The Suunto Cardiff Triathlon organised by Always Aim High events hosted stage 3 of the 2018 Welsh Super Series, as Alex Matchett completed a hat-trick of victories to consolidate his position as the Overall Male Leader, just as Vicky Johnston began her assault on the title with an impressive performance in the female field.
An early start in glorious sunshine welcomed over 600 participants of stage 3 of the Welsh super Series, as they took on the Olympic Distance at the Suunto Cardiff triathlon. In a contrast to stage 2 at Pembrokeshire last week, the early morning drizzle and coastal scenery was replaced by scorching sun and some iconic landmarks across Cardiff Bay.
After a slightly delayed start, it was Matchett and Nathan Ford who exited the water within the male field first, swiftly followed by Vicky Johnston, who seemed to exit the water an age before her nearest challenger. With the roads clear, the three raced through the Grangetown Streets, and were closely followed on the road by James Manson, John Collier and David Murray, as well as Camilla King and last weeks winner Katie Greenwood from the female field.
There was nothing to separate Matchett and Ford on two wheels, and with Ford having gained a slight advantage on the Bike, it wasn’t enough of a lead exiting T2 as Matchett strengthened his position on top of the Series leader board, with his highest points score following a time of 01:47:44. Ford also bagged himself a high score and sits within the top 10 of the series having partaken in one event less than his counterpart.
Johnston’s’ impressive performance, winning the women’s’ race in a time of 02:01:17 is enough to get her into the Series top 20 after 1 event. Consistency is key though and Pembrokeshire’s Catherine Marks remains top of the series leader board, having had a top 10 finish in Cardiff and impressing in the other two events. Last weeks winner Greenwood also consolidating her position, with previous front runner Emma Palfrey not competing in Cardiff. Gillian Hopkins, Sian Williams and Vicki Woodsford all consolidate their positions having competed also at Llanelli and Pembrokeshire.
There was also a change in the club leader board following event 3, with Cardiff Triathletes, who were well represented at their home event, leapfrogging Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club and stretching away from Celtic Tri. Strong performances by James Murray and Richard Dando also contributed to Pencoed’s point haul who now sit in 4th place.
The next stage of the series heads North to Bala, where the final Standard distance triathlon of the series will run alongside the Urdd’s Gemau Cymru, part of the Bala Tristar event, a new Team Relay event and Swim Wales National Open Water Swimming Championship.
Highlights of Stage 3 of the Welsh Super Series can be seen on S4C this Friday at 9:30pm, and Stages 1 and 2 can be viewed back on BBC iPlayer.
Results following stage 3 (link for full results can be found at the end of the document)
| Welsh Super Series - Overall Male Standings after stage 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Matchett | 405.97 |
| 2 | Richard Dando | 358.37 |
| 3 | Philip Thomas | 321.94 |
| 4 | Nigel Morse | 319.85 |
| 5 | Jamie Davies | 316.60 |
| Welsh Super Series - Overall Female Standings after stage 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Catherine Marks | 354.32 |
| 2 | Gillian Hopkins | 335.31 |
| 3 | Sian Williams | 334.4 |
| 4 | Vickie Woodsford | 314.32 |
| 5 | Katie Greenwood | 240.62 |
| Welsh Super series - Overall Male Age Group Categories - After Stage 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Youth and Junior | Nathianel Harries | 115.78 |
| Open | Alex Matchett | 405.97 |
| 40-49 | Richard Dando | 358.37 |
| 50-59 | Nigel Morse | 319.85 |
| 60-69 | Michael Battersby | 200.94 |
| 70+ | Glyn Williams | 73.54 |
| Welsh Super Series - Overall Female Age Group Categories - After stage 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Youth and Junior | Eden Schiller | 114.68 |
| Open | Catherine Marks | 354.32 |
| 40-49 | Gillian Hopkins | 335.31 |
| 50-59 | Jennifer Aylward | 188.44 |
| 60-69 | Karen Munn | 200.57 |
| 70-79 | Sue Bathgate | 99.33 |
| Welsh Super Series - Overall Affiliated Club Standings - After stage 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiff Triathletes | 270.81 |
| 2 | Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club | 241.94 |
| 3 | Celtic Tri | 197.31 |
| 4 | Pencoed Tri Club | 165.88 |
| 5 | Bynea CC | 157.98 |
| Welsh Super Series - Overall Non- Affiliated Club Standings - After stage 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Coast Triathlon | 208.01 |
| 2 | Dredgers | 60.29 |
| 3 | 3M Gorseinon Road Runners | 56.16 |
| 4 | LegIT | 53.85 |
| 5 | Pembrokeshire Velo | 53.00 |
A full breakdown of the Welsh Super Series Standings in age categories and gender splits can be found here
All individuals highlighted green are eligible for Super Series points as they are verified Welsh Triathlon / British Triathlon / Home Nations Members.
All race entries were sent to BTF HQ in Loughborough for verification prior to the event. If you are a member but are not highlighted, please contact Gareth Evans at Welsh Triathlon by emailing here, with a photographic copy of your membership card. Discrepancies may have occurred if you entered your details differently on the race entry portal to your membership application. This will not affect any points. All Participants have been awarded points regardless of their membership, only those with valid memberships have been /will be included throughout the series. You do not have to be a WT/BTF/HN member to contribute to your club score, but your club must be a Welsh Triathlon affiliated club prior to the event taking place. Non-Affiliated clubs may affiliate prior to any future event in the series. If you did not include your club name correctly on the entry portal, these results will not be reviewed or included retrospectively. If you have any concerns regarding future races, please contact each event organiser to confirm your details, not Welsh Triathlon.
