Leeds Xpress Triathlon race report
Strong win and new course record for Roger Witz Barnes
The Leeds Xpress Triathlon took place last Sunday (29 July), seeing over 250 triathletes at the start line to take part in this popular triathlon which is aimed at novices who want a challenge as well as experienced sprint distance enthusiasts.
Based at the Grammar School at Leeds, the event started with a 400m swim in the 6 lane heated indoor pool, followed by a challenging 22.6 km out and back cycle along the rolling, picturesque A61. The 5.4 km run took place off road and was the perfect way to finish a top end sprint triathlon on a high.
The men’s race was won by Roger Witz Barnes of Manchester Tri Club who also took the course record with a superb time of 01:01:05. Barnes led from start to finish with the fastest swim of the day giving him a 1m 30sec lead on second place man John Whitworth. Whitworth pulled back 45 secs on the bike but Barnes pulled away again on the run finishing 1min 14scs ahead at the finish line.
The women’s race was won by Lucy Nell who dominated from start to finish with the fastest swim, bike and run times on the day. Nell left the water 13secs ahead of 2nd place Emily Legg. After a quick T1 Nell started the cycle leg 20secs ahead. The gap remained through the cycle leg but Nell pulled out a further 1min 30sec on the run to win by 2 minutes.
The club prize was won by Roger Witz Barnes, Duncan Hill and Helen Hyder from Manchester Tri Club.
Results (provisional):
Leeds Xpress Triathlon, 29 July 2012
Sprint Distance: 400m swim, 22.6 km cycle, 5.4 km run
MEN
1) Roger WITZ BARNES, Manchester Triathlon Club, 01:01:05
2) John WHITWORTH, 01:02:19
3) Ian GRIME, Newham & Essex Beagles, 01:04:56
WOMEN
1) Lucy NELL, University of Leeds, 01:14:47
2) Emily LEGG, Wetherby Runners, 01:16:46
3) Kirsty VOGAN, 01:18:30
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
