Another great weekend had by all at Coalfields Racing team. Success seems to be addictive around here.
Now we have all the results in from the weekends activities, we will start with the running action at the Harrier League cross country on Saturday.
Georgia and Angela both had a great day out in club colours, both starting the race out of the fast pack following a fantastic winter season in the mud. Starting off in a delayed wave after both the medium and slow packs, Georgia and Angela were to eventually claw their way through the field finishing 23rd and 55th overall respectively (5th and 8th fast pack finishers). Although running for Sunderland Harriers, Matthew Fearn had a cracking run finishing 17th in a very competitive men's race, earning him a promotion to the medium pack for next season. Well done on a very successful winters cross country season everyone.
Turning our attentions to the regional Multisport seasonal opener at the Stokesley Duathlon yesterday, Coalfields were once again extremely well represented across the board. 302 athletes finished with Garry taking second place in a hotly contested race swapping positions with Paul Brown from NRG Godleys Cycles throughout. Both athletes were to be caught and passed by a very strong Daryl Oguona at the final turn point on run two powering on to take a convincing win for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. In the male Vet 50 race! Gavin Sword once again stamped his intentions over this distance with a very impressive 1st place position. The race saw some more very strong individual performances from all of our athletes with many personal goals and records being smashed to pieces. Matthew Turnbull showing great running strength, coming back into transition in second place to a very good Conrad Franks of Gateshead Harriers, James Campbell and Steve Williams breaking personal best times once again and Chris Wright gaining bragging rights over brother Rob. To many stand alone performances to mention.
Massive thanks also have to go out to Elliot, Kerry, Mick, Lisa and Paul for riding the 90mile round trip to support the team in terribly mixed conditions, varying from bright sunshine, strong winds and hail the size of golf balls. Your commitment to the team and supporting the performance of our athletes is what we are all about and must be commended.
But outstanding performance of the week has to be split, both deserving equal mention in their very own right. Beginning with Michael Wallace. In only his second year of proper racing in Multisport, his performances have grown with each outing. This is by far the best. Smashing around 15 minutes off last years time at the very same event, Michael was clearly delighted with his performance. Finally, although not officially a team member anymore since handing her notice in to the committee from her previous position as treasurer, Charlotte stepped out in the novice race to take part and compete in her very first Duathlon. Every step of the way was complete with a smile on her face going to show exactly how infectious our sport is. We talked about team work when we set this club up and how important it is even though we are competing in an individual sport. It was evident yesterday just how how much that support meant to Charlotte in helping not only her through, but also by the look on the face of all our athletes, by watching Charlotte taking her first steps into Triathlon, it inspired us all and reminds us why we all love this sport, this team and the support we have for each other.
Well done everyone. Next up, SunCity Duathlon on Sunday. Let's see if we can continue our great start to another great season in orange and blue.