The athletes explain matters in their own words

LAURA WARD

(Naas Triathlon Club)

“The atmosphere was brilliant, from start to finish. The run was definitely toughest, a little hilly. The cycle was okay, and there was plenty of room for the swim, because the river is so wide.

“This is only my second triathlon. I did Athy about a month ago, and this is my first season in the sport.

“I used to do marathons, and only learnt to swim this year. But I’m a physio, and I think triathlons are the way to go, the whole combination of events.

“As a sport it’s here to stay, in my clinic, everyone is wanting to get involved.

“I’m with Naas triathlon club and there’s a real social element to it as well. I think we’re going to the Burren next week, then we’ve Kilkenny, then Dublin. Then we’re doing the Gaelforce adventure race, and then the Dublin marathon. All good fun.”

BRYAN KEANE

Men’s Sprint Distance, third place).

“It’s just a great event, and a great race. Look, it takes over the entire town. The organisers put on a great show and that’s why people keep coming back. There’s a huge appetite there now for events like this, and I suppose the chance to swim in the Shannon is as good as it gets.

“I actually only decided to enter very late, so ended up in the last wave of starters. That more or less makes it a time trial, and takes away the tactical element, but there’s such a great buzz out on the course that it doesn’t really matter.”

GAVIN NOBLE

(Men’s Sprint Distance, first place.)

“Athlone is one those special races, in all of Europe I think. It takes over the town, and it’s rare you see an event like this anywhere. I’ve raced here six years now, and always come back. It’s my second home in Ireland. Whenever the elites normally race we’d all go in the same waves, so this was more of a time trial, really. But it was a lot of fun. Running through masses of people always feels like you’re going even faster.

“I think the profile of the sport is being raised, and I hope so.

“I know when I was growing up I had people to look up, and the Irish Championships was the focus.

“That pushes the level up, because it’s important to develop the elite end as well, to help raise the standard. I don’t know how many Irish titles I’ve won now, but each one is as special as the last.”

JOHN FINNEGAN

(Blackrock)

“My first triathlon, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even with no training, as I was away with the lads for the last week, in Barcelona.

“Two of us came down from Dublin, the last to register, and just about made it. I just wanted to get into it, get more healthy. I did a little swimming. I was a bit disorientated coming out of the water. I borrowed my dad’s bike for the cycle. I’d never used the toe clips before, so it took a while to get used to that.

“We’ll do a few more over the summer, and I’ll do some training for the next. I think there’ s one in Howth in about two weeks, and I’ll give that a whirl, get some more of the lads involved. Triathlon is getting huge.”

EOIN CUMMINS

(Men’s Sprint Distance, second place)

“It’s a fantastic event. A great day’s racing, and you won’t get these crowds anywhere else. It’s a good result for me, and shows I’m moving along in the right direction.

“It was tough, but a great race, and a great crowd. And a good bit of exercise. I knew I’d have a bit more on the bike, but the others would come back strong on the run. I had to make the bike count to have a chance of winning, but I’m happy out with the result.”

MARIE BOLAND

(Women’s Sprint distance, third place)

“This would be my eighth triathlon, and I’ve mostly done sprint distances. I started in cycling, used to do swimming as well, and just put them together. The swim felt good, the bike felt good. The run is always a slog for me. I suppose the swim was best. But it’s a brilliant atmosphere, and makes such a difference running through the streets where everyone is cheering at you.

“You have your name on the number as well, and that’s a nice touch. It was only the run when you start to feel the heat, because on the bike it’s cool. The swim was nice, going downstream. I got a few feet in the face, but it was alright.”

– IAN O’RIORDAN