News Headlines 2007
10th November
Jill McGee finished a superb 23rd of 63 in her age group in the Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Clearwater, Florida, today. Jill's time of 5:09:58 for the 1.2 mile Swim, 56 mile Bike and 13.1 mile Run placed her 1005th of 1466 starters.
6th October
Congratulations to our 2007 NW Champions Rachel Jones, Nicola King, Sara Eriksson, Paul Sanderson, Chris Stryker and Peter Knott. Prizes will be awarded at the end of season North West Regional Dinner at the Forest Hills Hotel, Frodsham, Cheshire on the 24th November.
30th September
Rachel Jones followed up her 1st place in the Inter-Regional City of Cardiff 10k (Sept 9th) with a silver medal in today's World Biathle Championships held in Monaco. Rachel improved on her Bronze medal from last year but narrowly missed out on gold despite beating the 2006 World Champion Maria Barrett into 3rd place. Richard Stannard won the men's event for the second time in three years.
23rd September
In the final event of the 2007 NW Series at the Brinscall Triathlon, Phil Davidson's 11th place moved him up 19 places to 19th overall and 3rd in his age group. Like Phil, Neil Smith finished his season with a 4th Triathlon in 5 weeks with an impressive 7:16 swim for 20th place at Brinscall. Andrew Crawshaw continued his preparation for Ironman New Zealand 1st March 2008 with an excellent 1:29:42 for 28th place at the Garstang Half Marathon. Mark Buckley was Tri Preston's other finisher in 67th place with a time of 1:41:06.
16th September
Dave Tierney (1:22:08) marked his first season in Triathlon with an impressive age group win, and 8th overall (2nd Novice), at the Newton-le-Willows Triathlon. Also competing in his first season was Andrew Chatburn who finished 34th of the 51 Novices in the race with a time of 1:44:51. Tricia Lemon returned from South Cheshire with a PB at the NW Classic Triathlon. Set in Barony Park, Nantwich and with a swim in the only heated outdoor brine swimming pool in GB, Tricia completed the 500m Swim, 20k Bike, 5k Run course in 1:30:53 for 101st place out of a large female entry. With the Northumberland Triathlon Festival in it’s third year, Jill McGee and Phil Davidson made the long trip North for the One Life Standard Distance Triathlon; and there wasn't much in it at the finish with Phil's 2:34:15 just edging out Jill's 2:35:12. Further South at the Bala Standard Distance Triathlon, this year designated a Vancouver 2008 World Championship Qualifier, the boys were all doing their level best to qualify. It wasn't meant to be this time around for Martin Kerry (2:07:21) as he narrowly missed out on a qualifying spot. Other TP results: Paul Sanderson (2:06:15), Andrew Tabernacle (2:06:28), Richard Holmes (2:13:07), Andrew McCracken (2:14:01) and Neil Smith (2:33:11). This leaves Nicola King (Standard Distance) and Peter Knott (Sprint Distance) as our sole qualifiers for Vancouver.
9th September
An early morning mist greeted the the early arrivals for the Rivington Triathlon but this soon dispersed to leave perfect racing conditions and the reservoir like a mill pond. With the women's prize list extending to 4th place Andrew Tabernacle can count himself unlucky not to pick up a prize after finishing 2nd MV, 10th overall in a time of 2:20:18. Next home for Tri Preston was Phil Davidson (2:39:21) closely followed by Laurence Loxam (2:44:35), Hugh Roberts (2:45:42) and Neil Smith (2:48:24). Free bacon butties, tea cakes and coffee at the finish along with a free massage all combine to make Rivington a well organised family friendly event and a personal favourite. There are some fantastic pictures from Helvellyn Triathlon at Picasa but surely none better than the one taken by Mark Procter of Jim approaching the finish. The results are on the Tri Hard website and there are some more photos at John Howells Photography but well done to Richard Holmes (4:13:40), Andrew Crawshaw (4:30:47), Jim Townhill (4:49:31) and Vicki Cummings (6:21:43) for just completing this punishing event. Back to that picture now; captions please on a postcard to...8th September
Stephen Hinde and Nicola King tackled The Vitruvian today. The race, which incorporates the National Middle Distance Championships, starts with a very early 1900m swim in Rutland Water followed by a 84k bike which includes nearly 1000m of climbing and two passes over the notorious Rutland Ripple between Oakham and Uppingham. A flat 21k run finishes things off. Nicola completed the course in a time of 4:56:37 (3rd in her age group) and Stephen in 5:37:51.
