British Triathlon Elite Junior Gateway Event

 

On a cool but sunny morning on Saturday 16th May, Llanelli hosted the first major British Junior triathlon of 2015, with places at stake for the GB Junior European Championships. 

 

Welsh female representation came from Ffion-Haf Harrett (19, studying at Loughborogh University) Issy Morris (16, GB Youth Duathlon Champion) and Bronwen Owen (18, from North Yorkshire who recently represent GB at the World Cross Country Championship). 

 

The first wave saw the Junior females take to the water over a ‘M’ shaped 750m course. Ffion-Haf had an excellent swim exiting the water with the front group. 50 seconds further back Bronwen Owen exited the water. On the bike Ffion-Haf rode well staying with the front group, whilst Issy dropped back and Bronwen was working hard to close the gap on the leaders. On to the run and Bronwen was 90 seconds down, but set about eating through the field, passing all but the eventual winner Kate Waugh to take 2nd place, Ffion-Haf finished 7th and Issy held on well to finish 14th in her first sprint distance event.

 

Welsh male representation came from Ross Hosking (19, Cadence Triathlon Club, Mold), Michael Lewis (18 from Cwmbran), David Flanigan (18 from Penarth), Ieuan Cooke (19, studying at Cardiff Metropolitan) and Deri Stewart (19, studying at Cardiff Metropolitan).

 

The Junior men’s proved to be a fast and furious, from the start. Ross Hosking lead out of the water, with Michael Lewis, David Flanigan and Ieuan Cooke close behind, with Deri Stewart being a further 50s back. There was no let up on the bike with Ieuan and Ross riding with the chase group 20s down on the leaders and Deri in a larger 3rd pack with Michael suffering with mechanical issues and David struggling with the pace. On the run Deri started to make headway but could only run himself in to 11th place, with Ross finishing in 17th, Michael 34th and David 35th and Ieuan pulling out with an injury.

 

After the race Rich Brady, Welsh Triathlon’s Performance Development Coach, said ‘The Welsh athletes gave it their all today and it was great to see Bronwen take 2nd place in the Junior Women’s race, which puts her in contention for a GB Team place for the European Championships and for Ffion having a strong performance after a winter of injuries. The Junior men showed promise with Ross, Ieuan, Michael and David exiting the water at the front of the race, but there’s work to be done to remain competitive for the rest of the race. It was also good to see Issy Morris mix it up with the Junior’s and get some experience before she move up an age group next year’.

 

2nd Bronwen Owen

7th Ffion-Haf Harrett

14th Issy Morris

DNF Rhiannon Middleton

DNF Awen Lewis

 

11th Deri Stewart

17th Ross Hosking

34th Michael Lewis

35th David Flanigan

DNF Ieuan Cooke

 

Full results can be found here

 

British Paratriathlon Championships

 

Paratriathlon was in the spotlight from 4pm, where athletes were looking to finish in the top two of their category in order to be put forward for selection for the ETU European Championships and ITU World Championships.

 

Welsh representation came from Sean Grundy (Anglesey) PT5, Lewis Edwards (Taff Ely Triathlon Club) PT4, Russell White (Caerphilly) PT3, Ben Jones (from Powys and representing Loughborough Uni Tri Club) PT3 and Michael Jones (Swansea) PT4. 

 

With a fantastic 3 Welsh athletes getting a podium position in their categories the results were; 

 

PT3

 

1st Russell White 1:19:31

3rd Ben Jones 1:24:43 

 

PT4

 

7th Lewis Edwards 1:17:33

9th Michael Jones 2:02:49

 

PT5

 

2nd Sean Grundy 1:14:05

 

Full results can be found here