Limassol International Triathlon

Held on Sunday, 15 October this event was organised (superbly, as always) by Cyprus Triathlon Federation, with a detailed race briefing and even a tour of the course provided the day before. Free hotel accommodation was offered to competitors from abroad, there was no race fee, and there was a free lunch afterwards. The race took place in the centre of Limassol, along the seafront, on a course that was car-free (or virtually so, apart from the odd church-goer, despite the best efforts of police and marshals). In addition to the many CyTriFed marshals there was a full turnout by the Civil Defence, Scouts and ambulance volunteers. And the results were posted on the net within 24 hours! Thank you, Bambos (CyTriFed Race Director).

The day dawned bright and sunny, despite a forecast of rain. Conditions were well-nigh perfect. The sea clear and still (unlike last year’s Hawaiian surf), not too cold and not too warm, with only a little bit of chop around the far buoy. Not too much wind either on the cycle leg, and the sky conveniently clouded over for the run up and down the palm-lined promenade. Due to the chance of rain the infamous cobbles at one end of the cycle course were avoided for safety’s sake, for which everyone was grateful, making the total distance slightly shorter than standard at 39 km.

With a field of 22 for the Olympic distance and 15 for the sprint, there were participants from Russia, Israel, Greece and Slovenia, among others. Brits (mainly island-based) outnumbered the Cypriots. There was a strong turnout from K1 Triathlon Club, with no fewer than 12 entrants. However, a podium place for the men just eluded us (see that Russki go!) despite the best efforts of Darren Cole and James Redler. Too bad about the puncture, Mal. The K1 Triathlon Club women were the ones who took the honours, with Fiona Ford and Nicola Scott coming 1st and 2nd respectively. K1 Triathlon Club topped both podiums on the sprint distance, with Steve Potter 1st for the men and Claire Philpott and Melanie Lovatt 1st and 2nd for the women.

Well done!