2nd September
Nicola King finished a magnificent 12th in her age group, 134th of 618 Overall, in today's ITU World Age Group Triathlon Championships held in Hamburg, Germany.
1st September
The first running of the Big Woody Long Distance Triathlon in the Forest of Dean didn't run as smoothly as planned with a carnival procession, re-scheduled because of the floods, appearing in the middle of the bike route. Tri Preston's Richard Holmes completed the 112 mile bike leg in 5:54:49 for the Emily Ravenhill relay team which secured a podium spot by finishing first in the mixed category. Unfortunately Richard wasn't available on the Sunday to receive his prize from a certain Spencer Smith....
26th/27th August
Two local events of note over the Bank Holiday weekend. On Sunday Phil Davidson finished the Saddleworth Triathlon in 35th place Overall, 5th in his age category, in a time of 2:01:36. The challenging course, the penultimate event in this years Xtra Mile Events series, includes a near Olympic distance bike leg with some 2600ft of climbing. Aly Woodall would have competed also but her luckless year continued as she broke her foot in two places taking a gentle run on Friday. On Bank Holiday Monday Laurence Loxam and Neil Smith were the club representatives at the popular Cockerham Triathlon, a report of which can be found on the Manchester Triathlon Club website.
26th August
Peter Knott and Jason Riley both competed in the inaugral Birmingham Triathlon today, Peter in the Sprint and Jason in the Olympic distance. There are some none too complimentary postings on the Tri Talk forum regarding the organisation and marshalling; talk of people doing a variety of distances on the bike and an uninspiring run (Peter heard someone call it a 'tour de carparks'). The Car Parking fee of £8 didn't prove too popular either!
18th August
Clare Kane completed the annual Menai Straits Pier To Pier swim today in a time of 51 minutes 4 seconds to finish both 2nd Overall and in the the Womens Under 30 age group. No wetsuits allowed in this two mile (approx) swim from Beaumaris Pier to Bangor Pier. Full results and a report can be found here.
11th August
Pukka 4 go crackers at Relays, by Phil Davidson: When I put the teams together for this years Club Relays I didn't envisage it being quite so close but I suppose I should have known better after last year. Basically there was 1 second separating Rigsters Honeys from Phil's Pukka 4 after each team member had completed the swim leg with Jim's Crackers a further 53 seconds behind. After the bike legs this gap had lengthened to 2:28 for Phil's Pukka 4 (2:16:19) over Rigsters Honeys (2:18:47) with Jim's Crackers (2:20:23) now 4:04 adrift of the lead. I was attempting to remain calm despite the fact that I knew my team had just completed their strongest discipline, the bike (1:40:07 c/w 1:42:36 for Rigsters Honeys and 1:43:18 for Jim's Crackers). Jim's comments along the lines of 'Can't see you losing this now' rang hollow in my ears. Suffice to say, with Jim winding me up into a frenzy in the pen and with the knowledge that Vicki was catching Lisa I exited transition with a mere 16 seconds advantage over Jim. I spent the next sweltering 5k constantly looking over my shoulder to the point that at one stage Jim had narrowed the gap to some 5 seconds and I'm sure I could see his yellow shoes behind me; I swear I could hear him breathing down my neck. Truly horrible, hence the jubilous celebrations as I crossed the finish line! As usual the weather was superb and thank-you Mark, Jason, Lisa, Neil, Colin, Vicki, Jim, Dave, Kevin, Andrea, Richard and family members/partners/dogs for another memorable weekend.
