Portsmouth race is perfect

IT WAS a perfect day in Southsea as 220 competitors lined up for the Portsmouth Triathlon on Sunday.
From left: Richard Wheeler, Olympic distance race winner Peter Younghusband and Tim Hardy. Picture: Habibur Rahman (161312-35)From left: Richard Wheeler, Olympic distance race winner Peter Younghusband and Tim Hardy. Picture: Habibur Rahman (161312-35)
From left: Richard Wheeler, Olympic distance race winner Peter Younghusband and Tim Hardy. Picture: Habibur Rahman (161312-35)

Olympic winners were Peter Younghusband, who races for Petersfield Triathlon Club and finished in 2hr 09min 36sec, and Rachel Fair, of Portsmouth Triathletes, who crossed the line in 2.56.45.

Sprint distance winners were David Reid (1.11.14) and Anna Willis (1.23.43).

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And making a successful return to triathlon Annie Buckley finished in second place (1.25.53).

The Portsmouth Triathlon took place on Sunday. Picture: Habibur RahmanThe Portsmouth Triathlon took place on Sunday. Picture: Habibur Rahman
The Portsmouth Triathlon took place on Sunday. Picture: Habibur Rahman

She last competed in the Portsmouth Triathlon in 1991.

Sunday’s event was a great success for first-time hosts Portsmouth Triathletes, who took on the race from Portsmouth City Council.

Although the sea looked like a mill pond, a spring tide made it a tough challenge for competitors.

The cycle section was around a 6k loop of the seafront with some very fast times despite some tricky corners.

Action from the Portsmouth Triathlon. Picture: Habibur Rahman (161312-64)Action from the Portsmouth Triathlon. Picture: Habibur Rahman (161312-64)
Action from the Portsmouth Triathlon. Picture: Habibur Rahman (161312-64)
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Then the run section was a 2.5k loop of the seafront, with the finish on Castle Field in front of Southsea Castle.

Portsmouth Triathletes fielded a team of 66 out of the 220 athletes.

And they provided as many marshals and volunteers to make this event successful.

Event organiser Nigel Selley said ‘It was the most fantastic day of racing and the first time the Portsmouth Triathlete Club has taken on the challenge of organising the event.

The Portsmouth Triathlon took place on Sunday. Picture: Habibur RahmanThe Portsmouth Triathlon took place on Sunday. Picture: Habibur Rahman
The Portsmouth Triathlon took place on Sunday. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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‘Great credit to our volunteer marshals and thanks to all those who have supported us including the City Council, University, Lifeguards, Traffic Managers, and sponsors.’

Hazel Fenn completed her first triathlon less than a year after not being able to swim 25m.

She went on to successfully swim the tough 1,500m course.

And she completed her Olympic triathlon distance event in 3.51.23.

For more information about Portsmouth Triathletes see the website portsmouthtriathletes.co.uk or check out their Facebook page.

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