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Phoenix in the Elites
Sunday 6th April 2014
Phoenix in the Elites
Charlotte Matthews took part in the Youth event at the British Elite Duatlon Championships 2014 at the Rockingham Motor racing Circuit in Corby on Sunday 30 March.
Charlotte was one of the youngest competitors, falling into the youth age group for the first time by only 3 months.
It was a big step up from the children's tri-star events that she has enjoyed over the last few years but she approached it with excitement, some nerves and great maturity. It was an early start at 09:00 on the line, and with the morning mists just clearing it was a little nippy.
There were 37 registered for the event although only 33 made it to the start line, with some familiar (and perhaps daunting) names from the cross country and triathlon scene.
Charlotte did a fantastic first run (2.45km) coming into T1 in 17th place. She had a good transition; all the practicing at the cycle track with a running mount and elastic bands holding the cycle shoes in place paying off.
The cycle ride over 10km was the biggest challenge for Charlotte. Although drafting was allowed, Charlotte didn't manage to get herself in with a group of cyclists to maintain her earlier position. Still, she stuck it out there and with a good dismount she was on her way to the short 1.25km run. Her determination and enthusiasm remained to the end with a final sprint in the home straight she overtook a competitor to come in 27th overall and an overall time of 38min 20 sec.
Charlotte, and mum Jude, stayed for the rest of the day's racing to cheer on Toby Lewis (Youth male) and Paul Thomas in the Para Duathlon and later to watch the junior and senior elite events.
Phoenix Results
Paul Thomas Para tri 3
Total 1:42:15 (5k run) 35:08 (T1) 1:17 (20k bike) 8:30 (T2) 1:12 (2.5k run) 20:08
Charlotte Matthews (F) Youth
Total: 38:20 (Run 2.5k ) 9:34 (Bike Draft Legal 10k ) 39.0 (Run 1.25k ) 7:09
Toby Lewis showed his class with a fantastic run. He was disqualified, however, after missing the penalty box at dismount. He is definitely one to watch in future races.
http://www.racetimingsystems.net/Results/IndividualResults.aspx?Id=2047
Thank you Judith Mathews for this report.
