Gallery: Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon

Chief Correspondent

Doug Hall reports from the inaugural TrailX, the inaugural Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon which took place on Sunday – including a great gallery which really does show the event fantastically.


Inaugural Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon a huge success

Eventrex UK (www.eventrexuk.com) hosted its first ever Cross Triathlon event at Pippingford Park on Sunday the 9th of September 2018. Over 100 athletes signed up to compete over two distances across the 1,000 acres of unique terrain the private estate has to offer.

Stunning weather welcomed athletes as the normal pre-race conversations took place around the coffee van. For some this would be their first experience of off-road multisport, for others this would be a welcome opportunity to race cross triathlon in the South of England. With a compulsory practice session to take in the more technical parts of the bike course, a few nervous faces left the event arena before returning with big grins and talk of, “how much fun was that?!” and, “can I go again?”.

YouTube video

At 10:30 the Men’s ‘Full Fat’ distance race started with multiple world champion Richard Stannard leading out of the unique three lake point-to-point swim before Henry Sleight took control on the bike to begin the run with a big lead of over four minutes. Henry would complete the run unchallenged to cross the line in first place.

In the Ladies’ ‘Full Fat’ wave, not to be outdone by her husband, Jessie Sleight lead from start to finish, exiting the water first before holding her gap on the bike ahead of Emily Iredale. Emily would close down the gap on the run but not by enough leaving Jessie to celebrate victory.

In the ‘Sugar Free’ distance event Toby Yemm and Joanne Staton set the fastest times across the shorter distances.

However, the day was about more than just the winners. It was about taking on new challenges and stepping outside of comfort zones whilst experiencing some of the best English countryside the region has to offer.

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All images are with thanks to Carel Du Plessis (www.carelduplessis.com) and Rob Sharp (www.lighttrapper.co.uk)

Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
Competitors prepare their transition area ahead of race start.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
After a 15min walk through the woodlands of Pippingford Park, competitors lined up for a dip in the beautiful lakes.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
Each wave had the option of a mass start or a rolling start, allowing athletes new to open water a chance to ease in gently without the pressure of the crowds.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
The unique swim at Pippingford Park is a point to point swim across multiple lakes, the overhead tree canopy makes the swim an adventure like no other!
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
Jason Snell rides through the ferns on one of the early parts of the course.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
Carl Proctor enjoys one of the many downhills out on course.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
The climb to the highest point on the course is rewarded with some spectacular views across the Sussex countryside.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
What goes up must come down.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
Overall winner Henry Sleight put the hammer down on the bike to move into a race winning lead.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
Kate Robson enjoying one of the many singletrack sections within the 1000acre estate
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
David Allen riding the longest downhill on course – some 4 minutes of singletrack heaven!
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
Parts of the run course transport you to another world, surrounded by dense woodland you’ll almost forget you’re in a race.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
Matt Cox enjoys one of the easier parts of the run course.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
There isn’t much flat terrain to be found at Pippingford.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
Runners on their way towards the finish line.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
Jessie Sleight eyes the finish tape shortly before winning the women’s event.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
The adventure to the finish will be tough, but the joy of finishing is worth it every time.
Eventrex UK Pippingford Park Cross Triathlon
Post-race stories are always the best stories!
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