Chichester gang turn in triathlon triumphs in Spain

Chichester Westgate Triathlon Club had an impressive contingent representing Great Britain in the European Triathlon Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.

Eight club members plus seven support crew made the self-funded trip to the event, which was an Olympic distance event consisting of a 1,500m swim, a 40k cycle race followed by a 10k run.

A 5am start got the triathletes to the transition area in time to do last-minute preparations before getting down to the river for the first-wave start at 8am.

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The race got under way in temperatures of up to 32C, making it a very hot cycle and run.

Andy Matthews had a bit of bad luck when he tried to take a corner too sharply. He came off and sustained injuries to his leg and arm and buckled his front wheel – but still managed to dust himself off and complete the race in a very good time.

The run, a four-lap circuit out of the stadium and back, gave the opportunity for the team to give each other shouts of encouragement as they passed each other twice per lap.

The team did very well but were just short of bringing home some medals.

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Mary Campbell and Matt Sturman came fourth in their categories and Chandra Morton sixth, with some personal bests also being achieved.

The club were delighted with the trip and now look forward to the world championships in Beijing in September.

Chichester members results: Andy Matthews, 19th in age group, 2min 19.12sec; Mike Cooper, 23rd, 2.20.42; Mary Campbell, 4th, 2.25.15; Chandra Morton, 6th, 2.34.58; Matt Sturman, 4th, 2.35.25; Persephone Hagan, 12th, 2.39.43; Liz Pillans, 12th, 2.45.12; Trudi Cunningham, 15th, 2.50.25.

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