Devon Duathlon Race Report
« Thread started on: Oct 18th, 2008, 11:46pm »
DOUG HALL powered home to win the Devon Duathlon in impressive style, writes Guy Henderson.
Hall had been among the front-runners from the start of the event, organised by Torbay Athletic Club's Torbay Tri branch.
Almost 100 athletes lined up in the morning mist at Abbrook Park to take the start in the gruelling event.
First they faced a 3.7-mile run out past the Sandygate Inn and back beside the Claypits before the transition back at Abbrook.
The second stage was a 16-mile bike ride following the same loop before heading out through the Teign Valley towards Trusham and back.
The final, and toughest, stage was a repeat of the initial run, a test of tired legs which proved the downfall of some of the less experienced duathletes.
The opening run saw Hall breaking away at the front with David Wilkinson of the Exe Wheel club, Zac Warwick of Torbay Tri and unattached runner Martin Shapland for company.
A quick transition saw Wilkinson power off at the head of the bike section, but by the time the field came back to Kingsteignton it was Hall in front with Wilkinson and Warwick very much in touch.
The second run proved decisive, and Hall stretched his advantage to win in 1h 24m 06s. Wilkinson was 27 seconds behind in second place, just five seconds ahead of Warwick as they crossed the line.
First woman was Maddie Horton of Team Certini in 13th place in 1h 30m 50s. Next was Helen Dyke of Torbay Tri ahead of unattached athlete Fran Bungay.
The host club took the team award thanks to the efforts of Warwick, Jon Parkinson and Jason Mann.
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