Aileen Morrison 13th at European Triathlon Championships

Cramping whilst putting on her running shoes, Morrison quickly regained composure and kept herself in the top twenty on the first lap. During final three laps of the 10km Morrison ran strongly, gradually improving her position to the finish. In a position to fight for a coveted top ten down the long home straight Morrison ran out of run course and finished a strong thirteenth place in her first Championships race.

In the men's race Gavin Noble swam and cycled well and was in the mix in the second pack. Unfortunately his chain jammed, putting him out of the race. Bryan Keane struggled to stay in contention in a strong swim field. A great show of effort and determination on the bike, and a solid run put him into fortieth place.

Morrison will next race in the European Cup, on home soil in Athlone on July 18.  Athlone is the venue for the European Championships next year and all the big names in European Triathlon are expected to race this year to familiarise themselves with the course in preparation for next year’s race.

The rest of the North West Club will compete in the age group race which is also the Irish Sprint Distance Championships and looks set to be the race of the year with almost 2,500 entrants taking part.