Junior Elite European Cup Triathlon

Salford Quays 30th July 2006

Report by Les Watson

Luke Watson entered the Junior ‘Performance Pathway’ sprint distance Triathlon in Salford for the experience of competing at such a venue but it wasn’t appreciated until we arrived at Salford just what a top quality race this was intended to be; a European Cup race no less (19 years and below)!

The race was on the same course as the Senior Elite races that followed immediately after the Juniors with the swim basin and transition area positioned directly in front of the grandstand. Each lap of the bike took a run through transition to take the cheers and applause of the waiting spectators.

The athletes were announced onto the numbered pontoon and a dive start saw Luke immediately drop to the back of the crowd. As they disappeared into the distance it was difficult to see what was what but Luke managed to stay at the rear of the pack without being dropped off the back. He emerged from the water in the back half dozen but a poor transition meant he was away on his own and never managed to latch onto another group thus making the bike section pretty tough. A good transition off the bike saw him set off on the 5km run with the leader of the girls race (they started 3 minutes after the boys)…..unfortunately the commentator thought Luke was a leading girl! By this time Luke’s recent illness seemed to take it’s toll and the run was a disappointing 2 minutes slower than in Swansea.

Nevertheless by the finish his two objectives had been achieved: to get through unscathed and to not finish last………he finished second last (28/29 plus 4 DNF)!

The experience alone was worthwhile and watching the senior elite races was something special. It was a great day all in all and a must to be repeated next year.

To see full results, please click here.