The Eirias Triathlon report
All the action from the maiden middle-distance race in North Wales
The Eirias, a new middle-distance triathlon organised by Xtra Mile Events and supported by Conwy County Council, took place for the first time on Saturday (21 July) at The Eirias Park Complex, Colwyn Bay.
The inaugural event was held at The Park Eirias Stadium and the 1,900m sea swim from the brand new waterfront complex, Port Eirias. The 106km bike ride took in two laps of stunning North Wales countryside and the triathlon concluded with a fast 13.1 mile run along the coastal cycle path before completing a lap of honour on the running track at the stadium and finishing in front of the grandstand.
Competitors of different levels had entered the race, ranging from first time middle distance triathletes to regular marathon and half marathon runners wanting to push themselves further. There was also a strong presence of regular favourites in the male and female field, with the athletes starting the swim at the sound of the horn at 9am.
Chris Standidge, City of Chester Tri Club, was the first out of the water with a lead of only two seconds. After the swim he was overtaken by Adam Thomson, Tri 1st Racing Team, who was then untouchable until the finish. Standidge came second and Paul Mountford from Tri 1st Racing Team third.
The women’s field saw Louise Kelly from The Endurance Store first out of the water with nearly three minutes ahead of Pauline Griffin from Manchester Triathlon Club. Riding neck and neck on the cycle, Griffin managed to power away on the run completing the half marathon seven minutes faster and securing the overall first place by 4 minutes and 6 seconds. Third place was claimed by Sian Williams from Pembrokeshire Tri Club with a time of 06:44:23.
The full results are available on www.xtramileevents.com.
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
