ITU relay champs inspires Norwich triathletes
Race report from the Norwich Sportspark Relay Triathlon, inspired by the recent World Championship Relay Triathlon format
The Norwich Sportspark Relay Triathlon took place on Sunday 2 October 2011 with smiles all round, and proved an enjoyable event in the glorious sunshine.
The 22 Teams that took part in this landmark event consisted of all ages and abilities from novices to elite athletes. Every athlete in the teams completed a whole triathlon, each consisting of 200m pool-based swim, a 4.5km cycle around the university’s campus roads, and a 1,200m (3 lap) track run.
As promised, this event delivered fast and furious racing with non-stop action from the moment the whistle was blown, and was a great experience for both competitors and spectators!
The possibility of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Team Triathlon format becoming part of the Olympics in 2016 captured the imagination of Active Outdoor Sport. The ITU’s Team Triathlon format comprises teams of two males and two females in each team.
Simon Edwards, Director of Active Outdoor Sport who organised the event, is thrilled with the reception the event was greeted with. He said: “The event could not have been any better, we were blessed with brilliant weather and everyone who took part thoroughly enjoyed the race.”
He continued: “The three separate categories of racing, Frantic Families, Rookie Racers and Warriors, meant that the event was inclusive for all level of competitor, from those who had never taken part in a triathlon to elite and seasoned athletes.”
Andy Keeble, one of the Rookie Racers taking part in the event, said: “It was the most excellent event today. It worked really well, was fun and entertaining.”
Following the success of this year’s event, Active Outdoor Sport will be holding this triathlon next year on Sunday 30 September 2012. Further information can be found at the Active Outdoor Sport website http://www.activeoutdoorsport.co.uk/.
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
