Hawridge International Duathlon

Eddie O'Gorman and Louise Dobby were the individual winners of the annual Hawridge International Duathlon held at Hawridge Common, hosted by Chiltern Harriers Triathlon Group.

A record entry saw 52 starters tackle this challenging race, incorporating a 2.5 mile run, an 11 mile bike ride, followed by a further 2.5 mile run to finish. Conditions were dry but with a chilly wind, the course was hard on the competitors along the undulating, and occasionally exposed, lanes around Hawridge.

A tense battle was looking likely as Eddie O'Gorman narrowly led pre-race favourite Dan Corner at the end of the first run. Dan headed off in the lead from a speedy transition only to suffer a puncture along the first stretch of the bike leg. This left Eddie with a sizable lead which he kept to the end, finishing in 1:02:14. Dan completed the course on a spare bike down the pack. Second home was Richard Quantrill in 1:05:55 and third was Neil Thubron in 1:06:22. In fourth, and logging the best bike time of the evening, was veteran Rob Engers in 1:07:05.

Louise Dobby was leading lady with a time of 1:11:04, catching and overhauling the speedier runners with an impressive bike performance. Second lady was Cath Holloway in 1:13:56 and third was Pam Buttifant in 1:13:58. In fourth with exceptional running times was Liz Tapper in 1:14:14.

Next local multi-sport event will be for children : the Chiltern Junior Triathlon at Chesham High School on Sunday July 1st organised by Chiltern Harriers, Chesham Swimming Club and Amersham Tristars.

Steve Perkin