Purdey leads club home in Cotswold Triathlon

FIVE Stratford athletes nervously lined up for the first open water triathlon of the year, the Cotswold Super Sprint Triathlon, comprising 400 metres swim, 20k bike and 5k run.

On a glorious morning the water looked deceptively appealing, but, apart from the cold water, all had concerns over the run following a variety of run-related injuries.

James Purdey was first home in 1.03.29, sixth in his age category, claiming maximum club Grand Prix points.

Simon Taylor, entering a new age group, has high hopes for this year and should be pleased with a consistent performance in all disciplines 15th in category in a time of 1.06.16.

Brian Weetman was next and was particularly pleased with faster splits in the swim and cycle than his efforts in the same race in 2012, but the extra years have also helped him listen to his body and it was not a day for racing the run, so he finished ninth in category.

Daniel Whittington was 1.14.35 and 25th in category, but crucially first home in his family.

Whittington pushed hard on the fast bike course and even claimed to enjoy the run.

Second home for the family was Lisa Taylor-Whittington 1.21.15 and fifth in her category.

After been kicked and punched in the open water swim she enjoyed the bike and paced an ailing Weetman on the run, who said: “A complete joy to race in such glorious weather at this ever popular and friendly event.”