Format change fails to halt the excitement at USN Padstow Triathlon
Race report from the USN Padstow Tri organisers
Alan Ward stormed to victory in Sunday’s USN Padstow Triathlon after a thrilling race around Harlyn Bay. The race format had to be changed to a run-bike-run format on the morning of the event due to the excessive swells at sea, which left organisers with no choice but to cancel the swimming leg.
However, an exciting race still ensued, with Plymouth Tri competitor Ward claiming victory in the standard distance event in 02:27:19. Andy Brooks, of Total Fitness Bath, was second, just 39 seconds behind, with Dan Williams third in 02:28:34.
USN ambassador Gayle Vickers produced a superb display to claim victory in the women’s standard distance race, rocketing home in 02:46:05 over the 5km run, 40km bike, 10km run standard course.
The sprint race was won by TriKS competitor Alex Thorley in 01:12:48, with Michael Parsons, representing Camel Valley, second in 01:15:05. Ox201 competitor Chris Pillar was third in 01:16:24, while Hannah Baker was the first female home in 01:30:07. The course consisted of a 1km run, 26km bike and 5km run.
Event organiser Ben Mason said: “Because of the huge storms in the USA, there was a large swell, and this is very rare for Harlyn Bay. It was unfortunate to call off the swimming, but it was just too dangerous.
The next race in the USN Votwo calendar is the Dorney Lake Triathlon on September 25. For further information, check out www.votwo.co.uk
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
