Delight as Flyers trio proves triumphant

Crewe Chronicle- 28 Sep 2005

TRIATHLON: THERE was treble success for the Crewe Flyers as Nantwich played host to the final event of the North West Triathlon Association season.

With a record 654 entrants from as far a field as the USA and Australia, it was left to three young competitors representing the swimming club to carry the torch for South Cheshire in the sport often referred to as the 'iron man' event.

Daniel Carragher, 14, Elisabeth Kilcourse, 16, and Victoria Smith, 23, all won their respective age divisions, with Victoria also finishing a fabulous second in the overall ladies event.

Swimming 500m round Nantwich's outdoor pool before cycling 20k from Nantwich to Church Minshull and back, and then racing 5k on foot around the Barony playing fields, the trio certainly had to call upon all their reserves of stamina built up through years of intensive pool training to stand any chance in the gruelling contest.

All three completed the course in highly impressive times. Daniel, one of the youngest competitors in his section, came home in a magnificent 1hr 15minutes, while Elisabeth won her section in 1hr 25minutes and Victoria posted a personal best 1hr 10minutes.

Such was their success that there is now talk of setting up a full-time triathlon team linked to the Flyers.

The event, held on Saturday, September 18, was not just for the fitness fanatics fighting tooth and nail to get to the line first.

There was also a 'Fun to Tri' event, run over a shorter course, which allowed people new to the sport to have a go without any of the pressures of competing.

Such was its success that organisers are now hoping they can attract an even bigger field next year.

Already recognised by the British Triathlon Association, it is hoped that Nantwich can become one of the country's top triathlon venues and attract the world's very best in years to come.