John Levison reports: Another successful series went out on a high note on Sunday, with the biggest field seen for many years in this, the third and final event of the summer. We believe this may be the longest continually running triathlon series in the country (unless you know different?), having started in 1987.

The “race full” signs were up several weeks in advance, no doubt driven by the event forming part of the Triathlon London League. SLH Tri Club and Ful-On Tri were out in force, but it was no surprise to see the home club, Hillingdon Triathletes dominate, with well over 30 members entered.

With the increase in numbers, there was a corresponding increase in quality, and the start list promised some close racing. On the men’s side, Euan Lees (Ful-On Tri), enjoying a ‘relaxed’ season after tackling Hawaii last year was possibly the pre-race favourite, though with Race 2 winner, Clark Schofield (Hillingdon Triathletes), having home advantage and course knowledge, he was sure to be close.

The ladies race arguably promised even closer racing. Fiona Ford (Planet X) had won on this course in the past. Ruth Hutton (SLH) was a winner at Bournemouth the week previously and is one of the strongest cyclists on the circuit, while Jessica Taylor (Ful-On Tri) was the overall Age Group winner at Windsor this year.

As always, one mass start makes this a ‘pure’ race, and shortly before 8am the field set off. Way out in front, Matt Malloy was making the most of his swimming ability, and led into T1 by almost 30 seconds, a huge margin over the 600-ish metres. Second onto dry land it was no surprise to see Euan. For the ladies, Ruth Hutton and Anna Sykes Ford exited together, followed by Jessica and Fiona within 30 seconds.

The run, as always the second discipline at Hillingdon, spread the field out, and coming into T2 saw the usual suspects coming to the fore. Euan was first onto the bike closely followed by Mark Edwards, but Clark had made up 30 seconds of his swim deficit during the run, and with a swift transition was third onto the bike, barely 15 seconds in arrears. Not too far behind was Dave Chapman (Team Milton Keynes). A strong cyclist, we normally see Dave competing in the accompanying duathlon, but he’s branched out into triathlon with the aim of doing the ‘Norseman’ Iron Distance race claiming he was learning to swim. Quite ironic to find out that Dave’s day job is … a lifeguard!

For the ladies, Fiona had taken the lead on the run, and just lead out Ruth Hutton onto the challenging two-lap bike course.  Both were now well clear of Jessica, who in turn had two minutes on Melissa Arkinstall (Hillingdon Triathletes) in 4th.

Best wishes to Frith Roche (Thames Turbo), and Jose Pascal, who both suffered ankle/foot injuries on the run and didn’t even make it that far. Hope you are back to fitness soon, and that no major damage was done.

While the triathletes were in close competition, Jez Cox (Planet X) was on his own in the accompanying duathlon, and on his way to a clear win in his fastest time of the series too.

While notionally a ‘sprint’, the 25km bike route is surprisingly tough, with little chance to relax on the rolling terrain. Course knowledge and experience won through for the men – Clark Schofield took his second straight win (4th in total) at Hillingdon, crossing the line just seven seconds ahead of a fast closing Dave Chapman. Euan Lees held on for third, as all three finished less than a minute apart.

We didn’t have to wait long to see the first lady – Ruth Hutton stormed around the course and finished 10th overall, for a clear win. Fiona Ford was second, 2:30 in arrears, with Jessica Taylor taking the third position. Overall series prizes went to Jackie Wastell (London Heathside) and Sarah Jackson in the Vets category.

In the Men’s series, 12th place for Justin Corcoran was enough to take the Overall Men’s award, while Steve Hyett (Hillingdon Triathletes) did just enough to be first veteran, just one point ahead of Mark Kleanthous (Team MK). Another Hillingdon athlete, Robert Doyle was Super-Vet series winner.

Hillingdon Triathletes would like to thank the people and companies who helped put on the event - Red Bull, TriGirl.co.uk, The Bike Shop – North Harrow (www.questbikes.co.uk) and SBR Sports Windsor. We would also like to thank the safety canoe team, St John’s, and all of the marshals who make the events run smoothly.

Post race carb’s were replaced with the now traditional free doughnuts and coke, along with some Formula 1 style champagne spraying from the winner’s podium. See you next year for more of the same.

Pictures of the event can be found on these links:
web.mac.com/ibasu/iWeb/Site/Hillingond%20Triathlon%20July%20A.html
web.mac.com/ibasu/iWeb/Site/Hillingond%20Triathlon%20July%20B.html
web.mac.com/ibasu/iWeb/Site/Hillingond%20Triathlon%20July%20C.html