Independent co-educational day and
boarding school for ages 4-18
boarding school for ages 4-18
The weather was kind and the sun shone on Gosfield School’s second Duathlon. There were almost perfect conditions early Saturday morning as the mist cleared and the competitors gathered to complete first their long run, then the tough grass bike ride and finally a second shorter run.
The senior ‘Tristar 3’ category began the event, the boys’ race proving to be the most competitive of the day as Alex Harris, Connor Hume and Bradley Childs jostled for top place. Having dropped Harris on the final run, it was nip and tuck as Childs and Hume fought for the lead, Childs finally out- sprinting his worthy opponent. Meanwhile in the same age group, Joe Turner, Will Ambrose, Josh Keedy-Davies and— youngest for the category— Luke Robinson, had their own private battle. Luke eventually came a very creditable 4th against boys almost two years his senior. In the girls’ race it was Laura Robinson who triumphed over Emily Barlow as her steady, assured pace saw her see off the opposition in fine style.
Spectators and competitors, both boys and girls, in the other two categories (Tristar 1 and 2) were given a show of pure class from two potential future stars, sisters Emma and Vicki Lovegrove. Already well-known locally for their running skills, they decided to add another string to their bows by entering a Duathlon for the first time. Emma soon pulled away from her rivals and extended her lead even further on the bike section, so that by the final run she was clear and must have known she just had to finish to win the race. Despite early pressure from Iona Bradbury, Lucy Keedy-Davies and Sinead Ambrose, this proved to be the case. Vicki looked just as comfortable in the younger age group as she beat Ellie Benfield who, despite her best efforts, could not compete with the high standard set. Special mention must also go to Hannah Barlow who persevered and finished her race, despite saying she would ‘never do it again’ last year!
The boys in Tri-star 1 were led home by Declan Cameron whose stamina showed as the race progressed and he gradually pulled away from Michael Freeman who in turn left Sam Paisley and Oli Kempster to fight out who would win bronze. Sam eventually gained third place. Henry Trevanion’s efforts in Tri-star 2 were almost over-shadowed by the aforementioned Emma Lovegrove; however, after his early work to keep Lewis Perkins at bay, he was clear in the final run leg to cruise to victory.
Overall, it was a great morning’s competition for those who took part and spectators alike. Thanks to FOGS for bacon rolls, pancakes, buns and cups of tea to help it go down.
See you all next year!
Click here to view the overall results.
