In an exact rerun of last year the second Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon, Leeds proved that for the Brownlee brothers, besides appearing to be head and shoulders above the opposition you can’t beat a bit of local knowledge.
After a 1,500 meter open water swim, a 40 km bike ride and then a punishing 10km run Leeds lads Alistair and younger brother Jonny claimed first and second place. Alistair finishing in 1 hr 46 mins and 51 secs… Jonny just 12 seconds slower.
However, earlier in the day and taking part in what’s called the Sprint Triathlon our own Gareth Davies had swum, peddled and run that same but admittedly shortened course in an equally impressive time of 1 hour and 53 minutes.
Below, in our gallery, are a few pictures taken on the day. The ones of Gareth were supplied by wife Louise, the brilliant “elite” action shots were taken by Ross Bromley whilst the one of the riders streaming past MBC is courtesy of the BBC and was taken by John Sherbourne from the comfort of his armchair.
Besides setting himself a personal challenge Gareth who on the morning after the race was describing his legs as feeling “a bit crampy and stiff” entered the event to raise awareness and funds for a charity called The Bone Cancer Research Fund. In fact his Just Giving page (a direct link set up to make donating easy) is still active and can reached by clicking on https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Gareth-Davies96
So to the Brownlees (no relation to Graham) and to Flora Duffy (no relation John and Gill) who won the Elite women’s event we say well done; as professional athletes we know they’ll be back. As for Gareth let’s just wait and see.