5th August
Aly Woodall and Neil Smith did the Oswestry Triathlon today, both entered at the last minute and didn't know each was going until they saw each other at the pool!!! Fantastic weather, a bit too hot but at least it wasn't raining. If you don't already know the course it's interesting. The swim is in a 20 metre pool and the bike course is very hilly (either 10mph or 35mph) but stunning scenery if you take the time to have a look around. The run is 3 laps round a grassy field with half of the lap being a long gentle hill, just what you need after a hilly bike!!! Good warm up for the relays... Elsewhere Martin Kerry is considering taking up Crown Green Bowls after finishing only 6th in his age category at the New Mills Triathlon despite a 15th place Overall. It's a strong age category Martin!
29th July
Chris Wild, Laurence Loxam and Anna Willetts all completed the Trentham Big Half today in times of 5:14:14, 5:34:13 and 6:24:01 respectively. In the Classic event Jason Riley registered his highest finish ever, finishing in 8th place Overall in 2:42:23. There is an excellent report and video on the TriTalk Forum.
22nd July
Sharon Townhill was the club's sole representative in today's Chester Deva Divas Triathlon, finishing an impressive 20th of 189 finishers in a time of 1:16:29 in very very muddy conditions.
15th July
There were age group wins today for Paul Sanderson, Nicola King and Peter Knott at the Boundary Breeze NW Sprint Championships. Full TP results: Paul Sanderson 1:06:22 (9th Overall), Rodger Wilkins 1:07:30, Nicola King 1:11:32 (2nd female), John Hampson 1:16:23, Neil Dunn 1:18:14, Colin Hughes 1:21:01, Sara Eriksson 1:22:42, Peter Knott 1:31:02 and Tricia Lemon 1:40:49.
14th July
Simon Devereux took the Tri Preston honours in this afternoon's Ripon Triathlon. With all 4 TP athletes exiting the swim within a minute of each other Simon finally passed Phil Davidson inside the last 4 miles of the bike never looking back to finish in 2:35:08, ahead of Phil 2:39:53, Hugh Roberts 2:43:53 and Shirley Hunt 2:56:40.
8th July
Having pre-qualified for the Hamburg World Triathlon Championships by virtue of her first place in the National Triathlon Rankings, Nicola King followed up her 2nd place at Shropshire with a 4th place at the Wakefield Triathlon to qualify for the Vancouver World Championships in 2008. TP results: Duncan Anderson 2:28:49, Paul Sanderson 2:29:54, Martin Kerry 2:32:39 and Nicola King 2:32:47. Further afield Jim Townhill and Dave Rigby both completed Ironman Austria, Jim improving on his previous best at the Longest Day by some 30 mins (29:56 to be precise!) for a PB 12:44:28, whilst Dave's 15:22:58 included a 5:50:26 Marathon, ouch! Closer to home Hugh Roberts, Phil Davidson, Darren Slater and Jason Riley all completed the Run Preston 10k in times of 42:18, 42:44, 47:45 and 50:56 respectively.
24th June
Congratulations to Richard Mason who completed Ironman France in a very impressive 10:59:38.
24th June
There was a large turnout for Chester Deva Triathlon this weekend with 13 members of the club competing and trying to dodge the weather. Paul Sanderson for the men and Nicola King for the ladies claim bragging rights being the first back although there were a number of very quick times. Provional results can be found here. A mention must also go to Jim Townhill who I think has claimed the record for the most photos ever taken by an unofficial photographer at 154 and probably got a RSI in the process!
23rd June
Andrew McCracken continued his preparations for Ironman UK with a 160th place at the Dambuster Triathlon at Rutland Water. His time of 2:20:11 was slightly down on last year's 2:17:17 due to his Ironman training.
23rd June
There was another write up in the LEP for Simon Devereux and Jill McGee for the Half Ironman UK although the picture accompanying the article had managed to morph Jill into Nicola King!
