Melissa Messervy once again won the women’s race, finishing more than ten minutes ahead of her nearest rival, in 2.09.24.Their times, combined with those of third Jersey man home, Tim Rogers, who clocked 2.02.51 and first veteran Mike Lucas, who crossed the line in 2.11.15, meant the inter-insular title was once again Jersey’s.The race got under way when managing partner at sponsors Ogier and Le Masurier Sarah Fitz fired the starting pistol and more than 60 competitors, including a number from the UK plus the Guernsey contingent, went into the water at Bel Royal for the 1500m swim.Guernsey’s Damian Thacker left the water first, in 17 min 55, with Amy and Clements precisely five seconds behind him, both in a time of 18 minutes.Thacker was shadowed by the two Jersey athletes throughout the race, gaining on them in the cycle section when he put in an incredible 01.01.24 while Amy lost time with mechanical difficulties.Thacker was still ahead as they started the run, but towards the finish Amy and Clements overtook, leaving the Sarnian in their wake to finish almost three minutes behind Clements.Amy said that he had thoroughly enjoyed the race.
‘It’s lovely to be able to come home and get out and ride the bike.
I train in London and cycling there is dangerous! I enjoyed this race and I’am pleased with my time.
I come back every year for this one.’Amy is already gearing his training to the 2006 Commonwealth Games, competing regularly in Olympic-distance races.’I definitely plan to qualify for the Commonwealth Games – if we get there Paul and I will probably be the oldest there!’Clements, too was pleased with his times, although he said: ‘Obviously James is king! It was quite hot and on the first lap of the run my legs were a bit heavy but I was fine after that.
I had to catch the Guernsey lad for the Crapauds.’He added that he and James had worked together.
‘There’s a healthy rivalry between all of us and I think that makes the team stronger.’He said that he was determined to qualify for the Commonwealths this time round.
‘I’m being made redundant next September and plan to go to Australia for full time winter training.
If we’re fit enough we’ll give them a run for their money.’First lady across the line, Melissa Messervy said: ‘I’m always pleased to win a race.
It’s a fantastic day for it and there were no nasties out there for the swim – no Portuguese men o’war, I’m pleased to say.
The water was completely flat, and there was no wind while we were cycling.
We couldn’t ask for a better day and it was a nice flat run to finish.’If she secures sponsorship Messervy’s next major competition will be the World Championships in New Zealand in December, followed by the Ironman competition in Hawaii next year.There were a few familiar faces – but new to triathlon – among the competitors.One of them was Rob McAllister, the Island Games sailboard gold medallist and a rower.’This was my first triathlon, I just thought I’d give it a bash.
I’m not a very good swimmer so I had to practise in the pool a few times, but I enjoyed the whole experience.
It was great though it’s a bit of a shock to the system, combining all three sports.’ Asked whether this was the start of a new sporting career, he replied: ‘It’s too soon to know!.’Among the visiting racers was an athlete from Cambridge, Alex Windebank, whose parents live here.’I holidayed here as a kid and dad told me about the race.
I thought I’d give it a go and I think I beat my PB by about 40 seconds, so I’m very pleased with that.
I’m a runner basically, but I loved it.
It was my first sea swim – and the uphill bits on the bike ride were tough, but I’ll probably be back next year.’Tri club president Gary Jones was delighted with the way the event had gone.’It was a clean sweep for Jersey in the inter-insular, and it’s the biggest Jersey triathlon in more than five years, with more than 60 entrants, about 20 of them from the UK.’He said that an event like this which attracts visiting athletes is more complicated to organise than the regular club events.’We have to make a major effort to ensure everyone knows where they are going so we took them round the cycle route the night before in a coach.
We liaise closely with the States and Honorary police and parish officials, it’s a real community effort.’He admitted that the run along the seafront caused a few headaches because of the number of people using it for the regular Sunday morning stroll or bike ride – and Lillie the train appeared on the scene before the last runners had finished and tri club officials had to lift the banner across the finish line to allow her to pass.’We can’t close the seafront – I think we’ll try and find a different venue next time,’ Jones said.Race organisers thanked the sponsors; St John Ambulance; the parish and States Police, Jersey Canoe Club and all the marshals and helpers.
Full results at www.jerseytriclub.org
