Rhondda Cynon Taff Triathlon

6 June 1999

Fastest out of the pool, after an 800m swim, was Stu Dunwoodie in a time of 12 minutes and 42 seconds, followed closely by Graeme Hughes from Amersham Triathletes and Claire Knox from Total Fitness.

The next stage of the gruelling event was a 42km (26mile) cycle ride in windy conditions through Penderyn and into the Brecon Beacons National Park . Martin Powell was fastest on this part of the event, completing the course in a time of 1 hour 6 minutes and 5 seconds. He was followed by Stu Dunwoodie in a time of 1 hour 8 minutes 40 seconds and W.Van den Bergh from Merthyr in 1 hour 11 minutes and 5 seconds.

The twelfth fastest overall on the bike was Claire Knox in a time of 1 hour 16 minutes and 49 seconds.

After returning to Aberdare Swimming Pool, the competitors set about the final stages of the race, the 10km run (6 mile) to Mountain Ash, before returning to the pool's car park to cross the finishing line. Laurence Maggs from Abertillery Cycling Club had an excellent run, finishing the 10km in a time of 30 minutes 43 seconds, bringing his final position up to 17th overall. Second fastest in the run was Martin Powell in a time of 33 minutes 5 seconds, allowing him to win the overall competition in a time of 1 hour 52 minutes and 37 seconds. Just behind with a final time of 1 hour 56 minutes and 14 seconds was Stu Dunwoodie from Total Fitness and third was Ieuan Jones from Cardiff Triathletes in a time of 2 hours 1 minute and 46 seconds.

First lady to finish was Claire Knox from Total Fitness in a record breaking time of 2 hours 7 minutes and 22 seconds, a time that gave 10th place overall. Second lady was Nicola Taylor from Cardiff in 2 hours 21 minutes and 40 seconds. Third place went to Brenda Parker in 2 hours 28 minutes and 43 seconds.

The male veterans (over 40) prize went, once again, to Gary Jones from Gwent Triathlon Club in a time of 2 hours 4 minutes and 38 seconds. He came 6th overall. First female veteran (over 40 ) was Viv Ellis-Jones from Carneddau in a time of 2 hours 39 minutes and 57 seconds.

In the super veteran category (over 50), the male winner was local man Philip Gardiner who completed the course in a time of 2 hours 16 minutes and 34 seconds. It was a family affair as his daughter, Lisa Gardiner-Jones, went on to win the award for the first RCT Female home in a time of 2 hours 39 minutes and 8 seconds. In the female super vet category, local competitor Anita Howells smashed her own best time by 17 minutes and set a new record of 3 hours 4 minutes and 17 seconds.

The prize for the first Rhondda Cynon Taff resident went to Martin Powell from Porth.

The first male junior (17-19 years) award went to Alex Egan from Pontypridd in a time of 2 hours 20 minutes and 6 seconds.

The team award was closely fought with three points separating the first two teams. Winners were Cardiff Triathlon Club, made up of Ieuan Jones (3rd), Geoff Willis (7th) and Bob Jones (17th).

Everyone who finished the race received a goody bag comprising of a t-shirt, can of Lucozade, Mars bar and a gift. The trophies were presented by Councillor Pauline Jarman and Councillor John Codd.

Mr Eric Hitchings, Director of Leisure and Tourism, who was also at the presentation, commented: "I am delighted that we were once again able to host this ever popular event, now in its seventh year. It attracts competitors from throughout Wales and even further afield who are always impressed by its excellent organisation, dramatic and scenic course and the friendliness of the staff, marshals and fellow competitors".

SUE HASKINS, PROMOTIONS OFFICER 01443 472461