Report by Chris Goulden

 

A memorable medal winning weekend of performances displayed by Welsh Triathletes

 

British Elite championships, Liverpool

 

Around a dozen or so Welsh athletes fronted up to the exceptionally challenging weather conditions. In the joint senior Mens' / Junior  race 60 plus entered the chilly waters of the Albert Dock and furiously navigated themselves around the 750m opening sprint. Ross Hosking and Morgan Davies were amongst the first to exit the water, swiftly followed by Iestyn Harrett, David Flanigan, Liam Lloyd, Deri Stewart, Keiron John and Ieuan Cooke. Out onto the first lap of 4 was Davies and Hosking quickly settled into their rhythm in the lead group, whilst the gathering packs chased relentlessly. Lloyd along with Harrett swiftly made their way through to the leading pack of around ten athletes. Behind the others organised themselves, but to all intent and purpose the gaps between the 4 major groups stabilised throughout the 20k of cycling fluctuating between 30 seconds and 45 seconds respectively. Entering T2 Davies and Lloyd both made early surges with Sexton (Australia) and Wright (Barbados) mixing it with the Welsh thoroughbreds. By the third and final lap Davies' final surge had finally broken the chasing three as he stormed down the final 100m dash to an ecstactic crowd. Lloyd finished a close fourth (2nd Brit), whilst Stewart, Hosking, Flanigan and John ran on stoically for fine finishes. 

 

In the Senior and Junior ladies race welsh representatives of Fenella Langridge (senior) and Ffion Haf Harrett (Junior) both put together superb performances, demonstrating great tactical and technical skills. The gutsy and relentless Langridge battled constantly throughout her race to come a highly credible 4th overall. Whilst Harrett again stuck at her game plan, with others drifting away picked-up a highly deserved silver medal. 

 

Earlier in the day Abbie Williams swam, cycled and ran brilliantly to come home 4th in the youth category, and with another year in this category the future looks very bright. The youth boys' category had top Welsh finisher Tom Nesham who ended up 9th overall in a stacked field having powered past many on the cycle section leaving little left for the fast and furious final 2.5k run to finish. Encouraging performances were also shown by Sam Johnson, Jamie Waite, Jake Tapping and Jack Boniface who battled to the end.

 

2015 Banyoles ETU Triathlon U23 and Youth European Championship

 

During the day more great news was relayed to us, finding out that two Welsh athletes picked up silver medals at the European under 23s super-sprint relay champs in Banyoles (Spain). Zoe Thomas leading the team and thoroughly justifying her long awaited GB vest. Backing Zoe up was Issy Morris (Youth athlete) who was out there as travelling reserve for the European Youth Championships. In short she stepped up to the plate (after illness prevented the original representative from competing) matching her illustrious seniors and more than held her own over the sprint distances. Again showing that the future looks very bright with stars continuing to come through the system.