Under a warm midsummer sun and with the historic Hever Castle serving as a backdrop, it was the Scottish pair of Fraser Cartmell and Alice Hector who emerged victorious at the inaugural The Bastion iron-distance triathlon. Held on Sunday 13 July as part of the Castle Triathlon Series, the event attracted some top pros and a large age-grouper field.
Fraser Cartmell, fresh from his Scottish Sprint Championship title, completed the 3.8km swim, 180km bike course and 42.2km marathon run in the fastest time in 9:56:54 ahead of women’s champion and second place overall, Alice Hector, who completed in 10:47:40.
The men’s podium was made up of Steve Berry in 2nd with a time of 11:05:03 and Matthew Dowle in 11:09:28. The women’s podium was completed by Alison Rowatt, who was racing her second iron-distance race in two-weeks, in 11:30:55 and Ali Hollington in 12:15:31. The podium athletes also claimed their share of the £10,000 prize pot – one of the biggest in the UK.
The times were indicative of just how tough the Bastion is, with a course designed by an ex-Royal Marine that featured over 2,000m of climbing and a technical off-road run, with warm weather conditions to boot.
Race winner Fraser Cartmell said: “That is one of the most difficult races I’ve done. The organisers really cannot be faulted for what is a fantastic race, location and a very welcoming atmosphere. I’m delighted with the win.”
Women’s champ Alice Hector added: “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I feel so elated to have finished and won here today. What an amazing experience.”
2015’s Bastion has been confirmed for 12 July 2015. Full 2014 race results can be found on www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk and www.stuweb.co.uk
Image: Colin Baldwin
