JERSEY Tri Club took France by storm, with 53 of their athletes competing in the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Tours Métropole – Loire Valley, to great success.
It’s fair to say the club soared, as the Caesareans topped the lot to take home a team gold, ranking first on collective points.
Capping off their successful weekend, Kathleen Giles reigned supreme in the Women’s 65-69 category to claim gold, while Emma Pallot made a statement in her half-Ironman debut, claiming a bronze medal in the Women’s 60-64 category.
“It was a fantastic weekend for us, really great to see so many people from Jersey there,” said Jersey Tri Club’s Lisa Hounslea. We were the largest represented tri club at the event, almost felt as if we were taking over the place somewhat.”
“It was really nice to have everyone travelling over and supporting each other, and it’s great to have success.” This really was a communal effort from the beginning, with members training together in the build up.
“We have WhatsApp chats, a Facebook group and Instagram profile, which we have used to establish the community,” Hounslea continued. “There are weekly swim sessions, where people get together down at St Brelade’s on a Monday, as well as a coached track session on Wednesday evenings.”
“In and around that, people are getting together to go out on cycles, long runs, or even sometimes both at the same time. We’ve established the community, to let people come together and join in training.”
There was a wide array of competitors who travelled over to France, with ages ranging “from late 20s up until late 60s”. This is where triathlon is such a special sport, because it really doesn’t discriminate, everybody from all age groups is represented,” said Hounslea.
“The good thing is this makes it more accessible, as people can get involved knowing there’s going to be people of a similar age, lifestyle and life stage. It’s a safe and comfortable environment to get involved, no matter what you’re doing. When it comes to triathlon training, it’s open to all.”
That statement really does ring true, as many made their Ironman debut in this contest.
Athletes began the race with a 1.9km swim, tackling the Cher River’s looping course.
Conditions played into their favour, with Hounslea saying: “It was a very warm swim in the river, not much of a current to speak about, which is always good for racing.”
Following their first transition, competitors then took on the 90km bike, with the course looping around the Cher River’s banks, passing some of the region’s most historic castles including the famous Château d’Ussé, which actually inspired the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.
As it was relatively flat, the course gave way for plenty of pace, with the perfect conditions adding up to “plenty of PBs for the more experienced athletes”.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, however, as the 21.km run brought it’s fair share of challenges, as Hounslea describes: “The half-marathon was a bit of a slog, hitting the warm weather full on. Running in the heat, with little shade, did put us under some pressure.”
However, even though conditions proved adverse, the flat course allowed for solid times, which helped towards the club’s great results.
“Pretty much all of us enjoyed that race, it was a great day out,” Hounslea reminisced.
“Ironman is notorious for its impeccable organisation, everything was so well done.”
A massive aid to the club’s success has been their amazing community, which Hounslea has experienced herself: “From my personal experience, I can honestly say I’ve never encountered such a supportive group of individuals, everyone’s willing to impart their wisdom, be there with you in sessions to give suggestions and pointers.”
“Out there, we had group dinners out, as well as the more experienced athletes giving advice on what to expect.”
“With the community set up how it is, people are encouraged to join in and ask questions. If anybody is thinking about getting into triathlon, then come and join the Jersey Tri Club, these people will be your biggest cheerleaders.”
Such a large group of entrants spells good news for Jersey triathlon, as Hounslea said: “What it’s shown me is that Jersey is just incredible, we’re able to get out there and be active.”
“The support we get helps us keep the events going in Jersey, making it super easy for people to get involved. To have that many people from one club go to the same event, really does speak to what an incredible group of athletes we have on the Island.”
Looking ahead, it’s a busy time for Jersey triathlon, with next week’s Inter-Insulars against Guernsey rapidly approaching.
Expect these Islanders to stay active in upcoming Ironman races, as for most athletes, “it’s never one and done”.
