‘Massive prospect’ Grant wins season’s final triathlon event

WITH the summer coming to an end, Brae was host to the final triathlon of the season in Shetland. It has been a busy and prosperous first season for the Shetland Triathlon Club.

With the conditions before the race being a bit daunting, perhaps leading to a few no shows, it was down to seven competitors to take on a 500 metre swim, a 20km cycle and finish off with a 5km run.

As the swim began it was clear to the many spectators who had gathered to witness the action unfold that none of the athletes was going to take it easy, regardless of any after effects that may still be felt from the previous weekend’s exertions at the Aberfeldy middle distance event.

The ever-improving Robin Atkinson was first out the swim to get out on to bike leg, followed closely by Sandy Legget and Shane Winson, who had been side by side for the entire swim and exited the water together.

Andrew Grant was next out the water and was keen to get out on the road to put his obvious strength and experience on the bike to good use.

As the bike leg was a simple route to Voe and back, there was a considerable headwind to contend with on the way out, which some competitors dealt with admirably well, slicing through the breeze as if it wasn’t there, while some others resorted to shouting and foul language.

It was during this leg that the more experienced cyclists’ work paid off, and any loss they may have suffered during the swim was quickly made up on the bike.

Grant showed why he is a massive prospect for the sport by returning to transition first to start out on the run, followed closely by Legget and Atkinson, both desperate to hunt him down. John Anderson and Caroline Simpson then returned to T2, both having put in sterling efforts on the bike, and then Joe Coughlin and Winson made it back to tackle the run.

During the run Grant showed that his work over the summer had paid off, by actually stretching his lead over the chasing pack to claim the victory, with Legget finishing second and Atkinson third. Full times for the race can be seen on www.shetlandtriathlonclub.co.uk A spokesman said the club would like to thank all the volunteers that helped on the day, the staff at the leisure centre, Kevin Jones for the photography, and all those who raced.

He also wished Legget all the best with his forthcoming New Forest middle distance race, and Atkinson and Lynsey Henderson who are going down to Nairn to take on their sprint race.