Ian shows that he is a class act by completely dominating the event, leading from the gun to tape…

Having raced 3 times already this year on the Duathlon circuit, I decided to enter the sprint event as my final lung busting Duathlon prior to the start of the Triathlon season. Having won the sprint event twice previously, I aimed to achieve a third win but this time wearing my shiny new TORQ team kit.

As we started, I was joined by a lone athlete on the run for the initial 800m, I was able to hold form and speed and opened a gap which seemed to continue to grow until I entered T1 with a comfortable lead.

Being a sprint event there wasn’t really time to settle, so I attacked the bike leg and maintained my advantage over the undulating course. It had appeared at stages of the 5 lap bike leg that the 2nd placed athlete was closing, but he seemed to lose touch on the final lap – this left me secure in the knowledge that I would lead out of T2 onto the 2nd run.

Having raced the standard distance at the National Championships 2 weeks ago, I was confident that my endurance was sufficient to run well off the shorter bike leg. Out of T2 I felt relaxed and got up to speed immediately. Covering an identical course to the first run, I was able to monitor the progress of other athletes at the switchbacks and extended my lead further. At this point I was able to enjoy the closing stages of the run and my first win wearing the TORQ colours, something which I am extremely proud to do.

With thanks to our sponsors:

www.wilier.it – Triathlon Frames
www.ffwdwheels.com – Aero Wheels
www.ritcheylogic.com – Aerobars, Saddles and Finishing Kit
www.cycleops.com – Power Meters
www.racezone3.com – Wetsuits
www.limarhelmets.com – Helmets & Glasses
www.lakecycling.co.uk – Cycling Footwear
www.jagwireusa.com – Cables & Housing
www.scott-sports.com – Running Footwear
www.shimano.com – Groupsets
www.triathlonspecific.com/Sable/Sable.html – Swim Goggles (Sable Water Optic)
www.max-mediagroup.co.uk – Team PR
www.amphibia-sport.com – Transition Bags
www.schwalbe.com – Tyres
www.lezyne.com – Pumps, Tools and Bottle Cages
www.champ-sys.com – Custom Trisuits and Cycle Wear