<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Duathlon247</title><link>http://www.duathlon247.com/index.html</link><description>Latest articles from Duathlon247</description><item><title><![CDATA[Race report: Whinlatter Duathlon    - Sunday November 13, 2011]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5785.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[7km   Trail Run/18km Mountain Bike/5.5km Trail Run
Clear, crisp autumunal   weather greeted competitors at this years Whinlatter duathlon, just west of   Keswick in the northern Lake District. Despite the   relatively short race distances, Whinlatter is described as &#039;England&#039;s only true   mountain forest &#039;giving a hint as to the severity of   the route and to the amount of climbing that is packed into the relatively short   distances. This year&#039;s race incorporated a brand new   course which proved equally as challenging if not harder than previous editions.   Designed as a &#039;Tour of the Forest&#039; the route made full   use of the stunning mountain location with it&#039;s fantastic network of trails and   jaw dropping scenery.&nbsp;

A strong field lined up for the   start, including former international fell runner and adventure racer Phil Davis   (Team Cyclewise Altura) and   last year&#039;s second place finisher Chris Hope (Keswick Bikes). Competing for the   first time in the solo category, Phil is no stranger   to the event, having won the previous two editions as a relay pair. Strong local   mountain biker and multisport all rounder Philappa   Liles (Keswick) was also back to improve on last year&#039;s third place finish.
The initial 7km run took competitors around   the newly created Masmill Oakwood trail, With superb panoramic views over the   Skiddaw fells and Bassenthwaite Lake nature reserve,   home of the Lakeland Osprey. Content to stay with the lead group for the initial   fast section Phil moved into the lead once the route   started climbing back up the appropriately named &#039;Heavy Sides&#039;. Following a   tough &#039;Off Piste&#039; section Phil entered T1 in 28:05   followed by Michael Pluckrose (Carlisle Tri) in 29:44, then Chris in 31:06.   In the women&#039;s race local international orienteer   Angela Brand Barker (Keswick Bikes) was clearly on form, leading into T1 in   38:21 followed by Nancy Mclean (Border terriers) in   39:56 and Philappa in 39:32.
The 18km mountain bike section incorporated Whinlatters renowned   Blue grade Quercus (latin for oak) and Altura Red trails, a course which becomes more breathtaking as it goes on, in both   senses of the word! Starting with a full circuit of   the Quercus, with its flowing singletrack and gradual climbs, the route then   links onto the Altura South   loop, climbing a series of switchbacks to over 500m amidst the awesome backdrop   of Grizedale Pike. The top of the climb provides   superb views across the peaks of the North Lakes, not to be admired for long as   competitors were faced with a huge rock slab marking   the start of the long descent back to T2.
Newcomer to multisport Graham Stobbs   described the mountain bike course as &quot;a challenge in itself, even without the   run preceding it. The uphills were relentless and not like anything I&#039;ve ever   experienced in my life, even when I was 15 years younger and mountain biking   regularly, it would have been tough. However, the downhill sections were   unbelievable and thoroughly enjoyable. Anyone who   hadn&#039;t studied the course profile was in for a shock as there was one more long   climb to be tackled, which proved the final test of   competitors resolve. As Graham Stobbs put it, &#039;The final climb up the fire break   behind the visitor centre finally did me in and I was   glad to reach the transition area.&#039;
With an incredible display of   strength Phil increased his lead on the mtb section recording 59:56, the fastest   bike split of the day and the only rider to go under   the hour, entering T2 with a four minute lead. Second place wasn&#039;t so clear cut   as Chris had steadily reeled in Michael and both   exited T2 together. 

The final run was a 5.5k circuit made gruelling by the steep and   relentless singletrack climb to the summit of Seat How, one of the highest   points in the forest. Not content with easing up at this stage, Phil went on to   record the fastest second run split coming home a comfortable winner in 1:56:09.   Michael broke clear of Chris on the climb finishing second in 2:01:15, followed   by Chris in 2:03:19. A consistent performance by Anthony Roberts moved him into   fourth place and also first MV50.
Thriving on her strongest discipline, Philippa moved into the lead   on the long switchback climb of the South loop. Recording&nbsp;the fastest bike split among the women (1:20:22) enabled Philippa   to start the second run with nearly a two minute lead on Angela. Philappa knew there was no time to relax on this tough   circuit. At the summit of Seat How Angela had pulled back a minute and now had Philippa in her sights. With just over 2km of mostly   fast descent left, Philippa was determined not to relinquish her lead and held on to win in a time of 2:39:10. This was closely   followed by Angela in 2:40:03, recording the fastest second run in 38:21 and also first FV50!
Carlisle Tri won the team category   With Mark Ryan finishing 10th and David Milligan 28th. The relay category for pairs was won by Morgan Lloyd and Alec   Duffield (Big Bear Bikes) storming round in a time of 1:58:34. First mixed pair was Shonah Dobson and Rich Holland (Cross Club) in   2:17:54.
A big thank   you to Altura cycle clothing, Cyclewise, Up &amp;amp; Running Keswick for providing   fantastic prizes and event support. Also to Whinlatter   Forestry for use of such a fantastic venue and facilities, especially Paul Brown   working tireslelly in the weeks leading up to the   event to ensure trails were clear.
Click here to find out more about High Terrain Events
Men&#039;s results

