Preview: Middle Distance Champs @ TriTyrone
The first Triathlon National Championships of 2022 take place tomorrow at the 2019 and 2021 Race of the Year, TriTyrone!
TriLimits Triathlon Club are ready to welcome 400 athletes to the sold-out event tomorrow at Eskragh Lough for race start at 9.00am. This will be the second time the event has hosted the National Champs in recent years, and has built a reputation for being one of the most athlete-focused and friendly races on the circuit.
For full event details, visit the TriLimits website here.
The Course
TriTyrone is arguably one of the fastest middle distance races in Ireland. Triathletes will start their day with a 1900m swim in picturesque Eskragh Lough, just outside Dungannon.
The bike course is fast three loop course with 476m elevation across the 90 kilometres.
The run is a flat and fast half marathon, the two loop course is spectator friendly as runners pass by transition exit and the turnaround point.
The Contenders
Fresh from the IRONMAN World Champs, Hilary Hughes will be hoping to retain her title for the third year in a row. Hughes has had an incredible journey in the sport over the last number of years, starting with a win in the 2019 Triathlon National Series.
Hughes recently had her first pro start at IRONMAN 70.3 European Champs in Elsinore, where she finished 13th.
Eithne McGorman was second at last year’s champs and will be hoping to go one better this year. Based on her battle with Catherine Sands for her podium spot last year, we know that McGorman can dig deep on the run!
Ciara Wilson is having a stellar season so far and currently leads the Triathlon National Series. She hasn’t been off the podium in any of her 2022 Triathlon National Series starts, and already holds the 2022 Duathlon National Championship title.
Kerry McGrillen was second in Sheephaven earlier in the season with a battling performance in tough conditions.
Pulse TC’s Aine Kelly is a regular top ten finisher and most recently finished seventh at B2R Harbourman Triathlon and tenth at Two Provinces.
Niall Cornyn is on the start list for tomorrow. Always one to watch, the National Duathlon Champ will be hoping to take home his second Middle Distance title.
Current Triathlon National Series title holder Aichlinn O’Reilly hasn’t been off the podium in any of his 2022 National Series starts. Strong across the disciplines, can the Westport Triathlon Club member add a National Champs title tomorrow?
Always in the mix, Eoin Lyons has been on the podium at this distance on more than one occasion, and was second in the 2019 BMW Triathlon National Series.
David Sheridan last won this race in 2019, and is off the back of recent wins at Sheephaven and Two Provinces.
Also on the start list are Naas TC’s Stephen Loughnane, Owen Martin, Belpark’s Luke McMullan, Cillian Moffat and Sebastian Slotswinski.
Coverage
Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates throughout the day!
Best of luck to everyone taking part!
