Moby Dick Sprint Triathlon
On Sunday 18th, our friends at South Coast Tri Club hosted the Moby Dick Sprint Triathlon in Youghal and, as always, Blackwater Triathlon Club was strongly represented with 10 club members taking part.The conditions could not have been more perfect, blue skies, warm sun and a flat, calm sea promising a really enjoyable event. Every athlete was delighted with a sea temperature that started at a balmy 16.5 degrees in the morning and touched a Mediterranean 18 degrees by 2pm. South Coast always run a fabulous event – superbly organised and very well marshalled by their army of volunteers.The day began with a “Try a Tri” for first timers followed by a kids’ event with a variety of swim distances for different age groups. The Sprint Triathlon began at 2pm as scheduled and involved a 750m swim off Claycasltle beach, a 19km cycle on a fast, flat out – and – back route towards Killeagh and a 6.1 km run made up of two laps on a route which incorporated Youghal’s scenic boardwalk.Covid restrictions played their part on the day. The race was started in socially distanced waves and restrictions also meant the kids event was shortened to a Swim/Run. Blackwater Triathlon Club members did their club proud once again: Mike Lyons finished a superb third overall in a very impressive time of 1 hour and 8 minutes. Siobhain Steele won her age group, as did Marion Twomey who was competing in her first ever Triathlon. Kay Quirke was second in her age group on the day as well. Every Blackwater athlete completed the race, and all finished well up in their respective categories. The future of the club is also strong with the next generation represented by Blackwater Triathlon Club secretary Stephen Dalton’s son, Jack, in the 10-11 age group. Our thanks to South Coast Tri Club for organising both the event and the fantastic weather so well, to all their volunteers who kept us safe on the roads and to the people of Youghal for their patience and enthusiastic support all around the course.