JUNIOR TRIATHLON

IT HAS been seven weeks since young members of the Isle of Wight Triathlon Club returned to training and were delighted to have been able to compete in their first aquathlon of the summer on Saturday.

Run under the British Triathlon Federation’s Covid-19 regulations, in dreary, misty conditions, 17 triathletes, ranging from eight years to 18 took part.

Isle of Wight County Press: IT HAS been seven weeks since young members of the Isle of Wight Triathlon Club returned to training and were delighted to have been able to compete in their first aquathlon of the summer on Saturday.IT HAS been seven weeks since young members of the Isle of Wight Triathlon Club returned to training and were delighted to have been able to compete in their first aquathlon of the summer on Saturday.

The competitors tackled three different courses, which ranged from ones for the older ones (a 600m swim and 4.5km run) to the youngest (a 100m swim and 1km run), with all demonstrating they had used their time over lockdown and during training wisely, said club secretary and coach, Julie Van der Helstraete.

In calm seas, competitors left their tow floats on shore, simulating open water race conditions in readiness for the hopeful return to triathlons at the end of September.

With a sea temperature of 20.50C, many left their wetsuits shoreside too.

“Amazing performances and camaraderie with their fellow team mates made for a really fun club morning,” said Julie.