Eurocoast Triathlon Club members did some travelling last weekend to attend races, in both NSW and Victoria, and returned home with some solid results.
Three members headed to Kurnell for round 1 of the Sydney Sprint Triathlon Series. This is a qualifying event to represent Australia in the ITU World Sprint race, consisting of a 750m swim, 20km bike leg, and finishing with a 5km run.
The race saw a sold-out field of seasoned veterans, World Championship hopefuls and first-time triathletes take to the starting line at the Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Conditions were prime for fast racing – overcast, but not cold, and you couldn’t feel a breath of wind. With a stacked male open wave and age group fields of up to 75 athletes, spectators were treated to an exhilarating morning.
Sally Jeffrey won her race in an overall time of 1:18:00, finishing more than 8 minutes from her nearest challenger. Sally was quickest in the swim leg, and increased her lead in the following two disciplines, being fastest competitor in each leg.
Dan Lloyd Jones, who represented Australia in the World Championship in Mexico last year, came second in his age group. Dan was in second place after the swim, but by the end of the bike leg was leading by 1 second. Dan was unable to keep up the pace on the run, eventually finishing 1:12 behind the winner. Dan said “I am very happy with my result for my first race of the season”. Dan’s total time was 1:02:52.
Ivo Ahlquist competed in the same age group as Dan, and competed the event in 1:11:41. This place Ivo 24th in his age group, and in the top quarter of all competitors.
On the same day, Victor Lendzionowski took part in the Shepparton Challenge Triathlon. This is a half Ironman distance race, of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike leg, and finishing with a 21.1km half marathon run. Victor completed the race in an impressive time of 4:57:59. This placed him 6th in his age group, and in an overall place of 92nd out of some 400 competitors. As impressive as his result was, Victor was disappointed as an injury cost him time.
The Eurocoast Triathlon Club was established in 2014 to support triathletes of all levels. Current members range from World Champions, to those who just wish to compete and do their best. Inquiries in relation to the club should be forwarded to Club Secretary, Ray Davidson, via email to aztec@southernphone.com.au.
Above: Dan Lloyd Jones racing in Mexico last year.
Above: Ivo Ahlquist racing overseas
Above: Sally Jeffrey receiving a Eurocoast Triathlon Club award.