  
    1
    Phil Davis
    Team&nbsp;Cyclewise Altura
    1:56:09
  
  
    2
    Michael Pluckrose
    Carlisle Tri 
    2:01:15
  
  
    3
    Chris Hope
    Keswick Bikes 
    2:03:19
  

&amp;nbsp;
Women&#039;s results

  
    1
    Philippa Liles
    Keswick
    2:39:10
  
  
    2
    Angela Brand   Barker
    Keswick Bikes
    2:40:03
  
  
    3
    Lizzy   Westman
    Surrey
    2:45:03
  

&amp;nbsp;
Click here for full results]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Excitement building for the   inaugural Eridge Park Duathlon and Orienteering Festival]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5784.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Race preview: Eridge Park Duathlon and Orienteering Festival - Sunday   July 10, 2011
The first   Eridge Park off-road Duathlon and Orienteering Festival takes place on Sunday   10th&nbsp;July and is set to be a fantastic day out with something for   everyone.
Set in   the beautiful grounds of Eridge Park, which is just south of Tunbridge Wells,   participants can look forward to stunning views, challenging terrain through   woodlands, park and trail, and a smorgasbord of running, mountain biking and   orienteering.
&lsquo;This is   a really exciting event for us&rsquo; commented Race Organiser Mark Shaw &lsquo;We are   working with Tunbridge Wells Harriers, organisers of the award winning Eridge   Park 10 and Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon, and also Saxons Orienteering club to   organise the festival. We&nbsp;hope to offer something completely different and   fantastic fun. It&rsquo;s an honour to open and share Eridge Park for this special   event and it promises to be a thrilling day&rsquo;.

Numerous   events are on offer, including an off-road duathlon (5km run, 14km bike, 5km   run) which can be tackled as an individual or relay team, and a choice of 5km or   10km orienteering style trail challenge, which is open to all ages including   juniors.&nbsp;
All   events are open to everyone whether you&rsquo;re a beginner looking for a fun   challenge, a seasoned runner or experienced orienteer wanting to race or just   try something new.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bikes are available to hire and there will be   support and advice from Saxons orienteering club if you&rsquo;re new to   navigation.&nbsp;
Entry fee for the individual duathlon is   &pound;25 (BTF members &pound;22) and includes a t-shirt and electronic timing. Entry fee   for the orienteering trail event starts at only &pound;5.&nbsp;
See&nbsp;www.eridgeparkduathlon.com&nbsp;for   more information and to enter online]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Race report: Newlands Duathlon]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5782.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Race report: Newlands Duathlon 
Sunday   17th April, 2011 - 8km Trail Run /44km Road   Bike / 4km Run
The Newlands Duathlon is establishing itself as one   of the toughest duathlons in the country and this was reflected in the quality   of the field lined up for the start. It is also probably the most scenic,   incorporating running trails around the iconic Catbells fell and a spectacular   cycle route through stunning Lakeland terrain.
  
The initial 8k run took   competitors along an undulating trail at the base of Catbells before a steep   rocky ascent leading to Hause Gate, near to the summit. Top local fell runner   Ben Bardsley (Keswick Bikes) was determined to establish an early lead on this   section but Richard Anderson (Holmfirth Harriers) was hot on his heels and both   entered T1 together in 31:11. Last years winner, Phil Addyman was a further   three minutes adrift at this stage but clearly looking forward to his strongest   discipline on the bike. Leading the women&rsquo;s race and looking very strong was   Rhiannon Silson (Arragons Tri) in 38:15 followed over a minute later by Karen   Poole (Cleveland Tri) in 39:41. With strong local cyclists Philippa Lyles   (Keswick) who finished second at Whinlatter and last years female winner Angela   Armstrong (Carlisle Tri) not too far behind, a fierce battle loomed ahead on the   bike. 

