Stockport harriers athletes Maureen Wilkins, Bill Shone, Alexis Dinsmoor and Mike Noble have been representing Great Britain in the World Duathlon Championship in Ottawa, Canada. Maureen, Alexis and Bill completed the sprint duathlon and Mike completed the standard.
It was a hot and very windy day and the course was tough. Although it was deemed to be flat, there were some undulations on the cycle course and the run. It was a battle with the wind all the way on the cycle course and on the return leg. The athletes were racing flat out and they could feel every slight incline on the run section. Paul Becket, who has being training at Stockport Harriers and is also a member of Bramhall Runners, did very well - although he was nearly disqualified for wearing head phones. However this was overturned by the GB team manager who appealed.
The course started at the Canadian War Museum and travelled along the Ottawa River coastline. Spectacular views of downtown Ottawa and Gatineau provided the backdrop as participants raced along this world class course.
The Sprint distance was a 5k run followed by 20k bike ride and a further 2.5k run (although the course was recorded as being longer). The standard race was a two-lap 5k run, a two-lap 20k bike followed by a one-lap of a 5k run.
Mike was representing his home country Ireland and came in 6th place in his age category with a staggering finish of 2.27.21. Bill came in 20th in his age category - an amazing finish in 1.10.50. Alexis came 4th in her category in an outstanding 1.27.04. Maureen came 7th in her category and finished in a modest 1.17.42. Paul Becket came in 12th in his age category and finished in a brilliant 1.04.20.
We have met some lovely people and made new friends. It has been a wonderful experience and the Canadians made us feel very welcome. We have competed with the best of the best with Olympic gold medallists. It's something I will remember for a very long time.
Both Maureen and Alexis have pre qualified for 2014 World championships in Spain. Well done to them all. Maureen, Alexis, Bill and Mike would like to thank the Stockport Harriers committee for their kind donation to help sponsor to our trip to Canada where we had the opportunity to represent not only our country but our home club too, once again thank you.