Triathletes head for New Forest

Barely a year ago, when the The N1 triclub was formed, its goal was to create an organisation where individual members would endeavour to maximise their potential in an environment based upon team spirit and mutual support.

The Triathlon season drew to a close on Sunday as four members of the club set off to the New Forest to test themselves in one of the toughest races on the UK calendar.

Competitors swim 1.2 miles in a lake, they then take to their bikes and ride around the Forest for 56 miles of hills and breathtaking scenery. Having completed the bike ride they then run a tortuous 14 mile course which includes a 1-in 4 hill and a mile of sandy horse gallops.

By far the largest group of supporters at the race were wearing the club colours of ‘N1’ and these spectators were proud to watch the efforts of their team - mates and a number committed to take up this particular challenge next year.

Sidbury’s Jane Beech is well - known on the running circuit as a top performer. This year she has had a wonderful year in triathlon and had been on the podium on many occasions. Her first attempt at a longer race, with all its complexities of nutrition and effort management, left her elated if exhausted. She came home in six hours 39 minutes, 257th of around 400 competitors.

The Elliott family share an interest in the sport of triathlon and Thomas Elliott again led the club home in 35th place in 5:09hrs. Liz Elliott was beaming with delight as she crossed the finish line, 314th in 7:18hrs. Club chairman Dennis Elliott was delighted to be welcomed home by the cheering N1 gang finishing 248th place in 6:34 minutes.

The summer is now over but plans are already in place for next season. For some it will be a first race, for others a trophy event such as The London triathlon and for some the challenge of a full ‘Iron-man’.

The N1 club holds swimming, cycling and running training sessions all over East Devon and welcomes new members: www.n1triathlon.co.uk.