Photos &copy; Sport Sunday
Taking in two Lakeland passes, one of which is the renowned   Honister Pass, with it&rsquo;s 25% gradients, the 44k cycle route was going to test   competitors&rsquo; strength and resolve to stay on the bike. Indeed, after storming   round last year Philip Addyman reported that his speed over the top of Honister   was reduced to 5mph! Whinlatter Pass is the first major climb of the day and is   reached after only three miles on the bike. Climbing up the forested slopes,   Richard was steadily increasing his lead over Ben and was now out in front on   his own. Powering his way along the undulating section past the shores of   Crummock Water and Buttermere Richard had built a three minute lead by the top   of Honister. Karen was steadily eating into Rhiannon&rsquo;s lead and caught her   before Buttermere but knowing that a significant time gap was needed to hold off   Rhiannon on the second run.
After a steep and technical descent down   Honister, the bike route wound it&rsquo;s way through Borrowdale Valley passing   through the hamlets of Rosthwaite and Grange, then along the western side of   Derwentwater and back to T2. With a clear lead established on the bike, Richard   was not going to be troubled on the second 4k run. The battle for second was a   different matter as Phillip, Ben and Mark Roberts ( Manchester Tri) all entered   T2 within a few minutes of each other. Recording the fastest run split for the   4k run, Richard crossed the line in an impressive 2:16:55 smashing an incredible   10 minutes from the course record. Philip battled through for second in 2:23:06   closely followed by Mark in 2:24:46. After a similar display of strength on the   bike Karen built up a four minute lead and entered T2 in 2:24:24 followed by   Rhiannon in 2:28:46. Running solidly Karen held on for the win in 2:50:22   followed closely by Rhiannon in 2:53:51 and Phillipa in 3:03:04, all three   beating last years course record!

Photos &copy; Sport Sunday
The veteran category is always a   strong one and Newlands was no exception. For this reason we combine the male   vet40&rsquo;s with the male open. Phil Addyman was first MV40 and Elaine White   (Wakefield Tri Club) first FV40. First MV50 was Peter Smith (NAV4) and MVet 60   was Tom Palenicek (Staffordshire Moorlands). For the relay category, one person   does both runs the other the cycle. David Prescott and Andrew Eland (Tri   Lakeland) teamed up at the last minute, David was going to do the event solo   before picking up an injury and pairing up, which turned out to be a good   decision as they came through first in the relay category. 
Newlands was   the finale to the challenging High Terrain Events Duathlon Series, a true   test of competitors&rsquo; versatility both on and off road. Competitors needed to   complete three events in the series with Whinlatter, Kielder, Grizedale and   Newlands to choose from. Mark Ryan (Carlisle Tri) was the winner of the Male   category, Louise Wilkinson (Northumberland) was first Female, having won on home   ground at the testing Kielder Off Road Duathlon in January, in the snow! 

