Sunday 12th June was an early start and a hideously soggy morning but this did not hinder the enthusiasm and gritty determination of the CPS IAPS Triathlon team this year, as they headed to Dulwich Prep School in Kent.
The rain pelted hard as the 445 athletes came together to compete nationally in one of the biggest IAPS Triathlon meets they have had to date. Excitement ran high as the teams changed in to their tri-suits, hats and goggles, then were fitted with electronic ankle timers before being taken down to the poolside to start.
First up were the U10 mixed boys’ and girls’ teams to swim 120m, followed by the U12’s 200m swim. There was no let up as rain persisted, causing technical problems with the swim timing element of the race. Following the swim, athletes ran a bare foot dash up a tarmac gradient and on to grass playing fields to the cycle transition. Here the aim is to frantically fit a helmet, put on trainers and competition number, then push the bike out to mounting area together with a seething crowd of competitors. The cycle part of the race was tricky as the course became water logged; the organisers reduced the distance as the mud bath began making it difficult to manoeuvre the tight turning corners of the cycle course.
Afterwards spirits remained high, with new personal best times smashed, as everyone enjoyed much needed hot chocolate and bacon sandwiches. Congratulations to all the team for their efforts and I look forward to seeing you there next year!
Results
U10 girls: Sasha P – 5th, Tabitha S – 10th , Sophie S – 11th , Megan T – 33rd
U10 boys: Liam R- 22nd, James M – 27th, Jack B – 35th, Toby D (with injured shoulder) – 68th.
U12 girls: Imogen P – 8th, Jess M – 9th