Fitness: Rough Track Triathlon

Despite predictions of hurricane winds and downpours, the day remained dry and cool - perfect for fast racing.

In the advanced triathlon (800m swim, 20km mountain bike, 9km run) Sam Gardner was back to attempt to reclaim the crown he won in 2006. Gardner is Britain's leading X-Terra (off-road) triathlete and was hotly tipped to win, however a double puncture meant that he had to complete a tricky bike course on just his rims. Despite this set-back, Gardner still managed to come an impressive second, losing out by only a few minutes to a previous winner of the Royal Windsor Triathlon, Colin Dixon.

The sprint event (400m swim, 10km mountain bike, 4.5km run) was won by Tim Brabants, Britain's Olympic gold medallist in the 1000m Sprint Kayak. His win was all the more remarkable for the fact that this was the first time Brabants had competed in any triathlon. It just goes to show how fit our Olympic athletes are.

After the race Brabants posed for photos, holding up his Rough Track finishers' medal alongside his Olympic gold medal from Beijing. He wouldn't be drawn on which of the medals he's is most proud of.

Men's Fitness would like to thank everyone who helped make the event such a success, especially our main sponsor, adidas Action3 antiperspirants.

See you next year!

Pete
Editor, Men's Fitness

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