Photos &copy; Sport Sunday
Men&#039;s results

  
    1
    Richard Anderson
    Holmfirth Harriers
    2:16:55
  
  
    2
    Philip Addyman
    Ryton   Tri
    2:23:06
  
  
    3
    Mark Roberts
    Man Tri
    2:24:46
  

&amp;nbsp;
Women&#039;s results

  
    1
    Karen Poole
    Cleveland   Tri
    2:50:22
  
  
    2
    Rhiannon Silson
    Arragons Tri
    2:53:51
  
  
    3
    Phillipa Liles
    Keswick
    3:03:04
  

&amp;nbsp;
Relay pair results

  
    1
    David Prescott, Andrew Eland
    Tri   Lakeland
    2:53:40
  
  
    2
    Sara Barnes, Ian Vatter
    Dig Deep
    3:27:23
  

&amp;nbsp;
Women&#039;s results

  
    1st Female V40
    Elaine   White
    3:47:25
  
  
    1st Male V50
    Peter Smith (Nav4)
    3:07:31
  
  
    1st Male   V60
    Tom Palinecik
    3:32:45
  

&amp;nbsp;
A big   thank you to National Trust for use of their land, Up &amp;amp; Running Keswick and   Keswick Bikes for both providing some fantastic prizes and event support. Also   to Newlands Adventure Centre for use of such a fantastic venue and facilities.   Credit goes to Sport Sunday and Dave Willis Mountain Sports Events for the   photos.
High Terrain Events have incorporated this classic bike route into   brand a new triathlon event to be based from Buttermere village on Saturday   17th September. Distances are 1.5k swim in the crystal clear water of   Buttermere lake, 44k road cycle (Honister is tackled first so it&rsquo;s out of the   way early on!) followed by a 13k trail run around the shores of Crummock Water. 
Full results and details of the   next events can be found at www.highterrainevents.co.uk]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Danielle Stewart celebrates golden success in Limerick]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5780.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The GE Great  Britain Age Group Team celebrated 12 gold medals in Ireland this weekend as they  competed at the 2011 Limerick ETU Duathlon European Championships.
Overall, 35  age group medals were won at the event, including 12 silver and 11 bronze  surpassing last year&#039;s total of 32 medals. 
The event saw  five 2010 European champions, successfully retain their titles with Arnott  Kidd (M75-79).Esther Evans (F35-39), Hilary Ross (F55-59), Elspeth  Knott (F60-64) and Barbara Law (F65-69), all celebrating in  Limerick.
Danielle  Stewart was one of  the standout performers from the GE Great Britain Age Group Team crossing the  line first overall in the women&#039;s race in a time of 01:56.40.
Danielle  commented: &amp;ldquo;The whole race went reasonably smoothly this year, so I was really  pleased. The run felt good and on the last lap I managed to pull away before  the bike. The bike course was really fast, and quite technical in places but it  all went to plan. As I came into the finish, I realised I had nobody behind me,  so just enjoyed the run in and my first overall win. 
&amp;ldquo;In 2009, I  finished in the silver medal position, and last year it was bronze after  tearing a calf muscle early in the race. This was the first year everything  seemed to go to plan, so I am really happy, especially as this was my last year  in this age group.&amp;rdquo;
In the men&#039;s  race, Ross Landon (18-19), Ben Howard (20-24), James Hockin (25-29), Lee Rankin (35-39), Doug Cowie (55-59) and Vernon  Thomas (65-69) also celebrated gold.
Phil  Holland (30-35), who  was one of the eight reigning champions going into the event, summed up how  much it means to athletes racing at a major championships commenting before the  race: &amp;quot;It&#039;s a privilege to be here defending my title, but there&#039;s nowhere  to hide. You can&#039;t play the underdog card.&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;Sadly, Phil couldn&#039;t  retain his title finishing in the silver medal position.
Joan  Lennon the GE Great  Britain Age Group Team Manager for the Championships was also delighted adding:  &amp;ldquo;Danielle put in an awesome performance to win the ladies race overall, and  looked very comfortable as she raced for the line. 
&amp;ldquo;The  atmosphere in Limerick was great, with good crowd support around the course.  The course was tight and technical but there were no major problems or spills&amp;rdquo;. 
There was  also a small but successful GE Great Britain Paratriathlon Team racing in  Ireland with British Triathlon affiliate squad athletes, Tom Perkins (TRI 4) and Adrian Howden (TRI 5) delivering gold, with Paul Thomas (TRI 3) adding a bronze. All three athletes are members of the newly formed  British Triathlon World Class Paratriathlon Programme.
This weekend  also saw the final qualifier for the 2011 Gijon ITU Duathlon World  Championships taking place at Cambridge Duathlon. The event organised by The  Cambridge Triathlon Club was won by Julian Lings overall in a time of  01:54.09, with the women&#039;s event won by Victoria Gill in a time of  02:06.53. For more information and provisional results visit www.cambridgetriathlonclub.com]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[European Duathlon Championships provide major boost to local economy]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5781.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The prestigious European Duathlon  Championships featuring some of the world&#039;s best duathletes were brought to a  close this evening in Limerick with France taking the top honours in both the  male and female elite races. 
The major sporting event which took  place on Saturday and Sunday April 16 and 17th throughout  the streets of Limerick, European City of Sport 2011, was estimated to be worth  over &amp;euro;1m to the local economy. 
Benoit Nicolas and Sandra Levenez were  announced as European Duathlon champions during the closing ceremony in  Limerick tonight.
Limerick City welcomed athletes from 16  countries throughout Europe as well as competitors from Russia and the USA to  compete in the Championships which were held in Ireland for the first time. 
The Championship included three  separate events running throughout the weekend - The Elite Race (Sunday)  the European Age Group  Championships (Saturday) and the Open Race (Sunday).   All three events took the form of a Run-Cycle-Run in varying distances, but in  immediate succession against the clock and fellow competitors. 
Participants  in all three events got the rare chance to race through the streets of Limerick  City on completely closed roads.
The Open  Race winners were all from Limerick; Brian Jenkins (44:39) and Rosemary Ryan  (50:10) took the honours with a team from Limerick Tri Club winning the relay.  (Full race winners list attached)
  
