The series is again run over three rounds and for the eighth year in succession is supported by local firm SG Baker Ltd, Friockheim, with the Angus Bike Chain shop in Commerce Street, Arbroath, coming on board in 2004.
This is proving to be one o
f the most popular local events attracting a full field of athletes from all over Scotland ranging from elite triathletes, duathletes, cyclists and keen local competitors, looking for a challenge to keep them fit over the winter months.
Over 100 competitors signed on for this first round from a full field of 120. Once again this first race was run over a four km running circuit of the ponds in the park followed by 20 km on the bike on the lumpy roads around Monikie.
Conditions were almost perfect with a light south westerly wind although the roads were quite badly affected in places with surface water from heavy overnight rain.
First out of transition in a remarkably fast time of 14:37 was top junior triathlete Tom Watts, based at the University of Stirling, closely followed by Stephen Terwey, Kings Triathletes and another junior Rueben Toy, Dundee.
The first Angus Bike Chain runner was RG McLean, still suffering the lingering effects of a cold, in 16:50. The first lady was Lucy Ross, another University of Stirling athlete in 17:57.
By the time the cycle section had been completed, Watts had just held on to his lead winning in 50:43 with RG McLean putting in a storming ride on the bike coming in runner-up only 18 seconds down.
Third place went to Terwey a further seven seconds back highlighting the close contest of top spot. First lady back was Cathy Wyse, Kings Triathletes, Aberdeen in 57:58, in a sprint finish with Lucy Ross.
Local riders finishing were: David Stewart, Dundee Road Runners 57:58; Colin Murray, Angus Bike Chain CC 58:26; Howard Horsfall, Fairport Tri Club 59:21; Howell Craske, Hawkhill Harriers 59:22; Paul Morgan, Kirriemuir 1:00:41; Don Lindsay, Fairport Tri Club 1:02:45; Calum Neill, Montrose, 1:02:48; Colin Douglas, Angus Bike Chain CC 1:02:50; Stan Stewart, Angus Bike Chain CC 1:02:57; Steve Smith, Angus Bike Chain CC 1:03:12; David Cowie, Arbroath 1:03:14; Kevin Greig, Monikie 1:03:42; Dean Jennings, Ythan CC 1:03:59; Ian Wilson, Forfar 1:04:12; Rob Irvine, Cosmic Hillbashers 1:04:14; Andrew Collins, Letham 1:04:25; Colin Herron, Letham 1:04:34; Anna Harris, Angus Bike Chain CC 1:06:14; Martin Harris, Angus Bike Chain CC 1:11:54; Dougal Dargie, Angus Bike Chain CC 1:12:04 and Gail Thomson, Monifieth 1:55:22.
The second round is at 11 a.m. on Sunday, January 10 2010 at Monikie Park where the athletes will tackle a four km run, 20 km bike and a second four km run.