21st June
Some more coverage from LEP 16/6/07. Part of an article covering several athletics events and including Nicola King's magnificent World Championship qualifying 2:20:02, 2nd in her age category, at Shropshire. Rodger's and Tabs' 3rd and 4th (1st Vet) at Cockermouth also get a mention.
18th June
Simon Devereux and Jill McGee completed Half Ironman UK with some magnificent times and results, Jill claiming third place in her age group with a time of 6:01:46 and Simon finishing in 6:12:41 for 38th place in his age group.
17th June
In great racing conditions and against the historical backdrop of Windsor Castle, Eton College and the River Thames, Stephen Hinde and Neil Dunn represented Tri Preston at the Windsor Olympic Distance Triathlon. Stephen was the first home putting in a great performance completing the course in 2hr 38m 07s and not too far behind was Neil Dunn in a time of 2hr 41m 22s despite several mishaps including a heavy nosebleed on the run.
14th June
HUNDREDS of budding athletes will be dusting off their trainers to take part in this year's Run Preston on Sunday 8 July. Three separate races, a 10km run, 5km run/walk and a 2km fun run, will start and finish in Market Street, in the city centre, and follow routes through the heart of the city, along the riverside and through Preston's historic Avenham and Miller Parks. The 5km run/walk event also incorporates a workplace challenge, with the aim of promoting healthy and active workplaces. The closing date for registration before the event is Friday 22 June. There is also limited on-the-day registration from 8:30am at the Guild Hall.
13th June
The club had some coverage in the Lancashire Evening Post on Saturday 9th June. The article on page 25 entitled 'Preston success' covers the club's recent successes at Bala Middle Distance, Cheshire and the first of the Salford Quays Aquathlons. The online version, under a slightly different heading, can be viewed here.
6th May Kendal
Sprint Triathlon. An excellent winning time for the hilly course and wet and windy conditions. Tri Preston had a handicap race start in a special wave of their own and 17 competitors took part from the club, set off in a "winner takes all" fashion. Raasay Waters won marginally ahead of a fast approaching Duncan Anderson. The handicap was very close as they all finished within 5 minutes of each other. Duncan, 2nd Overall; Tricia, 1st in her age category.
30th April
Tri Preston's Matt Moorhouse finished 4th overall in this weekend's National Duathlon Championships at Ashbourne. In the womens race Rachel Jones finished 3rd elite female and 4th female overall despite stopping on the bike. Read a full report here.
19th April
Brinscall Triathlon is now open for entries. The event, which includes a swim in the local pool and a bike and run through picturesque local villages, is primarily aimed at people getting into the sport for the first time. The format is slightly different to that of other Triathlons in that transition times are not included in the overall finishing time, removing the pressure to race between disciplines - one of the areas which often stresses competitors out as they worry about what kit to use and how to avoid losing valuable seconds between swim and bike or bike and run. The race is part of the North West Senior Series and the distances are 500 yards swim, 12 miles bike and 3 miles run. Visit Chorley Triathlon Club website for further information.
1st April
NW Duathlon 01.04.2007 - Spectators Report !!!!
25th Mar
Mark Procter continued his steady progress towards his first Ironman yesterday, finishing just behind club colleague Darren Slater (1:51:06) in 1:53:57 at the Coniston 14. Mark is competing at Ironman UK this year alongside Richard Mason and fellow first timers Andrew McCracken and Jill McGee. Jim Townhill and Neil Smith completed the Liverpool Half Marathon today in very respectable times despite both having completed the club run on Friday and the Saturday Brick session. Jim's time of 1:30:39 was a PB and Neil can be very pleased with his time of 1:45:27 having been roped into competing by Jim at the last minute! Jim is another one in the middle of Ironman training with his sights firmly set on Ironman Austria in July and a sub 6 hour bike. You can catch more of Jim on BBC Radio Lancashire's Later with Carole on April 24th where he'll be talking about chiropractic, career change, diet, lifestyle and Triathlon amongst other things.