  Limerick Triathlon Club (LTC) organised  the event with the support of Shannon Development, Shannon Region Conference  and Sports Bureau, Limerick City Council, University of Limerick Arena and  Triathlon Ireland. 
  Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Maria Byrne  said she was delighted with the success of the European Duathlon Championships  in Limerick. 
&amp;ldquo;I know that all the families had a  wonderful time in Ireland&amp;rsquo;s favourite sporting city and enjoyed themselves immensely  during their stay here.  It was a fantastic weekend in Limerick with  beautiful weather which really showcased the city and it was lovely to see so  many people taking part in the amateur Open Race. I know that the Meet and  Train groups organised by Limerick City Sports Partnership were a great way for  beginners to get fit for the Duathlon and I hope that those competitors will  take part in further events throughout the summer. A huge congratulations to  the organisers, Limerick is very proud to be hosting so many prestigious  sporting events as EU City of Sport 2011 which provide huge benefits to our  local economy.&amp;rdquo; 
Shannon Development Assistant Chief  Executive John King said: &amp;ldquo;The economic benefits of sport events of this kind  for Limerick and the Shannon Region are very significant and are worth in  excess of &amp;euro;60m to the local economy every year. Limerick City is delighted to  have hosted the European Duathlon Championships during our year as European  City of Sport 2011. This event alone has attracted over 800 participants with  600 coming from overseas, providing a significant boost to the local economy of  over &amp;euro;1million.&amp;rdquo;
&amp;ldquo;The work of Limerick Triathlon Club,  in partnership with Shannon Development and the Shannon Region Conference and  Sports Bureau, in securing this event emphasises the importance of local Sports  Ambassadors. While Limerick already has a strong calendar of sports events  throughout the year, the Sports Ambassadors Programme linked to Limerick  European City of Sport 2011 has seen many of these events being expanded and  enhanced.&amp;rdquo;
&amp;ldquo;Shannon Development and the Shannon  Region Conference and Sports Bureau are actively marketing Limerick as a  location for new sports related events and conferences, particularly with the  2012 Olympic Games in mind&amp;rdquo;, Mr King added.
Chairman of Limerick Triathlon Club,  John Deegan, said it was a great honour for Limerick and Triathlon Ireland to  stage the European Duathlon Championships.
&amp;ldquo;It is a major boost for the sport and a testament to Ireland&amp;rsquo;s ability  to host international events and particularly for our club which has a strong  tradition of hosting some of the best races in the country. We were delighted with  the support of the Limerick people who came out and cheered for  these top class athletes as they raced through the streets of the  city.&amp;rdquo;]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Race preview: Newlands Duathlon]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5774.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[8k   trail run/44k road cycle/4k multiterrain run
The Newlands Duathlon is   scheduled to take place on Sunday 17th April and is regarded as one of the   country&#039;s toughest duathlons, involving cycling over two challenging mountain   passes. With last years male and female winners Phil Addyman (Ryton Tri) and   Angela Armstrong (Carlisle Tri) back on the start line the competition is   guaranteed to be fierce.
Based from Newlands Adventure Centre, near   Keswick the event comprises an 8k trail run based around Catbells area, a 44k   road cycle taking in the climbs of Whinlatter &amp;amp; Honister passes, followed by   a further 4k run in the Newlands Valley.&nbsp;The first 8k run takes competitors out   along the Allerdale Ramble, which is a spectacular undulating trail along the   base of Catbells. This is followed by the steep rocky climb up to the col at   Hause Gate midway between Maiden Moor and Catbells. There are some stunning   views across Derwentwater for anyone wishing to help alleviate the pain on this   ascent. From here, the route goes straight across the grassy col leading into a   traversing descent back to T1 at Stair.

The 44k bike course passes   through Braithwaite village and heads up over the forested climb of Whinlatter   Pass, followed by a long sweeping descent to the Vale of Lorton. The route then   passes through Gatesgarth via a stunning&nbsp;section along the shores of Crummock   Water and Buttermere, leading onto the lower slopes of Honister Pass. Starting   with a gradual incline the route winds it&#039;s way up through this dramatic valley,   which is flanked by the imposing sides of Fleetwith Pike. The second&nbsp;part of   this climb is very steep with gradients of up to 25%, finishing with &#039;The Wall&#039;   at the top of the pass. This is a good point to catch your breath, take in some   amazing views &amp;amp; marvel at the old mine workings built into the hillsides   before a steep &amp;amp; technical descent to Seatoller. The&nbsp;final stage of the bike   course&nbsp;winds through the spectacular Borrowdale Valley, turning left at Grange,   then following the road along the western side of Derwentwater &amp;amp; back to T2. 

The second 4k run, shorter &amp;amp; &#039;easier&#039; than the first, heads out   along the minor road to the farming hamlet of Littletown. There&#039;s a final sting   in the tail up the old mining track before finally stretching the legs on the   fast descent to the finish. With spectacular views of the Skiddaw massif in   front it&#039;s worth savouring the moment at this point and feel the sense of   achievement from completing such a challenge. 

