Hever Castle

For their first taste of off island triathlon action Manx Tri Club’s Brody Hewison and Rebecca Storrie travelled to Hever Castle in Kent, the family home of Anne Boleyn. Despite some 1,300 entries in the Adult Sprint event the 15 year olds managed to keep their heads and came away with good results to show for the long trip. Both are also members of the AXA IOM swimming squad so would have preferred more distance in the water than the 400m lake swim but showed their pedigree in that section with Brody having a clear lead over the field out of the water and Rebecca third out and first lady. Following the trip through a long transition area they set off on what was a hard undulating 20k bike course. Both lost time to the stronger cyclists but made it safely back to transition for the run still well placed. The 4k run leg was within the stunning grounds of the castle but neither had time to admire the view as they pressed on for a good finish.

 Rebecca 3rd Junior & LadyBrody 2nd Junior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the results were collated Brody was 2nd Junior and an impressive 28th overall in 1:07.57 whilst Rebecca’s time of 1:12.13 was good enough for 75th overall, 3rd Junior and, more importantly, a podium finish as 3rd Lady. Unfortunately there was not time for her to stay for the medal ceremony as the bike/train/boat journey back to the island still had to be made.

 

With both still being eligible for the children’s races that were held later in the day, to finish so well in a strong adult field containing many GB age group athletes was most pleasing and a great sign of the potential at the younger end of Manx Tri Club’s roster. Both are now looking forward to next year when being another year older will open up more events for them to enter and test themselves further.