Woeful conditions fail to stop Do3 athletes

LAST weekend’s inclement weather didn’t put a stop to athletes from Warwickshire triathlon squad Do3 claiming podium places and qualifying for Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

Corinne Moss, Jamie Chatfield, Andrew Mcleish, Naomi Robb, Leighanne Earley, Guy Cochrane and Cameron Craik raced at 2018 Ironman 70.3 Weymouth, which was made up of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile rolling bike and 13.1 mile run.

Despite the torrential, blustery and cold conditions Corinne and Jamie were both third in their age group in a time of 5:05:49 and 4:47:34 respectively.

Cameron Craik was 7th overall in a hugely competitive age-group with a time of 4:33:25 and Jamie qualified to represent GB at age group in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships to be held in 2019.

Stratford’s Becky Brown completed her 2nd Ironman having taken part in 2018 Ironman 5150 Cervia Triathlon Emilia Romagna. In temperatures of up to 35 degrees she completed the 2.4m swim, 112m bike and 26.2m run.

Closer to home, Wellesbourne’s Ben Phyall took part in the Olympic distance triathlon at Hever Castle and competed the race in testing weather conditions in 3:08.

The Do3 squad is now gearing up for the middle distance season finale; 2018 Ibiza ETU Middle Distance Triathlon which takes place at the end of October. A dozen of the squad will compete at age group representing either GB or their home nation.

Do3 head coach, Dave Knight, said: "It was such a great day for the squad at Ironman 70.3 Weymouth.

"There were fantastic performances all round including two podiums, and a World Championship qualification.

"The talent on the course was phenomenal and it goes to show that while 4:33 is an amazing time, at age group the competition is really stiff.

"We also have lots of first time middle distance racers and just finishing in the weekend’s testing conditions was tough.

"It’s another super proud weekend for me as a coach and collectively we will continue to build for yet more success in 2019.”