The event also includes a   relay category where One person cycles and the other runs. This is open for   male, female &amp;amp; mixed teams and is ideal for specialist runners/cyclists or   beginners who would like to test themselves over a single discipline.
Newlands is also the final counter in the High Terrain Events Duathlon   Series. Unlike the previous three races in which the bike leg consisted of   mountain biking, anyone with aspirations of winning the overall series will need   to prove their ability on the road. Current series leaders are Simon Gibbs   (Wallsend Harriers) and Susan Rigby (Bike Shop Hexham), but with a number of   athletes still in contention both titles are still wide open.
We are   pleased to announce Up &amp;amp; Running Keswick as our main sponsor. They will be   supporting the event with some fantastic prizes, a &pound;10 voucher off running shoes   to all participants and providing free sports nutrition and hydration products   during the event.
The event is suited for all abilities, particularly   those who relish a challenge. So if you are new to multisport come along and   enjoy this friendly and informal event in one of the Uk&#039;s most beautiful   areas.
For full details and online registration visit www.highterrainevents.co.uk]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trigold delivers British Elite Duathlon Champion ]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5773.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Trigold athlete, Mark Buckingham delivered an  impressive victory last weekend (27 March) in the 2011 British Elite Duathlon  Championships that took place at Prestwold Airfield in Loughborough.
Mark&#039;s win was the second year in a row that  an athlete from the trigold programme, which is solely funded by Barrie Wells,  has won the event following Katie Ingram&#039;s podium topping performance in last  year&#039;s elite women&#039;s race. 
  Mark  finished in a time of 53.33 and was delighted with his victory commenting: &amp;ldquo;It  was a really interesting race with the whole dynamic constantly changing from  gun to tape, making it a great spectacle to watch.
&amp;ldquo;I was really impressed with Todd Leckie who  had a great race and once again showed he is in outstanding form and definitely  one to watch this season. This is my first title since joining the trigold  programme and is a huge milestone for me. It was especially rewarding winning  in Loughborough in front of all the world class British Triathlon staff and  athletes who I train with on a daily basis.&amp;rdquo;
Todd Leckie continued his strong start to the season finishing in second place  after recording a blistering second run split to finish just three seconds  behind Mark in a time of 53.36. Phil Wylie finished in third with a time of  53.43.
In the women&#039;s race, there was another  three-second difference between first and second with Non Stanford winning in  1:01.05, followed by Gillian Saunders in 1:01.08. Eimear Mullan continued her  outstanding duathlon form this season, adding a third placed finish (1:01.27)  in the elite race to her British Age Group Duathlon crown won at the Clumber  Classic in March.
The event also marked the start of the  British Triathlon Youth and Junior Super Series, with Sky Draper delivering  another winning performance in the female Youth race recording a finishing time  of 31.06. Sophie Coldwell finished in second place in 31.33 and Ellie Walton  finished third in 33.03. All three athletes are members of British Triathlon&#039;s  Olympic Talent Squad, giving a sneak preview to another competitive Super  Series ahead in 2011.
In the male Youth race, Miles Burton came  first in 29.24, Finlay Rae second in 29.29 and George Goodwin in 29.58.
In the female Junior race, Lucy Hall clinched  victory in 1:02.32, an impressive time that also saw her finish fifth overall.  George Schwiening finished second 1:03.11 and Maddie Winzer moved up from the  Youth category to record a 1:03.21.
In the male Junior race, Matthew Wright  finished first in 54.06, with last year&#039;s Youth Super Series winner Gordon  Benson, successfully making the step up to Junior level finishing in second  with a time of 55.47. Third place went to Rhys Park, with a time of 55.51.
The event was organised by Just Racing (UK)  on behalf of British Triathlon. For more information visit: www.justracinguk.com. For full results,  visit our results partner: www.tri247.com. ]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Race preview: Powerman Alabama]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5772.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Pros &amp;amp; amateurs kick off their season this weekend at the 16th Annual  Powerman Weekend
Racers from 29 states and 2 countries outside of the USA will visit Oak Mountain State Park this weekend for the 16th edition of this popular multisport season kickoff.  There are three races to choose from: PowerKids Duathlon for ages 3-12 on Saturday at varying race distances by age, Double Oak Duathlon at 2.5k running / 20k biking / 2.5k running, and the premier event Powerman Alabama at 10k running / 60k biking / 10k running.
Top pros will be on hand to compete for a $5,000 cash purse and rankings in the International Powerman Series. The International Powerman Series is comprised of the most prestigious duathlons in the world, with host venues in Holland, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Malaysia.  Powerman Alabama and Powerman Muncie serve as the USA host venues. The pro list includes:

  Fitzpatrick, Paul &ndash; Ocala, FL
  Giuliano, Ryan - Schaumburg, IL &ndash; 10th place in 2010
  Kurka, Maciej &ndash; Chicago, IL &ndash; 11th place in 2010
  LaSelle, Nicole - Dayton, OH
  Mendoza, Oscar - Bogot&aacute; Colombia
  Newman, Deanna - Birmingham, AL &ndash; 3rd place in 2010
  Parsons, Michelle - Evesham, Worcestershire UK
  Preisig, Anne Curi - Falmouth, MA &ndash; 6th place in 2010
  Thompson, David - St Paul, MN &ndash; 3rd in 2010 (2nd American) also 1sh in 2009, 2008 and 2007; 2nd in 2006
  Treadwell, Dereck - Laurens, NY &ndash; 5th place in 2010 (4th American)
  

