“It’s not about the bike,” according to Lance, but it was definitely about the bike at the TríSpórt Duathlon in Carraroe, county Galway yesterday.  Gaelforce 2010 winner, Padraig Marrey, was fourth after the first 3.5km run, but a predictably strong bike leg saw him finish with a lead of over two minutes in 1:02:39.  He was followed in second place with Patrick Quinn from Ennis Tri, who had the fastest opening run of the day.

Padraig Marrey (Tri-Lakes) cycled to victory.

The women’s race was won by Mary Mulchrone in 1:14:20, and Maria Boyle of the organising club, TríSpórt, came in less than two minutes later to claim second.

The tough opening 3.5km run saw the field thin out very quickly, and a stiff north-easterly breeze challenged the cyclists over the 21.5km course.

Rónán Mac Con Iomaire of TríSpórt said that the club was delighted with their inaugural race, and that the reaction from participants was extremely positive.

“The run is hilly but with the amazing scenery of sea and stone walls, you know instantly that you’re in Connemara,” he said.  “The sun stayed out and we’re glad that the race panned out safely, and that we had such a high quality of participants at the head of the race.”

“We’re also delighted that we had so many new club members participating, especially when you consider that the club has only been established for a month.”

TríSpórt are planning further events in Connemara later on this year, and will be looking to open 2012 with a bigger and even better duathlon.  The recently-established club is also looking for members, and full information is available at trisport.ie

TriSport Duathlon Photos

Photos copyright of Sean Mannion are here.

TriSport Duathlon Results

TriSport Duathlon Results in excel format.