Europe Triathlon

Weather forecast – “nul points”.

Yes, the athletes were greeted this morning with rain that crept into every seam of your jacket. For them, it was a minor irritation before their race but for the dedicated spectators it really did dampen their spirits … until, of course, the race started. Challenge Family's Victoria Murray-Orr was there to see it all kick off.

The Elite took their place on the start line and suddenly, it was all go.

Seconds later the Technical Officials led down to the start area the Age Group athletes who would be racing for medals, representing their national federations and that is when the crowds really got behind the athletes.

Cheers rang out, the TV cameras zoomed in on the supporters as the athletes swam out into the waters that were a chilly 16.5C.

The two lap swim meant that the crowds could give that extra bit of encouragement to their friends, family and club-mates as they exited the water for their second lap.

The cheers were massive for Stephen Bayliss GBR who was followed closely by Jaroslav Kovačič SLO. They completed the second lap together to exit the water in a shade over 50 minutes.

For the women the race was closer on the swim with Alice Hector GBR leading the first lap but then after the 3.8k it was solid ground first for Eva Potúčková CZE. She led Kate Comber GBR and Hector.

So – out on the course now and it is almost 100k done and still Bayliss and Kovačič together and we are heading back to the venue.