The weekend kicks off with the PowerKids Duathlon on Saturday at 10:00 am. A multisport expo and late registration will take place from 11:30 am &ndash; 3:00 pm. Sunday races begin at 8:30 am and are expected to finish by 2:30 pm.  All activities take place at the west end of Terrace Drive inside Oak Mountain State Park.
Team Magic donates a portion of our proceeds to these charitable organizations that come out to support our weekend events. 2011 groups supporting Powerman Weekend are:
Birmingham Convention &amp;amp; Visitor&rsquo;s Bureau, Parkway Christian Academy, Harry Stone and the Purple Wing Draft Marshalls, Birmingham Rugby Foundation, Vulcan Triathlon Club, UAB Triathlon Club, the Salvation Army and all other individual volunteers! 
This is guaranteed to be a fun-filled family packed weekend of events. Find complete information available at www.team-magic.com.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Race report: Peaky Freaky Challenge Multi Stage Duathlon – Sunday 20th  March 2011]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5771.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[By John Milkins (BTF Race Official)
This was an event with  a difference, new organisers, a new concept, and the forecast of miserable  weather so it was with some apprehension that I travelled to the start at the  Webbington Hotel just outside Weston to &ldquo;Officiate&rdquo; at the event. (We&rsquo;re not  called Referees any more)
The arrival was a real  surprise as was the weather. There was a smallish entry field due to the  organiser not getting his website up and running and not really promoting the  event but there was a really nice atmosphere at registration, coffee, tea and  bacon sandwiches in abundance.
The bike leg was run  first unlike the usual run, bike, run concept. This was a mass start, just like  a Sportive and I was a bit worried about it but there was a hill outside the  Webbington which spaced the field out and the rest was a flattish cycle out to  the foot of Cheddar and then back through Wedmoor to Brent Knowle for the first  run which was two and a half miles, For those who don&rsquo;t know Brent Knowle is  the big hill after Weston Super Mare on the right hand side of the M5 motorway.  This was completed fairly quickly by the front runners then it was off to Brean  along part of the Burnham sprint tri route to run out along Brean Down to the  Fort at the end and then back. Approximately three and a half miles.
Unfortunately the fine  weather bought out the day-trippers so it was a bit busy in Brean but every  body coped fairly well with the traffic and we had no problems. The bike route  then went back through quiet lanes to the Webbington and the final run up  Crooks Peak which is the big hill on the left hand side of the motorway after  Weston as you travel down the M5, two miles straight up and then back to the  finish for a really nice spread of soup, sandwiches and tea and coffee.

Photo couretsy of www.charleswhittonphotography.com
Andrew Kelly of  Somerset RC Tri won the race in 2hrs 47 mins followed by Huw Jones of Plymouth  Tri club in 2hrs 57 mins. Interestingly the winner was using Pyro Platforms  which allows you to cycle in your running shoes, Joe Beer used to use these at  Castle Coombe and these really made the difference in transition for Andrew as  he was easily a lot quicker than the others who had to carry their trainers in  a rucksack or as one competitor did have them stuffed up his cycling vest, Last  finisher completed in 4hrs 31 secs.
Taking everything into  consideration this was a really good event and one that will soon be one of  those &ldquo;must do&rdquo; races. Feedback from the competitors was excellent most of them  committing for next year, well done to FreakEvents for putting on an excellent  event.
Click here for more information]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Race report: Grizedale Off Road Duathlon 13th March   2011]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5769.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Sunshine   greeted the 115 competitors who lined up for the second edition of the Grizedale   Off Road Duathlon organised by High Terain Events. Based in the stunning setting   of Grizedale Forest Park, in the Southern Lake District the event consists of a   6.5k trail run, followed by a 24k mtb, then a further 6.5k trail run. The recent spell of cold weather which   brought a mixture of rain, hail and snow to the region meant conditions on the   trails were going to be tricky. Starting from the Forestry Visitor Centre the   initial 6.5k run took competitors out along a fast undulating section of forest   roads to reach the first climb of the day, a testing single-track section   winding up to Carron Crag, highest point in the forest. Although offering   spectacular views of the snow capped fells, concentration was needed as   competitors then plunged down the rocky terrain made greasy by the recent rain,   working their way back to transition 1.

