Triathlon Powerman Middle Distance Duathlon Championships Alsdorf.

Competing against the best age group duathletes in Europe, the team faced a tough 10k run, 60k bike and 10k run in glorious German sunshine. Narrowly leading his team-mates off the first run, Jon Pressling was soon passed on the bike by Julian Smith and Mark Colombini, as the duo took full advantage of the perfect road conditions and their great bike power.

Starting in the next wave of athletes, Peter Hayward and Laraine Gibbins joined them shortly after on the course, as all five members battled for time and positions against a very strong field of age groupers.

After just over three hours of intense racing, Julian was first home in 3.00.37 and closely followed by Mark in 3.03.26 and Jon 3.12.18, with Peter battling to 3.26.35 and Laraine in 4.10.41.

Racing in and around Tiverton, the popular Exe Valley Triathlon attracted a number of club members to test themselves over the 400m pool swim, 25k bike and 5k run.

Adding another title to his name, Donald Brooks took the overall win and was the only person to finish in under an hour, in a superb time of 58.19 Ian Dabbs was next home in 1.12.18 (3rd AG) and joined by Jon Parkinson 1.14.59 Linda Dabbs 1.19.25 (2nd AG) Cathy Parkinson 1.25.54 and Sarah Luxton 1.29.35

Katie Giles clearly can't get enough of marathon running, as, having made her debut over the 26.2 mile distance in London only last month, this time it was a more local affair in taking on the Exeter Marathon. Despite the very hot conditions, Katie ran a superb race to go sub 5 hours in 4.58.03.

Ivybridge was the place to be on Saturday night for some fast 10k running action, as nearly 500 people lined up for the popular race. The action was fast and furious from the start and saw lots of great times, with the club represented by Jason Hurford 35.27 and Jo Coish 70.18.