Youth Series: Tried & Tested – A triumphant weekend
The scene was set in Dungarvan for a double header weekend of racing. Alongside the clubs main event, Tried & Tested also ran a Youth Series supported by Costcutter race which gave three different age categories the opportunity to race.
On day 1, the 16-17 year old Youth Series race coincided with the main adult event over the sprint distance triathlon. The sun came out to play and the race conditions were perfect. The sea was flat and calm, the rolling bike course took in all the amazing coastal views and the run was an out and back loop allowing for everyone to see each other and make it a hard fought battle to the line.
In the boys 16-17 years old race the podium was a great battle with Jack McCarthy coming out on the top step. Shane Kavanagh and Luke O’Shea rounded out the podium spots with 2nd and 3rd with only 10 seconds between them over the line.
In the girls 16-17 year old race, Ave Whelan won placing top 10 overall amongst the seniors too.
On day 2, the scenes at Dungarvan looked a little different. However, not even a grey sky and rain could dampen the spirits of 170 Youth Series athletes and kidathlon athletes who took to the start line.
Alongside the Youth Series races, 12-13 and 14-15 year olds, Tried & Tested also ran their own club race kidathlon which saw kids as young as 6 to 11 taking part in their own races.
The rain continued to come down as each race heard the starting hooter, but the smiles and fun were only just beginning. We had a fantastic display of racing and triathlon skills on show in Dungarvan. There were some top level mounts and dismounts across all groups.
The podium places were tight in the Youth Series races and came right down to the run leg.
Girls 12-13 was won by Sarah Gaffney with Aoibheann Ryan and Aisha Gannon rounding out the podium on the day. Boys 12-13 was won by Turlough Donnelly with Liam O Driscoll and Harry Moran taking 2nd and 3rd. There was only 56 seconds between first and third so it is all up for grabs at the next event! Super racing.
Chloe Bennet of Waterford Tri Club did the double on the weekend, by taking the win in the girls 14-15 year old race in Dungarvan to back up her win in Lough Cutra the day prior. She was pushed all the way to the line by Izabella Chidlow as they both exited transition 2 together. There was only 31 seconds separating them over the line. Sarah Blackett came in for a very strong 3rd.
In the boys race it was a win for local athlete Cal Tutty of Tried & Tested who was pushed all the way to the finish by David Gaffney and Charlie Gannon.
The overall rankings in the Youth Series supported by Costcutter are really close and it is set up for a very exciting finish to the season. With just a few races left on the Youth Series calendar, there is still a lot of fun and excitement to be had – even the family pets are excited to see how it all finishes up!
Well done to each athlete for taking part! Results are available here