21st Mar
Change of Venue!! It has been confirmed that we can now use the Tennis Centre at Bamber Bridge for our meetings starting this Sunday, and every 3rd Sunday of the month thereafter, with a meeting time of 7:00 pm. Address: South Ribble Tennis Centre, Cuerden Way, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire PR5 6BJ Follow the link for map/directions: South Ribble Tennis Centre
18th Mar
Club members Richard Holmes and Vicki Cummings battled the elements yesterday at the Circuit Of Ingleborough, a hilly 27 mile TT that takes in a single lap around Ingleborough with some beautiful scenery on route. The rolling circuit, part of the Lakes & Lancs SpoCo Series, has some nasty uphill sections alongside some fast and technical descents. Richard finished in 1.15.50 and Vicki (a very proud last) in 1.52.28 in horrendous conditions. Talking of bad days, Saturday 10th March is probably a day Matt Moorhouse will want to forget in a hurry. Those of you searching the Clumber Park Duathlon results for Matt's name will be disappointed to hear that he was disqualified for crossing the mid-road line on the way into transition on a closed road. To make it worse, Matt was only in the middle of the narrow road because he didn't want to be deemed as drafting since the guy just in front was overtaking the sprint distance competitors. Matt actually won the event after going the wrong way on the bike and losing 45 seconds; not a bad performance considering he was struggling to run 20 minutes the week earlier as he'd had a groin injury for 3 weeks. To complete a magical day Matt's misery was compounded when he arrived home to find a £60 parking fine waiting for him!
14th Mar
Congratulations to Jill McGee, 2nd in her category (provisional results) at the Clumber Classic Duathlon this weekend and 11th fastest female overall with a time of 2:19:52.
11th Mar
The hugely popular Salford Thursday evening Aquathlons are back for 2007. The five race series will run from the 31st May to 23rd August. Follow the Training link.
2nd Mar
A brand new series of sprint distance triathlons has been launched in the North West of England. Xtra Mile Events announces the “XME Tri Sprint Series”: five exciting pool-based sprint triathlons in beautiful locations from the fast flats of the Cheshire Plains to the challenging highs of the Peak District. Event Dates - • 13 May 2007 Wilmslow, • 03 June 2007 Macclesfield • 05 August 2007 New Mills • 26 August 2007 Saddleworth • 16 September 2007 Newton-le-Willows. For more details visit http://www.xtramileevents.com/
26th Feb
Some super-fast times in Sunday's GNW Half Marathon. TP results: Duncan Anderson 1:23:02 (45th), Adam Bolton 1:25:55 (81st), Andrew Crawshaw 1:29:23 (145th), Darren Slater 1:42:33 (415th), Mark Procter 1:42:56 (427th) and Tabs 1:47:18 (519th of 1096 finishers). It must be the season for Half Marathons as Vicki Cummings completed one over one of my former stomping grounds the previous Sunday, 18th Feb, taking 4 minutes off her PB in finishing the Wrexham Half Marathon in 1:44:04.
13th Feb
The ever popular Boundary Breeze Sprint Triathlon on 15 July is also open for online entries. For those that haven't completed BB before, the race is really well organised and friendly with a lovely lake swim and a flat bike course on good roads. It is set in the beautiful Cheshire countryside just outside Holmes Chapel and Knutsford with easy access from the motorway; and because it takes place mid-season it tends to be blessed with good weather. The race is excellent preparation for the Olympic distance Salford Triathlon 2 weeks later and like Salford filled up in advance last time around.
12th Feb
Kevin Bedford informs me that entries are now open for the Salford Triathlon. Follow the link.
12th Feb
Complete results from the Juniors 2006 Winter and Summer series can be found here. Well Done to all the Juniors that represented the club last year.
15th Jan
Entries for the Aegon St Annes Triathlon on 20th May are now open. The event is a great opportunity to compete on closed roads. Follow the Entries/Results link for an entry form.
6th Jan
Chirk Sprint Triathlon is now CLOSED. It filled up today with 400 entrants and a full reserve list.
1st Jan
World Championships Qualifying Process for 2007-2008.
1st Jan
Happy New Year to all.
