International Round-Up: 19th/20th October

End of season racing from Funchal, Portugal and Super League Malta was the focus for Team Ireland this weekend. 

Jackson 16th at Funchal ETU European Cup

Kieran Jackson finished his season with a solid 16th place in a large field at the ETU European Cup in Funchal, Portugal. Read how the action unfolded in Damien Jackson’s race report below: 

“Kieran Jackson continued his good run of form with 16^th place in the European Cup Sprint distance race in Funchal, Madeira last Saturday. Jackson exited the water in 9:04 and got out of transition for the bike leg with the first pack of about 23 athletes from the 61 strong field. After 7km five of these athletes made a break and pushed on out in front.”

“The five worked well together though the often tight and twisting course and led a chasing pack which included Jackson into transition by about 30 seconds. A smooth transition saw Jackson quickly out and onto the run leg. The run leg was punishing for all athletes with temperatures into the high 20s. Jackson finished the 5km in 15:44 to secure 16^thplace and an overall finish time of 53:29. He was generally happy with his performance apart from missing the break on the bike which led to the top placings. The race was won by Pevtsov from Azerbyjan in a photo finish from Great Britain’s Dickinson and Hellwig from Germany in 3^rdplace.”
FULL RESULTS

Three Top Ten finishes at Super League Malta

Erin McConnell achieved the top result of the four Irish athletes racing at Super League Malta, finishing fourth on the tough course in the Junior Girls race, earning a spot to race in the Women’s Semi-final among some of the best triathletes in the world.

In the Junior Boys race, Aaron Doherty finished sixth in the tough enduro format. It was another top ten finish for Ireland in the Youth Boy’s race with Sabian Kulczynski finishing ninth.

Following a successful few days at Superleague Triathlon Jersey, Con Doherty returned to the format for the second time this year. Racing in the Men’s Semi-final A, Con battled bravely in a top class field but did not progress to the final this time around.

Funchal ITU Paratriathlon World Cup

Chloe MacCombe and guide Celia Davin raced at this level for the first time on Sunday in the Women’s PTVI race, finishing seventh and gaining valuable international experience. 
FULL RESULTS ON TRIATHLON.ORG

In the men’s PTVI race, Donnacha McCarthy and guide Bryan McCrystal suffered a disqualification after crossing the finishing line due to not serving a time penalty awarded during the race.