TEN members of the Newry Triathlon Club performed superbly at the Newtownabbey Triathlon despite a wet and windy day with conditions especially tough on the bike leg.
The race commenced with a pool swim, quick transition onto the bike and then a 20 kilometre bike ride which consisted mainly of gradual climbs.
In the final few kilometres when the cyclists did have the opportunity to push the pace on downhill sections, they were thwarted by traffic, slippery conditions and roundabouts.
Then it was back to the Valley Leisure Complex for a two-lap run around the park. The run course, although in pleasant surroundings and quite scenic, did commence with another muddy hill - which the athletes had to ascend twice.
First Newry Tri Club member over the line was Peter Savage in fifth place with a fast 1.07.25 who came second in his category.
Next home was the teenage Matthew Kinkaid with a fantastic 1.17.05 - and third in his category. The Warrenpoint lad, a top class swimmer, is improving in every event and has the ability to really make his mark in the world of triathlon.
Niall McCarron crossed the line next in a nippy 1.18.01 (32nd), followed by Mark Kinkaid (the older, and slower, father of the Matthew) in 1.24.09 (64th).
Hot on Mark’s heels were Anne Marie Featherstone 1.25.18 (73rd) and Damien Hillen (78th), 1.26.02. Eamon Campbell (106th) had a great bike leg and crossed the finish line in 1.30.12.
There was a great race between Paula Boyle (1.39.36) and Edel Quinn (1.39.41) with a mere five seconds separating the pair. Well done to both girls in their first year of racing. The duo did really well, taking the course by storm.
Unfortunately Gerry Heaney, who was having a fine race, was disqualified after being misdirected on the run.
And finally making a welcome return to race action was former Newry Triathlon Club chairman Jim Belton. Earlier in the season Jim completed the Lisburn Triathlon and he also did well in Newtownabbey, the 67-year-old looking the business as he clocked a 1.48.56.
Well done to all participants on a difficult course. Thanks also go to Sean Featherstone and David O’Prey and family for their support.