By Isle of Wight Observer
A determined group of 20 Wight Tri members took part in the Carisbrooke Duathlon on Friday evening (May 30), racing in the shadow of Carisbrooke Castle.
With conditions calm and dry, the event began from the Priory car park, and saw competitors tackle either one or two 2.5km (1 1/2 miles) loops around the castle grounds before heading out on a challenging 19km (11 4/5 miles) bike circuit through Carisbrooke, Shorwell and Chillerton.
The course featured plenty of elevation and twists, testing riders’ stamina and pacing.
Among the competitors were two newcomers, Tim Porter and Jess Goodall, while Annette Hickman unintentionally added some extra distance on her second run due to a navigational error.
The final leg saw athletes return to their feet for a closing loop, with two participants finishing within a minute of their predicted overall times. Matt Burgess, celebrating his birthday, completed the long-bike-long course in 1h 17m 7s – just 53 seconds outside his estimate.
However, it was Dan Morgan who came closest to his prediction, finishing the short-bike-short course in 1h 1m 8s – just 52 seconds adrift – and achieving a personal best in the process.
As the sun set over the castle, finishers were rewarded with hot drinks, sausage rolls, cakes and biscuits. The event once again proved popular with participants for its friendly atmosphere and community spirit, with organisers praising all involved for their effort and enthusiasm.
The Carisbrooke Duathlon remains a staple of the Wight Tri calendar and a firm favourite among club members.