Age Group athletes join Scotland’s finest at Stirling Duathlon

Catriona Morrison and Fraser Cartmell are set to top the bill at the Stirling Duathlon this Sunday, 28 March. Scotland’s in-form athletes will take on the scenic standard distance duathlon, featuring a stunning view of mountains in the background.





The race doubles as a qualification event for Age Group athletes aiming for a place in the GB Age Group Team for the 2010 Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships in September.



Cartmell, who recently finished a stunning 4th place at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon [exiting the swim in first, see image], will defend his title from last year over the 10km run, 40km cycle and 5km run event.



Morrison is the current ETU Duathlon European Champion and has already declared her intention to take on the world’s best Elite duathletes for the World title in her home town from 3-5th September. To secure victory and the Scottish title in Stirling, she will need to beat 2009 winner, Kerry Lang, and Scottish triathlon champion and ex-international hockey player, Ali Rowatt.



Organiser Andrew Turnbull commented: “The bike course is fast and flat, with a couple of drags. It’s a big gear, fast course. However, the run is very challenging multi lap course with a short sharp hill called ‘the beast’ which features on every lap. We’re expecting some very fast bike times but setting a good time on the run will be much harder!



“Fraser Cartmell has supported this event every year since he got involved with Stirling Triathlon Club at 16 years old. Similarly, Catriona Morrison has had a long association with the club and we’re delighted to see them both back this year.”



Age Group athletes will compete for places in the GB Age Group Team for the World Championships taking place in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. In order to qualify they will need to be amongst the first few across the line in their age group. Athletes of all ages, including super veteran, have entered and can earn the right to represent Great Britain. British Triathlon will confirm selections in the weeks following the event.



James Harrison, 27 years old from Edinburgh, is amongst those aiming to qualify. He said: “Competing at the ITU Duathlon World Championships in Edinburgh is an opportunity to take advantage of a course that I know really well and often use to train. Holyrood Park is unique as a city centre venue in that it's on a large hill, free from all the usual urban hustle of other city parks. The course will identify well deserving winners!”



The Stirling Duathlon will feature 300 athletes and takes place at Stirling University. It doubles as the Scottish Duathlon Championship, and will also see 80 children aged 8 to 16 racing in the Junior event.