ISA National Triathlon - Wednesday 3 May 2017

Wednesday morning arrived early and the long journey began back to Herefordshire for the second year of the ISA National Triathlon. Arriving at Lucton we were greeted by a member of staff who was keen to find out if we were here to repeat the feat of last year and contest for the girls title again.

There was a mixture of nerves and excitement as we were setting up, pinning numbers to shirts and attaching numbers to bikes. The buzz of participating in such a huge event was electrifying. This was the first triathlon for some of our Year 3s and unfortunately the last ISA tri for our Year 6s.

Arriving well ahead of time meant that bikes were racked, clothes laid out for transition and we were ready for the start in the pool. What a difference to last year, children were basked in sunshine as they cycled and run round the track and again we were greeted with smiles as they crossed the finish line. Lucy A and Amelia were the first out for Gateway and riding hard for their times. They were quickly followed by Oakley D, Thomas T, Harry N and Felix P, showing fantastic determination and grit against the wind.

Leading the way out of the water, Toby G-K and George C knew from last year how important the change in transition was. All the boys were strong on the bike with their heads down and fighting the wind to get back to transition and start the run. The girls showed no less determination and, Lucy Q, with an excellent swim time, pedalled hard for her place. Some of the girls had moved up from tri start into this category and fought well to gain great positions.

The final race was for the youngest competitors. The eight year old category and what an amazing experience for these youngsters. Only Katie A had done this before and she knew she had to fight to keep that top spot she secured last year. The other girls in the group were hot on her heels and also pushed for top places. Only one of our boys had done a triathlon before and Will P knew a strong finish was important as he flew across the line.

To walk away with medals is amazing, but to see the smiles on their faces after they finish and knowing what a fantastic experience they have had is worth more than all the tangible rewards. The list of positions is outlined below.

Thankfully the long journey paid off again as the girls were awarded with the trophy for the girls category for the second year running. Well done to everyone who competed.

Thank you to Zoe Allsop again for the transition training on the bikes and a final huge thank you to all the parents for helping transport children at the event. This could not have happened without your sterling support.

Keith Clark