Joe Skipper and Catherine Jameson headline the start-lists as over 1000 athletes are set to descend upon Rutland Water this Saturday in search of National Middle Distance Triathlon honours
Established in 2003, The Vitruvian is now regarded as one of the premier Middle Distance triathlon events of the domestic calendar, consistently attracting a sell-out entry of over 1000 athletes. That popularity continues this year with the event also chosen to host the Triathlon England National Championships over the distance.
The opening 1.9km swim is a two-lap affair based at Whitwell Harbour. With athletes exiting the water after the first lap, there will be plenty of opportunity for spectators to cheer on their friends and family. The 85km bike course is also over two laps, on a course that should appeal to all tastes with something for everyone in terms of terrain and road type. Continuing the theme, the 21km run section also comprises of two laps with a combination of tarmac paths and a small grass section.
Race favourite for Sunday is certainly Joe Skipper. Elite Bronze medallist last season in the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships in Sweden, Skipper has been in fine form in 2016, culminating at the full distance Challenge Roth event in Germany in July. Second that day to IRONMAN World Champion Jan Frodeno, Joe became the first British athlete to break the eight-hour barrier for the iron-distance.
With his mid-season goal accomplished, The Vitruvian is a key event during his final preparations for his second visit to the IRONMAN World Championships in Hawaii. The existing course record of Joel Jameson (3:45:51, from 2010) and bike course record of Kevin Dawson (2:00:09, from 2013) could well be under threat on Saturday. Speaking ahead of the race, Joe commented:
“I'm pleased to be able to race The Vitruvian as it’s only a short drive away. I've booked a nice hotel for my girlfriend and I, so it looks to be a good weekend away.
“With regards to the race I want to push it hard and see where my fitness is ahead of Kona. I would like to be able to complete the two laps of the bike course in less than two hours and run as close to 1:10 as possible after that.
“If I can do that then things are going in the right direction.”
For the women, Catherine Jameson is certainly the name to watch. Recently selected for the Great Britain Elite team to race at the Oklahoma ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships in two weeks time, The Vitruvian is also a local race for her:
“I am really looking forward to racing The Vitruvian this weekend. It is an iconic UK race in a beautiful location. It falls at the perfect time for me as I have just finished a hard block of training in my preparation for the World Long Distance Champs, which are on the 24 September. I am now having an easy few days and the race will be my last hard hit out before I head to Oklahoma.
“Joel and I rode the course today, which was great, as I got to see what the rolling hills were like and just generally get to grips with the course. I don't often get the chance to ride a course in advance but as it is relatively local for us, it fit in well. Good luck to everyone else racing. I can't wait. See you out there."
The Vitruvian is organised by Pacesetter Events, the team that also bring you the Dambuster Duathlon and Dambuster Triathlon from the same Rutland Water venue.
Triathlon England – National Middle Distance Triathlon Championship
The Vitruvian Triathlon – Saturday 10 September 2016
1.9km swim / 85km bike / 21km run
Race website: Visit here.
Full start lists: View here
Schedule:
06:25 – All Females and Males 55+
06:35 – Male 18-34 and Teams
06:45 – Male 35-39
06:55 – Male 40-44
07:05 – Males 45-49 and Male 50-54
