Ascension : ASCENSION BASE TRIATHLON RACE REPORT
Submitted by The Islander (Raymond Ellick) 29.03.2007 (Article Archived on 12.04.2007)
Last Sunday morning saw an impressive turnout of competitors, supporters and spectators for the first Ascension Island Base Triathlon. In total 13 individuals and 7 teams entered the event, with all competitors finishing the gruelling course.
After a short briefing, and with the AIG lifeboat and Mal Moss in his own RHIB on standby, the competitors lined up on the shore for a mass start. Despite the initial congestion the field soon spread out with a wide selection of different strokes being adopted. Although conditions were near perfect it was hard to see who exactly was in the lead until Mike Barton emerged to cheers on the beach after the second lap in an impressive sub thirteen minute time. Unfortunately, it appeared he was completely spent as he made his way wearily to the transition zone. The race favourites were followed by a steady stream of competitors through the transition zone either tagging their team mates or changing and mounting their bikes for the cycle leg. Some record times were achieved and this is thought to have been in no small part to one of the buoys having drifted closer to the shore overnight.
With the last swimmer out of the sea and on their way in an impressive 25 minutes and 41 seconds the stream of spectators made their way to Travellers Hill to watch the first cyclists arrive. With the cyclists on the road and the mini traffic jam of people leaving English Bay it almost resembled the Tour de France for a short time. As competitors neared the USAF Base it became clear that Nat Winsor had built on a marginal lead at the start and was now some way ahead of the rest of the field. Even more surprisingly Phil Hayward had overtaken Milenko who did not appear to be his usual comfortable self and was chasing down Nat.
With the first cyclists on their way the spectators gathered at Travellers Hill. It was no surprise when Nat Winsor appeared through the gates and over to the transition zone first followed 6 minutes later by Phil Hayward. Both still looking surprisingly fresh and ready for a fast run. The first team arrival followed closely in the shape of Mick Kelly and then other individuals including Milenko and Errol Duncan. Everyone knew that Errol was going to record a fast run time but the question was could he catch those ahead of him? The remaining cyclists arrived in a steady stream a few minutes apart including Sue Kelly in a personal best time for the ladies team and Winnie Ellick who had built a convincing lead over her husband.
also because he was overtaking the bikes on the hill..! A very impressive performance and a well deserved second place. There followed a steady stream of competitors arriving both by bike and runners returning to cross the finish line to great cheers from the assembled supporters. Everyone stayed and cheered until the last man crossed the finish line and they were rewarded with some memorable sights of mixed pain and relief on the competitors faces.
Following the race it was straight to the Officers’, Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants Mess for the presentation and lunch. A short pause allowed the organisers’ time to compile the results and write out the certificates and for competitors and spectators to have a well earned drink before the presentation. T-shirts were on sale and apparently there are still a limited number left if you call the Base Admin Office. Following a short speech of thanks it was on with the prize giving with prizes for three categories; male, female and team. Prizes were a mixed bag of RAF goodies and certificate for third place, and engraved silver plated salvers for runners up and winners. The final results were:
Males
1st Nat Winsor
2nd Errol Duncan
3rd- Phil Hayward
Females
1st Winnie Ellick
2nd Mandy Hart
Teams
1st Pete Edwards/Mick Kelly/Steve Roulston
2nd Neil Lawrence/Donald Peters/Gary Robinson
3rd Cheryl Kempster/Sue Kelly/Patsy Bennett
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