Cracknell joins over a thousand Age Groupers in Hyde Park finale

16 August 2009

Cracknell Joined over a thousand triathletes at Hyde Park in the second day of action in the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championships Series this weekend in London.

Over 1,000 amateur triathletes, including Olympic gold rower James Cracknell, competed in the Junior, Youth and Age-Group events of the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series in Hyde Park today.

Many of the triathletes who signed up to follow in the footsteps of their heroes like Alistair Brownlee and Helen Jenkins who won gold and bronze respectively for Britain on the same course yesterday in the Elite races, have been racing here to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, the official race charity partner.

With over 100 Junior and Youth competitors as well as entries at Junior-17 and Junior-19 Age Group events, there were numerous youngsters inspired by racing at the 2012 venue, while many more participants raced in age-group events, completing either the Sprint Distance (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) or the full Olympic Distance (1,500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run).

Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell completed the Sprint Distance course in just over an hour (1:3.51), a time which earned him a gold medal in the 35-39 men’s category and an overall placing of fourth.  Like others, he enjoyed the unique experience of competing on the venue which will be part of the 2012 Olympic Games.

“It’s been great competing here, really special”, he said.

“I also live close to here so I cycle round here a lot anyway so it’s been great. I think it will be really good when they extend the bike to take in a few more of the sights [around London]”.

Despite his result, initially Cracknell was not sure how well he had done: “I went through the middle of the course on the swim which was a bit stupid but it made me angry for the bike and the run. I had a really good run, but maybe I could have gone a bit faster. You know when it goes from people cheering you on to them saying ‘keep going’ that you’re not doing so well”.

And the double Olympic gold medallist, who has already rowed the Atlantic and recently participated in a record attempt in cycling, revealed the sporting challenges he has planned next.

“I’m going to be trying a bit of water polo next. I’m trying a load of sports for the Telegraph. I’ll definitely do another triathlon, I don’t think it will be this year though as I’m doing the London Marathon next.”

Tom Perkins, an arm amputee, competed in the men’s senior four event less than 24 hours after he finished second in his class in yesterday’s Paratriathlon.

“It went OK. I thought I was going to feel tired [from yesterday] but there were lots of people to chase down”, he said.

“It was nice that some of the marshals and crowd recognised me from yesterday and cheered me on. Yesterday was really special but it’s been great today seeing celebrities like James [Cracknell] racing.

Perkins, who finished 26th in the 35-39 Age-Group today and finished 162nd overall, was not expecting to take much rest after his back-to-back triathlons. He is preparing to compete at the Gold Coast ITU Triathlon World Championships in just under four weeks’ time. 

“Next I’ll take a break before the Worlds at the Gold Coast so I’ll take it easy for a few days before getting back into training. I’m going back to work tomorrow as well. I have my day job and then I’ll be working tomorrow night at my local fire station doing administrative work.” 

Two siblings both competing today in the youth event were Jack and Sarah Murray from the North East. Jack, who is 14 years old, finished 34th in the youth men’s event while Sarah, who is 16, finished ninth in the youth women’s event. 

“We came to watch here yesterday with our families”, said Jack of the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series.

“It was good to try the course ourselves. We’ll definitely be here watching in 2012”, added Sarah.

Asked if the two siblings enjoyed competing against each other, both youngsters agreed. “Yes, there is definitely some sibling rivalry”, answered Jack. 

The Barraclough family had travelled to London today because eldest child Daniel Barraclough was competing in today’s Youth event. Dan, who is one of three siblings watched the race on TV yesterday and came down today and competed as one of the younger competitors in his category. 

Mum: “It was really inspirational for them to watch yesterday”

Dan, who finished twelfth, said: “It was a great course, I really enjoyed it.

Grace Hobbs, who finished sixth in the women’s youth event, summed up the general feeling on the course today: “it’s amazing to think that in three years’ time the Olympics will be here – it’s fantastic!”