Triathlon:Tough for Island duo

Triathlon:Tough for Island duo

Competing as members of the Great Britain squad in the World Triathlon Championships in Queen’s Town which is on South Island, Clements finished 15th out of 97 in his category, the 35-39 age group, and was second GB team member to cross the line, in a time of 2 hours 11 min 45 sec while Roberts, competing in the 30-34 age group, finished in 2.39.03, in 39th place and tenth GB athlete across the line.Speaking from New Zealand, Clements said that they had both felt a bit disappointed with their performances.’I had a bit of a ‘coming together’ in the swim with two Australian guys.

and the water was pretty choppy as well, so I lost a bit of time there and was eighth out of the water and we had to contend with strong headwinds in the bike section.’He said that the bike course was three laps of a hilly course, the worst hill being as steep as the one at L’Etacq but about twice as long, and he had to work very hard to limit the places lost to some of the very strong Australian cyclists.’The hill took its toll, and the bike times for everyone were around ten minutes slower than usual – and I lost ten places, I really wasn’t at my strongest.’He said the run was better and he made up three places and eventually finished in 15th position out of 97’I’m a bit disappointed not to have finished in the top ten but it was a very strong field, the top three were professional athletes who had just failed to make the elite teams for their respective countries so I don’t feel I did too badly.

I finished 15th in the 2000 Worlds in perth, so at least I’m consistent! But I hope to do better in the World Championshis in Madeira next year.’Roberts also had the misfortune of a couple of physical encounters with fellow-competitors which slowed her down.’I found the wind quite tough and the choppy conditions were hard to swim in,’ she said, adding that swimming in a lake was nothing like swimming in the sea, with the reduced buoyancy.’Transition from swim to bike was slower than usual, but she enjoyed the bike ride despite the flat sections into the wind where those she had overtaken on the hill managed to get past her, and she enjoyed the run.’I was disapointed with my time and position, but as this was my first World Championship and my first time representing GB I really enjoyed the experience.’The two athletes are now taking the opportunity to explore New Zealand while they are there.

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