Photos &copy; Sport Sunday

It promised to be a tough competitive race   which was proven in the men&rsquo;s category, as Harry Coates (Craven   Energy) stormed round the run in 27:11, building up a 2 minute lead over Mark   Ryan (Carlisle Tri) in 29:27 closely followed by Neal Crampton (Crosstrax)   29:33. In the women&rsquo;s race, local athlete Rennell Brennan (mtbmarathon.co.uk)   was first back in 37:08 and determined to improve upon her 2nd place   finish last year. However, with the likes of Susan Rigby (Bike Shop Hexham) who   finished second at the Whinlatter Duathlon in November only 19 seconds behind,   it wasn&rsquo;t going to be easy.
The 24k mtb route incorporated the full North   Face Red graded mountain bike trail featuring technical rocky sections,   switchbacks, berms &amp;amp; boardwalks and would prove to be a real test of off   road ability. An addition to this year&rsquo;s route included an exhilarating descent   dropping through the forest towards Coniston Lake. However, &lsquo;what goes down,   must come back up&rsquo; and this was immediately followed by a strength sapping climb   up to Hawkshead Moor.

Riding strongly up to this point and still   maintaining his lead, Harry suffered a slow rear wheel puncture. Making the   decision to continue without fixing the flat proved costly as the remaining   sections were a drain on the energy reserves. Neal Crampton, a previous winner   of the Kielder 100 mile MTB race, now moved into the lead and came into   transition in 1:44:04, recording the fastest bike split of the day 1:13:23.   Harry was next in 1:47:22 but was now closely followed by a strong looking   Steven Brennan (mtbmarathon.co.uk) 1:48:51 and Michael Pluckrose (Carlisle Tri   Club)1:48:55. 
The race still looked to be wide open as the   final run section took the competitors back up to Carron Crag and would prove to   be a test of who had the most energy left. Steven blasted up the climb passing   Harry just before the summit to now move into second place and recording the   fastest second run 31:08. However, Neal demonstrated an equally strong second   run and took a convincing win to cross the finish in 2hrs 16mins, looking   incredibly fresh. Next was Steve in 2:21:05 and first MV40 followed by Harry who   held onto 3rd place in 2:22:53. Anthony Roberts (Skinfit UK) finished   an impressive 8th place overall to win the MV50   category.

The women&rsquo;s race was no less competitive with   Renell leading all the way to win in 2:59:58 followed by Susan in 3:02:49. Third   place went to Susannah Goddard 3:10:58 (WXC Mountain Biking).

Photos: Women&#039;s open winner Rennell Brennan and men&#039;s open winner Neal Crampton. &copy; Sport Sunday
The relay category was won by Guy Martin   &amp;amp; Chris Sanderson in a time of 2:28:37. Guy being a dab hand at mountain   biking as well as a famous face, he currently has a series on BBC 1, &#039;The Boat   That Guy Built.&#039; Second relay and first mixed pair was Janet Prier &amp;amp; Martin   Andrew (Run 3) in an impressive time of 2:31, not far behind Guy and Chris and   beating last year&rsquo;s winners Helen &amp;amp; Jean Claude Van Der Veken   2:40:18.

The Team prize was won by Carlilse Tri Club   consisting of Michael Pluckrose (4th), Mark Ryan (7th)   &amp;amp; Ian Pipes (21st).
This year&rsquo;s additional section added onto the   mountain bike course meant the event was even harder than last year&lsquo;s, this was   summed up by competitor number 74, Jayne McGrath who said she had completed   three marathons and this was by far the hardest event!
Richard Bowley &amp;amp; Lisa Grandcourt took   their 6 month old Springer Spaniel on both run sections with Richard collapsing   to the ground at the end, his Springer sat on top of him! 
Simon Gibbs (Wallsend Harriers) maintained   his lead in the overall series after consistent performances in all 3 events so   far. Susan Rigby (Bike Shop Hexham) is now leading the female category over   earlier leader Louise Wilkinson following her two 2nd placings. However, next   event is the Newlands Duathlon, where competitors will be swapping mountain   bikes for road bikes, cycling over the tough mountain passes of Honister and   Whinlatter. With a number of athletes still in contention and just needing a   third counting event this will prove an exciting series finale.
A big thank you to Up &amp;amp; Running Keswick and Grizedale Bikes for   both providing some fantastic prizes and event support. Also to Grizedale   Forestry for use of such a fantastic venue and facilities.&nbsp;Credit goes to Sport   Sunday for the&nbsp;photos.

Photos &copy; Sport Sunday
Full results and details of   the next events can be found at www.highterrainevents.co.uk
Men&#039;s open results

  
    1
    Neal Crampton    
    Crosstrax
    2:16:10
  
  
    2
    Harry Coates    
    Craven Energy
    2:22:53
  
  
    3
    Matt Heywood   &nbsp;
    &amp;nbsp;
    2:31:07
  

&amp;nbsp;
Women&#039;s open results

  
    1
    Rennell Brennan  
    mtbmarathon.co.uk
    2:59:58
  
  
    2
    Susan Rigby 
    Bike Shop Hexham
    3:02:49
  
  
    3
    Susannah Goddard
    WXC Mountain Biking
    3:10:58
  
]]></description></item></channel></rss>
