Race Report by Robin Stubbs of Transition Events.  “The southeast triathlon season got off to a flying start in Clonea on Sunday last with a great turnout for the inaugural Clonea ‘Gold Coast” Duathlon. The weather gods were kind and early cloud cleared to give a fantastic spring day.

Kenny Curran (Carrick tri) savours the victory.

The course began with a tough 5km hilly run which took the athletes over to Ballinacourty Harbour and back providing panoramic views of Dungarvan Bay, not that too many of the early season campaigners could appreciate the scenery!

Local Carrick Tri man Kenny Curran went off at a blistering pace to really test the legs of the rest of the field. However he wasn`t first back into transition as that honour went to Alan Lyons closely followed by Kenny and then a group of strong runners soon followed. It was clear from the early exchanges that the winner was going to come from these first 10 athletes.

He may not have been first into T1 but he was certainly first leaving. Kenny Curran sped out the bike chute and looked to be in strong form as he led the way on the 20km cycle. The cycle route is an undulating out and back “route” which heads along the copper coast towards Stradbally with a seaview for the entire journey. Thankfully the wind was kind to us today!

The cycle really sorted out the contenders as Eddy o`Donughue made his move through the field up to second place following a strong effort. Meanwhile further down the field the early season form was considerably high. Waterford Tri`s Martin Flynn was putting in a stirling effort while Ironman in waiting Emmet Kelly was showing glimpses of what’s to come in the coming season. Having completed the Anne Valley in under 30 min the previous day, the Tramore man had decided to cycle the 40km to Clonea as a warm-up before competing….a good weekend of training indeed!!

Men's podium (L to R): 3rd Patrick Quinn (Ennis Tri), 1st Kenny Curran (Carrick Tri), 2nd Eddy O`Donughue.

In the woman race, one competitor was showing the way. Natalie Shaw-Hanlon was having a storming race and all the early season training was coming to fruition.

The bike leg concluded with Kenny Curran leading Eddy O`Donughue by a matter of seconds with Ennis Tri`s Patrick Quinn closely behind in third. These three were clear of the field and all that was left was to decide the order of the podium. As it turned out, all three held their positions with Kenny Curran winning in a time of 1:07:29. A very popular winner judging by the reaction of the crowd. Eddy O`Donughue was second with Patrick Quinn in third. Natalie Shaw-Hanlon was the first woman home.

After the race the Clonea Strand Hotel provided the competitors with refreshments and the use of their facilities for showers etc… Many thanks to all those who helped out on the day and we look forward to seeing everyone again in Tramore on Feb 26th for Spokes Duathlon, which is in support of Down Syndrome Ireland and Sportive Waterford Cycling Club.

For all results and photos check out www.transitionsevents.com and our facebook page“.

Results

clonea-duathlon-feb-2010